How to hire a paralegal internship

How to hire a paralegal internship, step by step

Here's a step-by-step paralegal internship hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a paralegal internship job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new paralegal internship
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a paralegal internship, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect paralegal internship also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of paralegal interns and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Paralegal Internship	Description	Hourly rate
   Paralegal Internship	Paralegals and legal assistants do a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.	$15-40
   Law Clerk	Law clerks are employees in a legal firm who handle clerical tasks for the office. They handle the office's official phone lines, answering incoming calls, and making outgoing calls... Show more	$12-54
   Legal Administrator	The job of legal administrative assistants is to provide support to lawyers and paralegals. They typically perform legal research, manage schedules, and draft legal-related documents... Show more	$15-31

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Legal Research
   • Legal Correspondence
   • Trial Preparation
   • Subpoenas
   • Real Estate
   • Law Firm
   • Interrogatories
   • Affidavits
   • Lexis Nexis
   • Legal Articles
   • Scheduling Appointments
   • Demand Letters
   • Court Dates
   • Probate

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Assist patent attorneys by managing invention disclosure documentation and relate correspondence with outside counsel and USPTO.
   • Work collaboratively drafting affidavits and interrogatories.
   • Used different computer programs such as: -HotDocs -WestLaw -LegalFiles -Microsoft: word, excel, PowerPoint, etc.
   • Create PowerPoint presentations used during conferences.
   • Work on itemizing and preparing specific inventory documents for probate files.
   • Prepare subpoenas and authorizations for obtaining documents and conduct follow-up to insure receipt of documents.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your paralegal internship job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A paralegal internship can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, paralegal interns' average salary in south carolina is 46% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level paralegal interns 62% less than senior-level paralegal interns.
   • Certifications. A paralegal internship with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a paralegal internship's salary.

   Average paralegal internship salary

   $52,476yearly

   $25.23 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level paralegal internship salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 24, 2025

4. Writing a paralegal internship job description

   A paralegal internship job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a paralegal internship job description:

   Paralegal internship job description example

   Internships at UnitedHealth Group. If you want an intern experience that will dramatically shape your career, consider a company that's dramatically shaping our entire health care system. A UnitedHealth Group internship opportunity will provide a hands-on view of a rapidly evolving, incredibly challenging marketplace of ideas, products and services. You'll work side by side with some of the smartest people in the business and gain valuable industry experience. So here we are. You have a lot to learn. We have a lot to do. It's the perfect storm. And even better? Join us and you may end up staying for a career in which you can do your life's best work.(sm)
   
   This Full-Time intern position will be available for Summer 2023
   
   You'll enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
   Primary Responsibilities:
   
   * Intern will be given exposure to a variety of jobs that utilize a paralegal degree or certification within the UHC LCRA function
   * For example, intern will work with individuals in Labor & Employment Law and Litigation during the internship and gain exposure to work supporting one or more of our business segments (UnitedHealthcare M&R, C&S, E&I-)
   * Specific responsibilities will depend on the particular function referenced above but tasks would generally involve utilizing both analytical, as well as written and oral communication skills
   
   You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
   
   Required Qualifications:
   
   * Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university during the duration of the internship. Internships are not intended for graduating seniors
   * Intern has demonstrated desire to pursue a paralegal degree or certification
   * Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship, now or in the future, for employment-based work authorization (F-1 students with practical training and candidates requiring H-1Bs, TNs, etc. will not be considered)
   * Full COVID-19 vaccination is an essential job function of this role. Candidates located in states that mandate COVID-19 booster doses must also comply with those state requirements. UnitedHealth Group will adhere to all federal, state and local regulations as well as all client requirements and will obtain necessary proof of vaccination, and boosters when applicable, prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
   
   Preferred Qualification:
   
   * 3.00 cumulative GPA or higher
   
   UnitedHealth Group is working to create the health care system of tomorrow.
   
   We are totally focused on innovation and change. We work a little harder. We aim a little higher. We expect more from ourselves and each other. And at the end of the day, we're doing a lot of good.
   
   Through our family of businesses and a lot of inspired individuals, we're building a high-performance health care system that works better for more people in more ways than ever. Now we're looking to reinforce our team with people who are decisive, brilliant - and built for speed.
   
   Come to UnitedHealth Group, and share your ideas and your passion for doing more. We have roles that will fit your skills and knowledge. We have diverse opportunities that will fit your dreams.
   
   To protect the health and safety of our workforce, patients and communities we serve, UnitedHealth Group and its affiliate companies require all employees to disclose COVID-19 vaccination status prior to beginning employment. In addition, some roles and locations require full COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters, as an essential job function. UnitedHealth Group adheres to all federal, state and local COVID-19 vaccination regulations as well as all client COVID-19 vaccination requirements and will obtain the necessary information from candidates prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Failure to meet the vaccination requirement may result in rescission of an employment offer or termination of employment
   
   Careers with UnitedHealthcare. Let's talk about opportunity. Start with a Fortune 5 organization that's serving more than 85 million people already and building the industry's singular reputation for bold ideas and impeccable execution. Now, add your energy, your passion for excellence, your near-obsession with driving change for the better. Get the picture? UnitedHealthcare is serving employers and individuals, states and communities, military families and veterans where ever they're found across the globe. We bring them the resources of an industry leader and a commitment to improve their lives that's second to none. This is no small opportunity. It's where you can do your life's best work.(sm)
   
   Colorado, Connecticut or Nevada Residents Only: The hourly range for Colorado residents is $21.68 to $38.56. The hourly range for Connecticut / Nevada residents is $23.94 to $42.40. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.
   
   * All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.
   
   Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
   
   UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find paralegal interns for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any paralegal interns they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level paralegal interns with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your paralegal internship job on Zippia to find and recruit paralegal internship candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with paralegal internship candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new paralegal internship

   Once you've selected the best paralegal internship candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new paralegal internship. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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