THE DOUBLE EDGED SWORD OF LEGAL INTERNSHIP

AUTHOR – NIVEDITA SHARMA & HARSHITA BHARGAVA, STUDENTS AT NARSEE MONJEE INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES INDORE

BEST CITATION – NIVEDITA SHARMA & HARSHITA BHARGAVA, THE DOUBLE EDGED SWORD OF LEGAL INTERNSHIP, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (11) OF 2025, PG. 218-229, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

INTRODUCTION

Legal internships offer a complicated web of opportunities and difficulties that are sometimes referred to as a “double-edged sword.” On the one hand, these internships provide priceless experiences that can greatly expand an intern’s comprehension of the legal field. They also present networking and practical skill possibilities that are critical for career progression. They provide an essential link between professional activity and academic education, enabling interns to put their theoretical knowledge to use in practical situations.

However, these expectations are usually not met by the realities of legal internships. Numerous interns work in settings characterized by intense rivalry, little mentorship, and occasionally abusive circumstances. The discrepancy between interns’ expectations and experiences might cause disillusionment, which can affect their motivation and job satisfaction in the legal industry. The systemic problems, such as those involving equity and exploitation, that are inherent in the design of legal internships are called into question by this phenomenon.

Examining internships’ dual nature—recognizing their ability to both promote professional progress and perpetuate inequities—becomes essential as the legal profession struggles with these issues. The revolving dichotomy is how the workings of legal internships can both empower and disenfranchise future attorneys.