2 years at university NUS, SMU, SUSS or an accepted University of SILE. Strong 2.1 grade predicted or attained in your undergraduate degree. Singapore bar - have the rights to work in Singapore/meet the requirements to be called to the Singapore Bar.
Internship programme - Singapore
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The best way to appreciate our firm, culture, people and opportunities
You can experience the energy and dynamism of our teams and have a first-hand look at some of the work we do.
Our internship programme
Internships allow the time for you to make an early and lasting impression and, of course, our chance to get to know you and see how you work as a member of our team.
In Singapore, the Firm operates as a Joint Law Venture, Pinsent Masons MPillay, with the Singapore Law Practice being MPillay.
Programme structure
Over the course of the summer, we run three-week internships during which you will work alongside our fee earners on real client matters, learn about the different practice areas within the firm and get to know as many of our people as possible.
During the internship, you will:
- Have a mentor and buddy assigned to you to ensure that you have constant guidance throughout the internship.
- Be requested to present on an area of law relevant to your internship or of interest to you.
Internship dates
Every year, there will be several intakes between June and July. There are no internships in December or January.
The internship will be for a full three-week period and you will be paid S$750 upon completion of the full period.
How to apply
We accept applications for internships from 1st September until 31st December.
Please submit the following documents which you should submit via the Pinsent Masons Online Application System:
- Cover letter indicating your preferred area of practice
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Current degree transcripts
- Any other supporting documentation you consider relevant
All applications are screened to a pre-defined framework and shortlisted candidates who best demonstrate that they meet our criteria will be contacted and invited to attend an interview.
Entry requirements
If you do not meet the above criteria but there are mitigating circumstances that explain why you have failed to meet the minimum academic requirements, there is an opportunity for you to include this information in your application.
We want intelligent, well rounded team-players who are enthusiastic, driven, approachable and commercially aware. We look for candidates who demonstrate a good grasp of the law, practicality and common sense.
Internship to training contract
We hope your internship experience will fuel your interest in joining the Firm as a trainee. The time is meant for you to gain a realistic idea of what the life of a trainee or qualified lawyer is like at Pinsent Masons and also for us to gauge your performance in a variety of relevant settings. This is why you will be asked to present to the team on a topic or area of law relevant to or of interest to you.
If you are offered an internship, it is because we see your potential and the internship period therefore offers you the chance to demonstrate your suitability for a training contract. It is a vital part of our recruitment strategy as we prefer to recruit our trainees from those who have participated in our internship programme.
What we're looking for
A focus on detail
With a conscientious approach, you’ll have the ability to read and absorb large amounts of reference material and spot errors quickly. You’ll be a stickler for detail when it comes to your own writing too, ensuring it’s always clear and accurate.
An interest in business
We’re a commercial law firm, so you’ll have a genuine interest in how business works. That means keeping up-to-date with the latest business issues, as well as appreciating how legal expertise can support and steer commercial organisations.
Intellectual capability
You’ve the intellectual curiosity to explore new approaches and ask others’ opinions. With an analytical approach, you think things through and weigh up the implications, but also have the capacity to think on your feet to find solutions.
Openness
You’ll be approachable, outgoing and confident engaging with people from different backgrounds and experiences to your own. Whether you’re communicating with colleagues or clients, you’ll understand the need to adapt your message to suit your audience.
Personal drive
You’ll need to combine a real desire to be the best with the energy, ambition and enthusiasm to go the extra mile to succeed. With a can-do attitude, you’re always open to learning from your experience, so you can be even better next time.
Personal responsibility
You understand that taking responsibility for your successes and acknowledging when things go wrong will help you to constantly improve and achieve your career aims. By knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you give others confidence in your abilities.
Positive impact
With the self-assurance to voice your own opinions and defend your point of view when you need to, you’ll be a convincing and persuasive communicator. But you’ll also have the self-awareness to ask for help when you need it.
Self-organisation
You understand priorities and monitor your progress towards set objectives. By being well-organised and planning and managing your work efficiently, you make sure you always deliver quality work on time.
Our recruitment process
We’ve designed our application process to ensure you’ll know the outcome in no more than four months after the application deadline. The below shows a typical recruitment and selection process. You’ll be given full details of the process in relation to your own recruitment as appropriate.
Some frequently asked questions
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Do I have to apply for a training contract as well as an internship programme?
No. If you are looking to apply for an internship only, you do not have to apply for a training contract. However, if you are applying for a training contract, we will automatically consider you for an internship with the firm.
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How long does the internship programme last?
The internship programme runs over a three-week period. Every year, there will be three intakes – one in June, July and August respectively. There are no internships in December or January.
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Is the internship programme paid?
Yes, you will be paid S$750 upon completion of the full three-week period.
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Do you get to choose which practice group you sit in?
You should indicate your preferred practice area in your cover letter and we will do our best to accommodate your request. However, from time to time, it may be difficult to achieve this due to commercial reasons.
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Can I apply for an Internship in my first year at university?
You may apply for an internship as a first-year student. However, note that priority will be given to students in their second or third year.