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Legal Internships in Argentina 2026 — Pasantía and Trainee Positions
Legal internships — known as pasantías in Argentina — are a critical stepping stone for law students aiming to break into the profession. Most top firms and many corporate legal departments run structured internship programs that provide hands-on experience while students complete their law degrees. This guide covers everything you need to know about finding and making the most of a legal pasantía in Argentina.
What Is a Pasantía?
A pasantía is a formal internship arrangement regulated under Argentine law (Ley 26.427 — Régimen de Pasantías Educativas). Under this framework, pasantías are educational in nature and must be connected to the student's field of study. Key features include:
- Duration: Maximum of 12 months, renewable for another 6 months (18 months total).
- Hours: Maximum of 20 hours per week, allowing students to continue their studies.
- Compensation: Pasantes must receive a stipend (asignación estímulo) proportional to the salary of the lowest-paid employee in the organization.
- Benefits: Pasantes are entitled to health insurance coverage and accident insurance during the internship period.
- University involvement: The internship must be formalized through an agreement between the employer, the student, and the university.
Types of Legal Internships
Law Firm Pasantías
The most sought-after internships are at leading Buenos Aires law firms. Firms like Marval O'Farrell Mairal, Bruchou & Funes de Rioja, PAGBAM, and Bomchil run competitive programs where pasantes assist with legal research, document drafting, due diligence, and client-facing tasks under supervision. These programs often serve as a pipeline for full-time associate positions.
Corporate In-House Internships
Multinational corporations and major Argentine companies offer legal internships within their in-house legal departments. These roles provide exposure to commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and practical business law. Companies in banking, technology, energy, and consumer goods are major employers of legal interns.
Government and Public Sector
Government agencies, prosecutors' offices, and courts offer internship programs that provide exposure to public law, litigation, and regulatory work. While stipends are typically lower than in the private sector, these positions offer valuable experience in administrative law, criminal law, and public interest work.
NGOs and International Organizations
Human rights organizations, legal aid clinics, and international bodies based in Buenos Aires offer internships focused on public interest law, human rights, refugee law, and international development. These are often unpaid or offer modest stipends but provide meaningful experience for students interested in social justice careers.
Which Firms Offer Pasantía Programs?
Most of Argentina's top law firms maintain active internship programs. Notable firms with well-established pasantía schemes include:
- Marval O'Farrell Mairal: One of the largest and most structured programs, recruiting from UBA, Austral, Di Tella, and San Andrés.
- Bruchou & Funes de Rioja: Competitive program with strong training and mentorship.
- PAGBAM: Active recruitment from top universities with opportunities across multiple practice areas.
- Bomchil: Long-standing program with a strong conversion rate to associate positions.
- Allende & Brea: Offers pasantías with exposure to corporate and M&A work.
- Beccar Varela: Structured program across banking, corporate, and labour practices.
- Baker McKenzie (Buenos Aires): International firm offering pasantías with global exposure.
Compensation for Legal Interns
| Employer Type | Monthly Stipend (ARS) |
|---|---|
| Top-Tier Law Firm (Buenos Aires) | 400,000 – 650,000 |
| Mid-Size Law Firm (Buenos Aires) | 250,000 – 400,000 |
| Corporate In-House | 300,000 – 500,000 |
| Government / Public Sector | 200,000 – 350,000 |
| Regional Firms (Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza) | 200,000 – 400,000 |
| NGOs / International Organizations | Unpaid – 250,000 |
For detailed salary information at all levels, see our Legal Salary Guide Argentina 2026.
How to Secure a Legal Pasantía
1. Start Early
Many top firms begin recruiting pasantes during the second or third year of the law degree. Don't wait until your final year — begin building your profile early.
2. Leverage University Career Services
UBA, Austral, Di Tella, San Andrés, and UCA all have career services offices that maintain relationships with top firms and corporations. Attend employer presentations, career fairs, and networking events organized by your university.
3. Apply Through Job Boards
Check our Argentina internship listings regularly for new opportunities. Many firms also post openings on their own websites and on LinkedIn.
4. Network Strategically
Attend legal conferences, academic seminars, and bar association events. Personal connections remain important in the Argentine legal market. Professors often have relationships with firms and can provide referrals.
5. Prepare a Strong Application
Your application should include:
- A well-organized CV highlighting academic achievements, language skills, and any relevant experience
- A brief cover letter tailored to the specific firm or organization
- Academic transcripts showing your grades
- Evidence of English proficiency (certificates, exchange programs, etc.)
Making the Most of Your Pasantía
- Be proactive: Volunteer for assignments, ask questions, and show genuine interest in the firm's work.
- Build relationships: Connect with associates, senior lawyers, and partners who can mentor you and advocate for your hiring.
- Develop skills: Focus on practical skills like legal research, contract review, and written communication.
- Seek feedback: Regularly ask supervisors for feedback on your work and areas for improvement.
- Document your experience: Keep records of projects you worked on — this material will strengthen future applications.
From Pasantía to Full-Time Employment
Many Argentine law firms hire the majority of their junior associates from their own pasantía programs. A strong performance during your internship is often the best path to a permanent position. If your firm does not extend an offer, the experience and contacts you gained will be valuable when applying elsewhere.
Explore Opportunities
Browse current internship listings on our Argentina internships page and full-time roles on our jobs page. Learn about qualifying as a lawyer in our step-by-step guide, and sign up for alerts to hear about new pasantía openings as soon as they are posted.