In this article, Anushka Ganguli of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab discusses top research centres in Delhi for a law student to intern in.

Research knows no bounds. It is everything around you. It is about unravelling every story that exists around you. In simple terms, it is a quest to find out what the common eyes cannot, and only the thirst for more and more can actually discover.

Knowledge is power, and research is the tool to bestow this power upon you. It is the in-depth study and investigation of facts to draw concrete conclusions, and solutions.

Research, for a law student, is an indispensable weapon. The nature of the profession is such, that one cannot escape the clutches of laws, acts, facts, precedents, law reviews and the like. This is why legal research stands out as an essential tool for every law student, that becomes a part of him and any individual associated with this profession.

Undoubtedly, legal research is an essential lawyering skill, but to develop this skill is no petty task. It takes time, patience and pursuance and may involve hours and hours of study and dedication. In such case, it is always recommended and advisable for an avid researcher to intern at as many good research hubs and firms as possible, to widen the spectrum of his knowledge and add assets to his researching skills under experienced and proper guidance. But it is equally important to invest one’s efforts and time at the right place, under the right people and in the environment.

The article explores top ten places to intern in Delhi, which is certainly the hub and heart of opportunities in India. Among the places galore to intern for legal research, here are a shortlisted few to consider and venture out for.

(Note: The order doesn’t reflect the ranking in any manner)

Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy

Vidhi, with a tagline of ‘Better Laws, Better Governance’ is an independent think-tank doing legal research and assisting the government in making better laws. For budding and experienced legal researchers, Vidhi offers interns tasks relating to hardcore research involving cases on important matters of law, analysis of the case laws, making lists of cases decided by various tribunals, etc. The place is known for publishing its own blog (SCOI), articles and reports on various legal matters, that ensures interns to keep up to their heels and work intensively.

Vidhi provides an internship for a minimum period of 4 weeks, and basic stipend is taken care of. The interns are expected to apply through their official website https://vidhilegalpolicy.in/internships-delhi/ at least 2-6 months prior the internship period.

Know more about internships at Vidhi, click here!

Contact:

Phone: 011 4310 2767

Email: vidhi[a]vidhilegalpolicy.in

Address: D-359, Lower Ground Floor, Defence Colony

Thompson Reuters

The name needs no further explanations or justification, a name that can work wonders on the CV of an intern. Thompson Reuters is known for being an intelligent source of information for world’s businesses as well as professionals. Their task is to enable professionals and entrepreneurs’ to make decisions of utmost importance, all powered by one of the most trusted news organizations.

The work assigned to interns is mostly and essentially legal market researching and the like, via interviews and interaction with lawyers.

Thompson Reuters offers a global platform for research enthusiasts, to invest your efforts in coming up with innovative and expert solutions. This task involves intensive research, in-depth study of the topic and area, this could become an experience to cherish.

The internship period could range from four weeks to more, depending upon the vacancies, in the months of April and May. It offers programs such as Legal Advancement Programs, which offer direct entry to the interns.

To add on to all the perks and the global name, depending upon the quality of work and research, interns are offered a nominal stipend around Rs. 4000. So grab on to your chance to intern at this wonderful place!

Contact:

Phone: + (91)-11-61102000, 61102001, 61102002

Email: [email protected]

Address: 4th Floor, Statesman House, Barakhamba Road

Centre for Policy Research

The Centre for Policy Research (CPR) is an Indian think tank focused on public policy. It is dedicated to extensive and in-depth research on current economic, social, and political issues.

It is a non-profit, independent institution dedicated to conducting research that contributes to a more robust public discourse about the structures and processes that shape lives in India.

The internship opportunities’ include position of a research associate.

The areas of work of CPR include international law and relation, environmental law and governance and economic and social challenges. Interns have to invest huge chunk of their time getting well versed with all such issues, studying policies and contributing to the articles and reports published by it.

Undoubtedly, the tag of a government organization shall enhance the portfolio value of any intern manifold; hence CPR finds a place in this list. Research maniacs, more power to you.

Contact

Phone: +91 (11) 26115273-76

Email: [email protected]

Address: Dharma Marg, Chanakyapuri

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

For biotechnology or environmental law freaks, there is no better place than TERI to invest your time in. One of the largest developing institutions, it does not have a formal internship program, but interested candidates may drop their application at [email protected]. TERI ensures a range of research opportunities’ for its interns in areas of environmental law jurisprudence, sustainable development and the like. Apply soon, you may just be the next Marshall Eriksen!

Contact:

Phone: 91 11) 2468 2100 and 41504900

Email: [email protected]

Address: Darbari Seth Block, IHC Complex, Lodhi Road

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Interested in intellectual property rights, patent issues and trademarks? The IPR division at FICCI might be your destination where you can explore and research about the intricacies of the trending issues of IPR, PVFR act, TKDL, online piracy issues.

The internship period can vary between 15 days to 2 months. FICCI IPR Division at [email protected] or to Sheetal Chopra, Deputy Director and Team Leader, IPR Division at [email protected].

FICCI has a big brand name, and ensures sufficient exposure for a legal research enthusiast. This could be your opportunity to add value to your CV as well as your research skills. Go on, browse away! Click here to know more about this place.

Contact:

Phone: 011 2373 8760

Email: [email protected]

Address: FICCI, Federation House, Tansen Marg

Public Interest Legal Support and Research Centre (PILSARC)

From issues ranging from human rights, consumer disputes, intellectual property, rural development and education, PILSARC deals with research pertaining to all of them.

Needless to say, interning at PILSARC could be an experience worth a shot. PILSARC is primarily a national level public interest law firm and research centre. It assists activists, non-governmental organizations, social action groups and human rights commissions through preparation of working-papers, litigation and legal advice; bringing together documents, material and information and by engaging in public advocacy.

So if you wish to see yourself interning and racking your brains at this great place, mail your applications at [email protected] or [email protected].

Contact

Phone: 91-11-26822525, 91-11-26927813

Email: [email protected]

Address: A – 131, New Friends Colony

Centre on the Death Penalty (National Law University, Delhi)

If one wishes to work policies on death penalty in India, invest his time in exploring more on the academic aspects of the subject, then Centre on the Death Penalty might open your doors to your desires. The work mainly includes study of issues like death penalty, criminal justice system, and execution of prisoners and so on.

Quality of work may also reward in decent stipend for the interns. The interested candidates must send their applications addressed to the Director, Centre on the Death Penalty and sent by email to [email protected] and [email protected]. No time to lose, no battle to lose. Legal researchers, you’re one email away!

Contact:

Phone: +91-11-28032533

Email: [email protected]

Address – National Law University, Delhi, Sector 14, Dwarka

Center for WTO Studies, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi (IIFT)

This research based organization works specifically in the field of world trade in particular and international trade relations in general, and hence here is the place for interns wishing to indulge in intensive and core research work and studies in this field. Under the guidance of excellent mentors and faculty, one can only be assured to come out with a lot more than with what he entered.

Interested interns can email their applications at either at [email protected] or [email protected] at least 4-5 months before the desired period of internship. So do not just let the clock tick away, instead browse away and know about this place here!

Contact:

Phone: 91-11-26965124, 26965300, 26966360

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Address: 7th Floor, IIFT Bhawan, B-21, Qutub Institutional Area.

Center of Excellence in Cyber System and Information Assurance, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi

The Centre of Excellence in Cyber System and Information Assurance aims to conduct basic and applied research in the area of Cyber Systems and information assurance. Thus, this is the ideal destination for researchers primarily interested in cyber laws and the like. Interns get the opportunity to delve deep into the nitty-gritty of cyber laws under the able guidance of mentors at the Institute.

Contact:

Phone: 011-2659-7351

Email: http://web.iitd.ac.in/~rbose/

Address: Center of Excellence for Cyber Systems and Information Assurance Room No. IIA-306, Bharti Building, IIT Delhi.

Researching and writing are skills that cannot be developed in a day. It is something that grows each day, each moment, with every read, with every publication. Interning at the right place is one step towards achieving you aim. So choose wisely from the endless list of options around, what suits you the best. Carpe Diem!

S&R Associates

If capital markets, corporate law, M&A stimulate your senses like none another, you can find your place at S&R Associates. This firm attracts research work that includes RBI policies, SEBI guidelines, holdings, buybacks etc. and offers ample scope to develop one’s research skills.

Apart from all that learning experience, the firm is known to offer a stipend which can go up to Rs 12000, which ensures brownie points for the interns and their pockets. So without any further delay, team up with this firm and get going with your application process. Apply now, here.

Contact: 

Phone: 011 4069 8000

Email: [email protected]

Address: 64 Okhla Industrial Estate PHASE-III

Happy learning! Happy Researching! Happy Interning!