Share this article
Austria offers several distinct types of legal internships, from mandatory court placements to prestigious international organization programs in Vienna. Understanding the differences between these pathways is essential for law students and early-career professionals looking to build experience in the Austrian legal market.
This guide covers every type of legal internship available in Austria, including application tips and what to expect. Browse current openings on our Austria legal internships page.
Types of Legal Internships in Austria
The Austrian legal system uses different terminology for various training positions. Understanding these distinctions is critical:
- Rechtspraktikum (Gerichtspraxis) — Mandatory court internship after law degree completion
- Konzipient — Mandatory 3-year traineeship at a law firm before bar qualification
- Praktikum — Voluntary student internship at law firms, corporations, or organizations
- Ferialpraxis — Summer internship, typically for law students during semester breaks
Rechtspraktikum: Court Internship
The Rechtspraktikum, formally known as the Gerichtspraxis, is a five-month court placement that all aspiring Rechtsanwälte must complete after their law degree. While technically a post-graduation requirement rather than a student internship, it functions as one of the most important practical training experiences in the Austrian legal system.
What You Will Do
Rechtspraktikanten rotate through different court divisions, gaining exposure to:
- Civil courts (Zivilgericht) — Assist judges with case file review, draft judgment proposals, attend hearings
- Criminal courts (Strafgericht) — Observe trials, assist with procedural matters, review evidence files
- Family courts (Familiengericht) — Handle divorce proceedings, custody matters, and guardianship cases
- Land registry and commercial courts — Process registrations, review corporate filings
How to Apply
Applications are submitted to the Oberlandesgericht (Higher Regional Court) for your preferred location. Start dates are available quarterly (January, April, July, October). Vienna is the most competitive location, so apply 6 months in advance. Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck positions are generally easier to secure.
The monthly allowance is approximately €1,000-€1,200 (2026 rates), funded by the federal government. While modest, the Rechtspraktikum provides invaluable courtroom experience and networking opportunities.
Konzipient: Law Firm Traineeship
The Konzipientenzeit is the three-year mandatory traineeship at a law firm following the Rechtspraktikum. While not an internship in the traditional sense, it is the most significant training period for aspiring Austrian lawyers.
What to Expect
Konzipienten at leading Austrian firms work on substantial matters from day one:
- Drafting contracts, pleadings, and legal memoranda
- Conducting legal research and due diligence
- Attending client meetings (initially observing, then participating)
- Making court appearances under supervision
- Managing smaller files independently as experience grows
Compensation
Konzipient salaries vary by firm tier and location:
- Top-tier Vienna firms: €3,500 - €4,200/month (14x per year)
- Mid-size firms: €2,800 - €3,500/month
- Smaller firms and regional practices: €2,200 - €2,800/month
View current Konzipient positions on our Austria jobs board.
Student Internships (Praktikum / Ferialpraxis)
Law students in Austria can gain practical experience through voluntary internships during their studies. These are not mandatory for qualification but are highly valuable for building skills and networks.
Law Firm Internships
Most major Austrian law firms offer structured student internship programs:
- Schoenherr Summer Program — One of the most competitive student placements in Austria, running for 4-6 weeks in summer. Offers exposure to major transactions and strong mentoring.
- Wolf Theiss Internship — Summer and semester-break placements with the possibility of working across CEE offices.
- Binder Grösswang Student Program — Selective program offering hands-on M&A experience with direct partner contact.
- DORDA Student Internships — Available throughout the year with a focus on banking and real estate practice.
- CMS Austria Internship — Structured program with the possibility of international exposure through the CMS network.
Compensation for student internships typically ranges from €1,200-€2,200/month depending on the firm and whether the position is full-time or part-time.
Corporate In-House Internships
Major Austrian companies also offer legal internships:
- OMV — Energy sector legal department internships covering commercial contracts and regulatory matters
- Erste Group / Raiffeisen — Banking legal internships focused on regulatory compliance and financial transactions
- A1 Telekom Austria — Telecommunications law, data protection, and commercial contracts
- Vienna Insurance Group — Insurance law, regulatory affairs, and claims management
International Organization Internships in Vienna
Vienna's status as a UN city and host to numerous international organizations creates exceptional internship opportunities for law students and recent graduates.
IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)
The IAEA Office of Legal Affairs offers internships for law students and recent graduates. Interns work on nuclear law, safeguards agreements, and international treaty matters. Internships typically last 3-6 months. Note that IAEA internships are generally unpaid, but some universities offer credit or stipends for international organization placements.
OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe)
The OSCE offers internships across its Vienna-based institutions. Legal interns may work in human rights, rule of law programs, or institutional governance. Positions are competitive and typically last 6 months. A monthly allowance may be available depending on the specific program.
UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization)
UNIDO's legal department offers internships covering procurement law, development finance, and organizational governance. These are valuable for students interested in development law and international economic cooperation.
UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
UNODC internships provide exposure to international criminal justice, anti-corruption frameworks, and counter-terrorism law. These highly competitive positions attract applicants globally.
Tips for International Organization Applications
- Apply 6-12 months in advance through official career portals
- Emphasize international law coursework and language skills
- English fluency is essential; French, Spanish, or Arabic are significant advantages
- Prior experience in human rights, public international law, or development is valued
- Be prepared for unpaid positions — budget accordingly or seek university funding
How to Secure a Legal Internship in Austria
Competition for top legal internships in Austria is intense. Here are practical strategies:
- Start early — Apply to summer programs by January/February for the following summer
- Network actively — Attend law firm presentations at Austrian law faculties (Kanzleivorstellungen)
- Build your CV — Academic performance matters; strong marks in core subjects (civil law, corporate law) are essential
- Language skills — German fluency is mandatory for most domestic positions; English proficiency opens international doors
- Tailor applications — Research each firm's practice areas and demonstrate genuine interest in their specific work
- Use job boards — Check LegalAlphabet Austria internships regularly for new postings
Sign up for job alerts to receive notifications when new legal internship positions in Austria are posted.