For law students looking for a way to distinguish themselves as they start out their career, a law internship in Madrid may be just the ticket. Working within a Madrid law firm, interns will get the opportunity to work alongside established legal professionals. The experience abroad will give young professionals that valuable multicultural perspective, not to mention exposure to a foreign legal system.
Roles
Hands-on, multicultural experience in a competitive field is hard to beat. Future employees are bound to be impressed with your real-world experience working at an established Madrid law firm. Previous interns have been placed in roles at firms like the international tax and legal advising firm B Law and Tax and corporate law firm Grant Thornton.
Housing
Accommodations for law internships in Madrid come with sheets, Wifi and cleaning. Housing is always placed in safe areas of Madrid, with a reasonable commute to work and classes either walking or through public transportation. Previous interns have been placed in Sol, Salamanca, Nuevos Ministerios, Moncloa and Tribunal.
Spanish
Though speaking Spanish is a plus for law internships in Madrid, it is not a requirement. The Intern Group program provides internship roles that require and don’t require Spanish language skills. For those who wish to improve their abilities, Spanish classes are available at every level at the acclaimed Don Quijote school. Though the city is filled with people from all over the world, many locals speak poco or “little” English so interns will have no trouble putting their Spanish lessons into practice in Madrid.
A city of beauty
Madrid is a historic, sprawling metropolis with a greater metropolitan area of over 6 million people. The laid-back European city is practical for foreign students and interns looking to soak up a sophisticated, vibrant and relaxed culture. In Madrid, the workday rarely starts before 9 a.m. and often coworkers take several hours for a long lunch or siesta.
One of Madrid’s most treasured sectors is its historic center, which contains multiple world-famous structures within walking distance of one another. Plaza Mayor is a good place to start the sightseeing. Interns can sip on a coffee and people watch or meander in and out of the area’s traditional shops. The well-known plaza also bears a notable bronze statue of King Philip III. Just a few steps away sightseers can also visit the Royal Palace or stunning Almudena cathedral.
Law interns in Madrid also have the city’s beautiful parks at their disposal after work or on the weekends. In fact, the city has recently developed new green areas, with increased amounts of trees, walkways and parks. Former interns have particularly enjoyed leisurely afternoons at the city’s well-known Retiro Park, where they have picnicked amidst the monuments, sculptures and peaceful lake.
Madrid is also home to some of the world’s finest art. The Reina Sofia museum in particular has a smattering of notable works, including the internationally famous mural Guernica by Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. The Prado museum also receives gaggles of visitors from all over the world, featuring works by Goya, Rubens and others.
Weekends away
Law interns in Madrid will have weekends to take day drips outside of the city, which is strategically located near many tourist destinations. The Intern Group internship program even includes a day trip to UNESCO World Heritage Site Toledo, where interns can visit the iconic stone fortification Alcazar of Toledo. Also located just a short train ride away is the World Heritage City Segovia, just another one of Spain’s historic treasures.
Tapas and more
After a demanding day soaking up the Spanish legal system at an international law internship, interns will have many ways to unwind within Madrid’s colorful nightlife. In the evening, Madrid’s residents or “Madrileños” often gather for tapas or small plates of local favorites like patatas bravas, pincho de tortilla and gallinejas, often accompanied with either beers or regional wine.
Interns in Madrid often enjoy seeing the local Flamenco shows during their stay. At restaurants called tablaos, visitors to the city can see a Flamenco dance show while enjoying a traditional Spanish meal. For interns looking to dance, there are clubs, live music venues and dance halls peppered about the city. Just remember that doors often open after midnight and stay open until dawn. Napping beforehand might not be such a bad idea.
International experience is one of the best ways to stand out to a potential employer and prove competency in this increasingly globalized world. The exposure to law in another country will enhance a young legal professional’s marketability and education. Moreover, those personal and professional connections you make with colleagues abroad will give you a lasting connection to a world beyond your own.
Apply now and boost your career!
Sources: Wolters World, Rick Steves, Museo Nacional del Prado, Wikipedia – Madrid, GoMadrid, TripAdvisor, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Photo 1. Based on Madrid by Roberto Taddeo, CC-by-2.0
Photo 2. Based on Madrid by Surreal Name Given, CC-by-2.0
Photo 3. Based on Types of Madrid by Igor, CC-by-2.0