Internships, an integral part of the academic journey for many students, serve as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Like many other professional courses, in the realm of law, internships become not just a choice but a requirement, mandated by Rule 25 of the BCI Rules 2007 in India. However, the culture of unpaid internships casts a shadow over the aspirations of students, posing challenges that extend beyond the realm of gaining practical experience.
The harsh reality is that a significant portion of internships in India are unpaid, leaving interns to contribute their time and effort without compensation. This practice, while prevalent across various industries, poses a significant financial burden on students, especially those hailing from low-income households. From covering travel expenses to arranging meals and accommodation, the cost of an unpaid internship becomes an insurmountable hurdle for many aspiring individuals.
Compounding the issue is the lack of standardization in the legal internship landscape. The absence of clear regulations or guidelines creates uncertainty and confusion for interns, who find themselves navigating uncharted territory without a roadmap. Unlike laws protecting the rights of employees, interns lack a dedicated legal framework, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
Employers often take advantage of interns’ inexperience, utilizing them as substitutes for regular employees without providing the corresponding benefits and protections. This exploitation becomes demoralizing for interns who invest considerable time and effort in their roles, only to find themselves overlooked and underappreciated.
Moreover, the lack of recognition becomes particularly glaring when interns’ work, such as articles, drafts, or research papers, is published under the name of the supervising advocate or law firm, ignoring the actual contributor. This not only disadvantages the intern but also perpetuates an unfair and exploitative system.
The introduction of stipends for interns could serve as a potential solution to this pervasive issue. A stipend is not just a financial remuneration; it is a recognition of the value interns bring to their roles. Providing stipends can level the playing field, ensuring that financial constraints do not dictate the opportunities available to students. This approach exposes the reality that students from privileged backgrounds may secure internships through connections, leaving others to struggle for months to secure a position.
To usher in a positive change, it is imperative to advocate for fair labour practices in internships. This includes the formulation of laws and regulations to prevent exploitation and ensure fair compensation for interns. Law firms and lawyers should embrace mentorship, assigning mentors to guide interns, offering regular feedback, and providing meaningful assignments to enhance their skills.
Encouraging law firms and lawyers to offer paid internships can significantly reduce the financial burden on students. Standardizing internships through guidelines for law firms, establishing minimum stipends, and defining the scope of intern responsibilities can bring much-needed structure to the internship landscape.
Universities and law colleges should actively participate in creating opportunities for students. Establishing internship cells to assist students in securing paid internships and meeting BCI requirements can be a proactive step toward transforming the internship culture in India.
Addressing the culture of unpaid internships in India requires a multi-faceted approach. By advocating for fair labour practices, encouraging mentorship, promoting paid internships, standardizing internship structures, and involving educational institutions, we can pave the way for a more equitable and empowering internship culture that prioritizes the development and well-being of the students who form the backbone of the legal profession.
The writer is a Final Year Law student at Kashmir University and is presently doing her internship at BTG ADVAYA, Delhi. She can be reached at [email protected]

Ibtisam Gani