If you’ve ever read a new law or regulation and wondered, “Who actually decides this, and how?”, you might be drawn to policy. Policy internships sit at the intersection of law, governance and real-world impact, and they can be an interesting option for law students. They are less understood than firm or chamber internships, so here is what policy work involves, where these internships can be found, who they suit and how to get started.
Quick Answer
Policy internships typically involve researching and analysing law and policy, writing briefs and reports, and supporting work that examines or shapes how rules and public decisions are made. Opportunities can be found at think tanks, policy organisations, advocacy groups and, in some cases, government-adjacent bodies.
To find one, identify organisations working on issues you genuinely care about and reach out with a focused application that demonstrates your research and writing ability. These internships can suit students interested in public policy, governance, reform and the relationship between law and society.
What Does Policy Work Involve?
Policy internships are generally research and analysis heavy, but the focus is different from traditional legal practice. Instead of only asking how an existing law applies, you may be examining how a law or policy should work, what problems it creates and how it could be improved.
Typical work can include:
- Researching legal and policy questions.
- Analysing existing laws, regulations and government policies.
- Writing policy briefs, reports, research papers or submissions.
- Studying the practical impact of laws and policies.
- Supporting advocacy, consultations or stakeholder engagement.
- Tracking developments in a particular policy area.
The work often involves connecting legal rules with real-world problems. If you enjoy thinking about how law can be improved or used to address broader social and economic issues, policy work can offer a different kind of legal experience.
Where Can You Find Policy Internships?
Policy internships can be found across a varied ecosystem, including:
- Think tanks and research organisations working on law, governance and public policy.
- Policy and advocacy organisations focused on specific areas of reform.
- Government-adjacent organisations working on research, regulation or public programmes.
- Organisations working at the intersection of law, policy and technology.
- Research and legislative organisations involved in examining laws and public policy.
There is no single standard route into policy internships. Many opportunities are advertised directly by organisations, while others may come through referrals, faculty connections or direct outreach.
Since eligibility and application procedures vary, always verify the current requirements directly with the organisation.
How to Get a Policy Internship
Start with genuine interest rather than simply looking for a recognisable organisation.
Identify policy organisations working on issues that interest you. Read some of their recent work and understand the areas they focus on before applying.
Then reach out with a focused application that explains why you are interested in their work and what you can contribute. A strong writing sample can be particularly useful because research and writing are central to many policy roles.
Professors, alumni and professionals already working in policy can also be valuable sources of introductions and referrals.
A large-brand CV is not necessarily the most important factor here. Demonstrated research ability, strong writing and a genuine understanding of the organisation’s work can make your application much stronger.
YLCC ACTION STEP: Identify two or three organisations working on policy issues you genuinely care about. Read their recent work, identify the people or teams working in that area and send a specific application with a relevant writing sample.
PLEASE DON’T DO THIS: Please don’t assume policy is a lesser alternative to law firms or chambers. It is a distinct career path with its own skills and opportunities. Also, avoid sending generic applications to every policy organisation you can find. Your understanding of their work and your reason for wanting to contribute should come through clearly.
Who Are Policy Internships Suited For?
Policy internships can suit students who:
- Are curious about how laws and public decisions are made.
- Are interested in social impact, governance or legal reform.
- Enjoy research, writing and analytical work.
- Are considering careers in public policy, governance or law and society.
- Want to understand how legal rules operate beyond individual disputes or transactions.
The skills developed through policy work, particularly research, writing, analysis and understanding complex issues, can also be useful across many legal and non-legal careers.
If you are more interested in shaping rules and examining broader problems than applying existing rules to individual cases, a policy internship can be a useful way to explore whether this career path suits you.
FAQs
- What is a policy internship? A policy internship involves researching and analysing law and policy, writing briefs or reports, and supporting work relating to public decisions, regulation or reform.
- Where can I find policy internships? Opportunities can be found at think tanks, policy and advocacy organisations, research bodies and some government-adjacent organisations. Direct outreach can also be an effective route.
- How do I get a policy internship? Identify organisations whose work genuinely interests you and apply with a focused application that demonstrates your research and writing ability. A relevant writing sample and referrals from professors or professionals can also help.
- Who should do a policy internship? Students interested in law-making, governance, social impact, reform, public policy and research-heavy work may find policy internships particularly useful.
- Can a policy internship lead to a career? Yes. Policy internships can provide practical exposure and help students build the research, writing and analytical skills needed for careers in policy, governance and related fields.
Thank you for reading!
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