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Understanding Legal Internships in Vietnam
Vietnam's legal training system includes two distinct types of practical experience: the informal student internship (thuc tap) and the formal post-qualification traineeship (Tap su). Understanding the difference is essential for anyone planning a legal career in Vietnam, as the Tap su is a mandatory step toward bar admission.
Tap Su — The Mandatory 18-Month Traineeship
The Tap su is not a casual internship. It is a formal, regulated 18-month traineeship that every aspiring Luat su must complete after graduating from the Judicial Academy of Vietnam. The Tap su is governed by the Law on Lawyers and administered through the Vietnam Bar Federation and local Bar Associations.
During the Tap su, trainees work under the direct supervision of a qualified Luat su with at least three years of practice experience. Trainees are expected to perform substantive legal work, including legal research, drafting contracts and legal opinions, attending client meetings, assisting with dispute resolution, and observing and participating in court proceedings. The supervising Luat su is responsible for providing guidance, evaluating performance, and submitting a formal assessment to the Bar Association at the conclusion of the traineeship.
The Tap su must be completed at a registered law firm. This requirement means that candidates cannot fulfil it through in-house positions or government service — only at a firm that is duly registered with the Ministry of Justice and the local Bar Association.
Compensation During Tap Su
Compensation during the Tap su varies significantly by employer. International law firms such as Baker McKenzie, Freshfields, and Rajah & Tann LCT typically pay their Tap su trainees a reasonable salary — often in the range of 10-18 million VND per month (400-720 USD), reflecting the substantive work expected. Top domestic firms like VILAF and YKVN also provide competitive trainee compensation.
However, at many smaller domestic firms, Tap su compensation can be minimal — sometimes as low as 3-5 million VND per month, or in some cases, unpaid. This is a recognised challenge in the profession, and the Vietnam Bar Federation has encouraged firms to provide fair compensation to trainees.
Thuc Tap — Student Internships
Thuc tap refers to student-level internships, typically undertaken during the third or fourth year of the Cu nhan Luat programme. These are shorter (usually 1-3 months), less formal, and not a regulatory requirement for bar admission. However, thuc tap experience is valuable for building practical skills, making professional connections, and improving your candidacy for Tap su positions after Judicial Academy graduation.
Many law firms, corporate legal departments, courts, and government agencies accept thuc tap students. International firms often have structured summer internship programmes with formal application processes, while domestic firms may arrange internships on a more informal basis.
Firms with Structured Training Programmes
The following firms are known for offering well-structured Tap su and thuc tap programmes:
- Baker McKenzie (Vietnam) — Structured trainee programme with rotation across practice groups, formal mentoring, and competitive pay.
- Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer — Selective programme with high-quality deal exposure and training.
- VILAF — Vietnam's top domestic firm offers a competitive and rigorous traineeship with strong prospects for retention as an associate.
- YKVN — Well-regarded trainee programme with exposure to major transactions.
- Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers — Offers structured training with regional ASEAN exposure through the Rajah & Tann network.
- Tilleke & Gibbins — Strong training programme with particular strength in IP practice.
- LNT & Partners — Collegial environment with meaningful work for trainees in dispute resolution and banking.
How to Apply
- Timing: For Tap su positions, begin applying 2-3 months before your Judicial Academy graduation. For thuc tap, apply during the second semester of your third year. International firms often have fixed application windows — check their websites for deadlines.
- Application materials: Prepare a well-written CV (in both Vietnamese and English for international firms), a cover letter explaining your interest in the firm and practice area, academic transcripts, and any relevant certificates (English proficiency, moot court awards, etc.).
- English proficiency: Strong English skills are essential for international firms and a significant advantage at top domestic firms. IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent is typically expected.
- Networking: Attend career fairs at Hanoi Law University and HCMC University of Law, join law student associations, and participate in moot court competitions — these are important channels for connecting with potential employers.
Browse available trainee and internship positions on our Vietnam internships board and sign up for job alerts to hear about new openings. For background on the full qualification process, read our guide to becoming a lawyer in Vietnam.
Key Resources for Legal Internship Applicants in Vietnam
Before applying for legal internships in Vietnam, familiarize yourself with the regulatory body overseeing the profession. The Vietnam Bar Federation (https://liendoanluatsu.org.vn/) is the primary regulatory and representative body for lawyers in this jurisdiction.
The legal market in Vietnam has approximately ~21,000 practicing lawyers (1 lawyer per ~5,000 people). Key sectors driving internship opportunities include foreign direct investment, real estate, banking, manufacturing, M&A.
Vietnam's legal profession was effectively non-existent for over 20 years under strict communist governance (1974-1985). The profession has grown from near-zero to 21,000 lawyers in roughly three decades.
Major law firms that regularly offer internship programs include VILAF, Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers, YKVN. When applying, research each firm's practice areas and tailor your application to demonstrate knowledge of Vietnam's legal system, which is based on hybrid of French civil law, Soviet legal ideology, and traditional Vietnamese law.
Browse our Vietnam legal internship listings for current opportunities, or set up job alerts to be notified when new positions are posted.