Legal Intern February 2026 - DLA Piper Africa, Nigeria (Olaj

Legal Intern

DLA Piper Africa, Nigeria (Olajide Oyewole LLP)

Job Type

Internship

Location

Lagos

Experience

Entry Level

Salary

Less than ₦150,000

Additional Details

Location on Map

Job Description

Gain hands-on experience at a reputable Nigerian law firm as a Legal Intern. This role is designed for ambitious undergraduate law students looking to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical legal work. You will support the legal team, assist in research, and gain valuable insight into the daily operations of a law firm.

Responsibilities:

  1. Conduct Legal Research: Assist associates in analysing case law, statutes, and regulations using resources like LawPavilion and library materials to support case preparation.
  2. Draft Basic Documents: Prepare first drafts of legal memos, client letters, and case summaries under the supervision of senior lawyers.
  3. Administrative Support: Assist in organizing case files, proofreading documents, and managing data entry to ensure efficient firm operations.
  4. Monitor Legal Trends: Help track relevant updates in Nigerian legislation and news to keep the team informed.
  5. Observe & Learn: Shadow lawyers during client meetings or court sessions (where permitted) to understand advocacy and client management.
  6. Collaborate with Team: Work closely with NYSC associates and senior lawyers to ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time.
AL

"I got at least two interview invites immediately after law school thanks to Thrive. The platform connected me with opportunities I wouldn't have found elsewhere, and the CV scoring feature helped me stand out."

Anonymous Recent Law Graduate

Requirements

Requirements for the Legal Intern role vary by firm needs. The key qualifications and skills are listed below.

Major Qualifications

  1. Current Undergraduate Student: Must be currently enrolled in an LL.B program at a recognized University.
  2. Academic Standing: Strong academic performance with a demonstrated interest in specific areas of law (e.g., Commercial, Litigation, or Human Rights).
  3. Legal Knowledge: Basic understanding of core Nigerian legal frameworks taught in undergraduate coursework (e.g., Contract Law, Torts, Constitutional Law).

Essential Skills

  1. Research & Tech: Familiarity with legal research methodology and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
  2. Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for drafting memos and interacting with the team.
  3. Organization: Ability to manage academic commitments alongside internship tasks (if applying for a term-time role) or dedication to full-time hours during holidays.
  4. Confidentiality: Strict adherence to client confidentiality and professional ethics.

Application Note: Legal internships are highly competitive and often offered on a rolling basis (especially during semester breaks and long holidays). Acceptance depends on mentorship capacity and available space. To increase your chances, apply to multiple firms of interest. Each application acts as a "cold email" showcasing your proactive nature.

How to Apply

  1. Click the Email Apply button to send your application (Cover Letter and CV).
  2. If you need guidance preparing your resume, create a student-focused ATS-compliant CV here.
  3. Sharpen your critical thinking skills for interviews by practicing tests like the Watson Glaser freely on our platform here.
  4. After applying, track your application progress and send follow-up emails directly from your Thrive dashboard here.

The Thrive Team wishes you the very best in your early legal career.

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What is Thrive Campus Community about?

As a law student in Nigeria, you're no stranger to the grind. Late nights poring over case law, endless moot court preparations, and that nagging question: What comes next? With thousands of graduates emerging from Nigeria's 45 accredited law faculties and the Nigerian Law School each year, the competition for those elusive spots in top-tier law firms is fierce. But what if there was a way to not just survive, but thrive? Enter THRIVE, the game-changer from TechRetina Innovation Lab, designed to bridge the gap between ambitious law students like you and the wealth of opportunities waiting across Nigeria and beyond.In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the THRIVE Campus Community Programme, a transformative initiative tailored for Nigerian law students. Whether you're a 100-level fresher navigating your first torts lecture or a 500-level finalist eyeing bar finals and beyond, this programme equips you with the tools, networks, and mindset to build a stellar legal career. 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To see you, every law student, THRIVE.Scope: Where It's Happening FirstPhase One kicks off in six powerhouse universities across South-West Nigeria:University of Ibadan (UI)University of Lagos (UNILAG)Lagos State University (LASU)Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA)University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)Each campus will host five ambassadors – one per level (100 to 500) with a regional brand rep!How to Join: Your Step-by-Step GuideGetting involved is straightforward, inclusive, and open to all law students at these universities. Here's how:1. Indicate Your InterestCreate an account on Thrive here. Ensure you proceed to your profile page and update your university details using either of the following: University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).2. 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Expect a calendar packed with value:Mentorship for Postgraduate Scholarships: Guidance on overseas apps, essays, funding, and interviews.LSS/LAWSAN Support: Co-hosting moots, debates, and society events.Webinars Galore: Sessions on CV drafting, job hunting, personal branding, niche selection (e.g., fintech law), and career pivots.Competitions: Essay and public speaking showdowns with prizes.Workshops: Masterclasses on snagging competitive internships.Networking Events: Fireside chats with seniors from top firms.Career Fairs: On-campus expos linking you to recruiters.Thrive Courses: Free modules on everything from NYSC prep to legal tech.These aren't lectures – they're interactive, practical, and Nigeria-focused.What We Expect: A Two-Way StreetFrom Ambassadors and Community Members:Dedication, accountability and willingness to succeed!Promote via socials and referrals.Organise and participate in career activities.Use and showcase THRIVE tools like the Legal Connections Game.Offer feedback for continuous improvement.Embody our values as brand reps.Conclusion: Your Time to Thrive is NowThe THRIVE Campus Community Programme isn't hype, it's a lifeline for Nigeria's next generation of legal eagles. 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