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Legal Internships and Traineeships in Malta
Malta's legal internship landscape is shaped by the formal requirements of the legal qualification process. The Master of Advocacy (M.Adv.) programme at the University of Malta includes a mandatory work placement, which serves as the primary internship pathway for aspiring advocates. Beyond this structured placement, Malta's booming iGaming, fintech, and financial services sectors create additional internship and trainee opportunities for law students and graduates.
For a comprehensive overview of Malta's legal market, see our Legal Jobs in Malta 2026 — Complete Guide.
The M.Adv. Work Placement
The most important internship for aspiring Maltese advocates is the work placement component of the Master of Advocacy (M.Adv.) programme. This placement is mandatory and involves working under the supervision of a senior warranted advocate at a law firm, legal office, or chambers.
During the M.Adv. placement, trainees:
- Assist with drafting judicial acts and court submissions
- Attend court hearings and observe proceedings before the Civil Court, Criminal Court, and Magistrates' Court
- Conduct legal research on Maltese and EU law matters
- Participate in client meetings and case preparation
- Handle procedural filings and administrative tasks
The quality of the M.Adv. placement can significantly influence your career trajectory. Securing a placement at a leading firm such as Ganado Advocates, Fenech & Fenech, Camilleri Preziosi, or Mamo TCV provides exposure to high-quality work and often leads to a permanent position upon qualification. For detailed profiles of these firms, see our Top Law Firms in Malta 2026 guide.
Legal Procurator Positions
In Malta, law graduates who have completed the LL.B. but have not yet obtained their advocate's warrant can work as Legal Procurators (Prokuraturi Legali). This is a valuable intermediate role that provides real legal experience:
- Representing clients before the Magistrates' Court (inferior jurisdiction)
- Filing judicial acts and procedural documents
- Handling non-contentious matters and tribunal appearances
- Assisting senior advocates with case preparation and research
Many law graduates in Malta work as legal procurators for one to two years between completing the LL.B. and enrolling in the M.Adv., gaining practical court experience that proves invaluable during their subsequent training and career.
iGaming and Fintech Legal Internships
Malta's position as a global iGaming and fintech hub creates internship opportunities that are unique in Europe. Major gaming operators, fintech companies, and regulatory bodies offer trainee and intern positions for law students and graduates:
- Gaming operators (Betsson, Tipico, Kindred, and other MGA-licensed companies): Legal intern and compliance trainee positions assisting with MGA regulatory compliance, licensing applications, player protection policies, and AML/KYC procedures. These positions offer excellent exposure to the iGaming industry and often lead to full-time legal roles.
- Fintech and blockchain companies: Internships involving VFA Act compliance, MFSA sandbox applications, and DLT regulatory analysis. Malta's small size means interns often work directly with senior legal professionals on substantive matters.
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA): The MGA occasionally offers internship opportunities in its legal and compliance departments. These positions provide unparalleled insight into gaming regulation from the regulator's perspective.
- Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA): MFSA offers trainee programmes for law graduates interested in financial regulation, fund oversight, and fintech supervision.
In-House Legal Internships
Major Maltese employers across various sectors offer legal intern and trainee positions:
- Bank of Valletta and HSBC Malta: Legal and compliance trainee positions covering banking regulation, AML compliance, loan documentation, and corporate governance.
- GO plc: Legal intern positions involving telecommunications regulation, commercial contracts, and data protection.
- Transport Malta — Maritime Division: Internship opportunities in maritime registration, flag state compliance, and international maritime law.
- Government ministries and the Office of the Attorney General: Placements providing experience in legislative drafting, constitutional law, and government advisory work.
How to Secure a Legal Internship in Malta
- Start early at the Faculty of Laws: The University of Malta's Faculty of Laws is the single pipeline for the profession. Build relationships with professors and attend faculty events to hear about placement opportunities.
- Target firms in your practice area of interest: If you are interested in iGaming, approach WH Partners and Mamo TCV. For maritime law, Fenech & Fenech is the obvious choice. For financial services, target Camilleri Preziosi.
- Attend industry events: Malta's conferences — SiGMA for iGaming, the Malta Blockchain Summit, and MFSA events — are excellent networking platforms where you can meet potential employers.
- Apply to the Chamber of Advocates: The Kamra tal-Avukati can provide guidance on placement opportunities and professional development resources for aspiring advocates.
- Consider regulatory bodies: Internships at the MGA, MFSA, or Transport Malta provide unique regulatory perspective and strong credentials for your CV.
- Leverage Malta's small size: In a jurisdiction of 540,000 people, personal connections matter enormously. Attend seminars, introduce yourself to practitioners, and make your interest known.
Internship Compensation
M.Adv. work placements at leading firms typically pay between EUR 800 and EUR 1,500 per month. Some smaller firms may offer lower compensation or unpaid placements. iGaming and fintech company internships tend to pay EUR 900 to EUR 1,800 per month, reflecting the premium that the sector commands. Public sector internships and MGA/MFSA trainee positions generally offer EUR 700 to EUR 1,200 per month. For full salary data across all career levels, see our Legal Salary Guide Malta 2026.
Start Your Legal Career in Malta
A well-chosen internship or legal procurator position in Malta can launch a career in one of Europe's most dynamic and specialised legal markets. The combination of iGaming, fintech, maritime, and EU regulatory work makes Malta a unique destination for ambitious law graduates.
Browse the latest legal jobs and internships in Malta on LegalAlphabet. For guidance on qualification, see our How to Become a Lawyer in Malta guide. Sign up for job alerts to be notified of new internship and trainee positions.