Abstract

This report is based on a month internship program carried out at BI-JURAL. It online the importance because. Internship is appropriate, the purpose and the objectives set up to make the process a success. Activities carried out and challenges faced in the process of attending the internship program are all outlined in this report.

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Law 496, is a course titled Court in Action and has as objective, to enable students get acquainted with practical procedures that have to do with litigations. It equally introduces students to the practical aspects of the theory they have been studying. This course is programmed in two parts;

The first entails essentially the internship program to be carried out by students for a month, whereby, they enroll into a law firm or chambers of their choice, which is the practical part of the legal theory.

The second requires that students, after the one-month internship, write and produce an internship report which will be signed by the principal of the law firm or chambers.

 1.1. What is Internship?

An internship is an opportunity offered by an employer to potential employees, called interns to work at the organization for fixed, limited period of time. Interns are usually undergraduates or students, and most internship last for any length of time between one month and 12 months. It is also an opportunity for the interns to put in practice what they have learned in the classroom to a real-world setting. An internship should be designed to meet the needs of the organization and learning goal of the students. Internship also called placement, work placements or industrial placements may be part time or full time. Internship offer students a period of practical experience in the industry relating to their field of study. This experience is valuable to students as a means of allowing them to experience how their studies are applied in the real world.

1.2 Objectives of Internship

The objectives of an internship can be classified into primary and secondary objectives

1. Primary objective

Primarily, an internship is to get familiar with the working environment of the institution and also fulfill the requirement of the degree program in a specific field.

2. Secondary objectives

• The secondary objectives are as follows:
• To analyze and understand the entire activities of the institution
• To evaluate the existing activities and techniques of the institution
• To study the operational efficiency of the organization,
• To suggest ways and means for improvement in policy and techniques.
• To relate the theoretical learning with the real-life situation.

1.3 Advantage of an Internship

1. You get real work experience; Internships are a great introduction to work. You will be able to undertake real work responsibilities in a real working environment.
2. You get a taste of your chosen field

If you’ve never worked in a certain industry before or are wondering what a career in a specific sector would be like, then an internship can help you make up your mind.

3. It gives you networking opportunities, you’ll make lots of connections when on an internship. You’ll have a manager, colleagues, and peripheral contacts, such as human resources, or even clients
4. It helps you choose a specialty. Internships can help you make up your mind about what you want to do
5. It helps you build self-confidence, moving from education into work can be a jarring experience, full of unknowns and what ifs
6. It boosts your resume, Internships add a lot of weight to your resume

1.4 Disadvantages of an Internship

1. You’re treated like an assistant, Filling the role of an assistant might be as far away from the purpose of the internship as you can get.
2. You will be given menial tasks, you might not have to fulfill assistant responsibilities, but you might only be allowed to handle administrative tasks or other grunt work no one else wants to dos
3. Limited compensation: Many internships, especially those in non-profit organizations or smaller companies, may offer minimal or no financial compensation.
4. Uncertain job prospects: While internships can serve as a pathway to full-time employment, there is no guarantee of a job offer at the end of the internship.
5. Limited responsibility and challenging tasks: Interns may sometimes be assigned mundane, repetitive, or low-level tasks that don’t provide substantial learning opportunities.

1.5 Definition of a Law Firm

A law firm, also known as a legal practice or a law office, is an organization that comprises multiple lawyers (both barristers and solicitors) working together under a common business structure. Law firms can vary in size, ranging from small boutique firms to large multinational organizations.

Key features of a law firm include:

1. Multiple Legal Services: Law firms offer comprehensive legal services, including both advocacy (typically associated with barristers) and legal advice (typically associated with solicitors).
2. Client Representation: Law firms often directly represent clients, engaging in client solicitation, case management, and handling administrative tasks associated with legal matters.
3. Partnership Structure: Law firms are commonly structured as partnerships, where the lawyers within the firm are partners. The partnership structure allows for collective decision-making, shared profits, and shared liabilities among the partners

1.6 Functions of a Law Firm

Law firms serve various functions, providing a range of legal services to individuals, businesses, and organizations. Here are some common functions of a law firm:

1. Legal advice and counsel: One of the primary functions of a law firm is to provide legal advice and counsel to clients. Lawyers assess the legal issues and provide guidance on the best course of action based on their expertise and knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
2. Legal representation: Law firms represent clients in legal proceedings, such as lawsuits, negotiations, and alternative dispute resolution processes. They advocate for their clients’ interests, prepare legal documents, and present arguments on their behalf in court or other forums.
3. Contract drafting and review: Law firms assist clients in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts. They ensure that the terms and conditions of the contracts are legally sound, protect their clients’ interests, and minimize potential risks.
4. Corporate and business law services: Law firms provide legal services to businesses, including corporate formation, mergers and acquisitions, compliance with regulations, corporate governance, and contractual matters.
5. Intellectual property protection: Law firms specialize in intellectual property law, helping clients protect their patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets
6. Estate planning and probate: Law firms offer estate planning services, assisting clients in creating wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents.

1.7 Objectives of a Law Firm

1. Client service and satisfaction: One of the primary objectives of a law firm is to provide exceptional client service and ensure client satisfaction.
2. Legal expertise and excellence: Law firms strive to maintain a high level of legal expertise and excellence.
3. Ethical and professional conduct: Upholding ethical and professional standards is a crucial objective for law firms.
4. Business growth and profitability: Law firms are businesses and, like any other enterprise, aim to grow and generate profits. They seek to attract new clients, retain existing clients, and expand their practice areas or geographic reach.
5. Professional development and education: Law firms prioritize the professional development and continuing education of their attorneys and staff.
6. Collaboration and teamwork: Collaboration and teamwork are key objectives for law firms, especially those with multiple attorneys and practice areas.
7. Technology adoption and innovation: Law firms recognize the importance of technology in improving efficiency, streamlining processes, and enhancing client service.

Check out: Internship Report Topics with Materials