Legal Internships in Chile 2026

Legal internships in Chile are fundamentally shaped by the práctica profesional system — the mandatory six-month supervised practice that every aspiring Abogado must complete before taking the oath before the Corte Suprema. This requirement creates a well-established internship ecosystem that benefits both law graduates and legal employers. Here is what you need to know about legal internships in Chile for 2026.

The Práctica Profesional System

The práctica profesional is not an optional internship — it is a mandatory legal requirement for qualification as an Abogado in Chile. After completing the five-year Licenciatura en Ciencias Jurídicas, graduates must complete at least six months of supervised legal practice. This system ensures that every lawyer entering the profession has meaningful hands-on experience before being authorised to practise independently.

The práctica can be completed at law firms, the judiciary, government agencies, or the Corporaciones de Asistencia Judicial (legal aid corporations). Each path offers distinct advantages depending on the graduate's career goals. For a full overview of the qualification process, see our guide on how to become a lawyer in Chile.

Law Firm Práctica Programmes

The most competitive práctica placements are at Chile's leading law firms, which offer structured programmes designed to train and evaluate potential future associates. These programmes are highly sought after and typically require strong academic records from top law schools.

Top Firms with Structured Programmes

• Carey: Runs one of the most comprehensive práctica programmes in Chile. Practicantes rotate through multiple practice areas, receive mentoring from senior associates and partners, and participate in training sessions. The programme is a primary pipeline for associate hiring.
• Claro & Cía: Offers a well-structured programme with exposure to the firm's core practice areas including banking, corporate, and natural resources. Claro is known for providing significant responsibility to its practicantes.
• Barros & Errázuriz: The firm's práctica programme emphasises practical skills development across tax, labour, and corporate matters. Practicantes work directly with associate and partner teams on active client matters.
• Morales & Besa: Provides práctica placements with a focus on transactional work, including M&A and capital markets. The firm offers a supportive training environment.
• PPU: Known for giving practicantes early responsibility and exposure to significant energy and infrastructure projects. The firm's entrepreneurial culture extends to its práctica programme.
• Baker McKenzie: Offers práctica placements with an international dimension, exposing practicantes to cross-border work and the firm's global methodology and training resources.

Application Process

Applications for firm-based prácticas typically follow an annual cycle:

• Timing: Most major firms recruit practicantes once or twice per year, with intakes commonly in March and July/August.
• Requirements: Strong academic transcript (typically top 20–30% of class), CV, cover letter, and often one or two academic references.
• Selection: Interviews with human resources and one or more partners. Some firms include case study exercises or written assessments.
• Duration: Six months (the legal minimum), though some firms offer extensions for outstanding practicantes.

Stipends and Compensation

The práctica profesional is typically compensated, though stipend levels vary considerably:

• Top-tier law firms: CLP 600,000 – 1,200,000 per month. The highest-paying firms effectively offer close to entry-level associate compensation.
• Mid-tier law firms: CLP 400,000 – 700,000 per month.
• Corporaciones de Asistencia Judicial: CLP 200,000 – 400,000 per month, or sometimes unpaid (though graduates gain valuable litigation experience).
• Government agencies: Variable, typically CLP 300,000 – 500,000 per month.
• Judiciary: Modest stipends or unpaid, but with excellent exposure to judicial processes.

Beyond the Práctica: Voluntary Internships

In addition to the mandatory práctica profesional, some Chilean law firms and organisations offer voluntary internship positions for law students during their studies (typically in their third, fourth, or fifth year). These pre-graduation internships — sometimes called pasantías — are less formalised than the práctica but can provide valuable early exposure to legal practice and help students build networks for their eventual práctica placement.

Converting Your Práctica to a Full-Time Role

At many top firms, the práctica serves as an extended audition for associate positions. Firms carefully evaluate practicantes' work quality, professional development, cultural fit, and client interaction skills throughout the six-month period. Strong performers are frequently offered associate positions upon completing their práctica and juramento.

Conversion rates vary by firm, but at top practices, it is common for 40–60% of practicantes to receive associate offers. Some firms hire almost exclusively through their práctica programmes, making a strong práctica performance the single most important factor in securing a position.

Explore current práctica and internship opportunities on our Chile legal internships board, or browse full-time positions on our Chile jobs page. Stay updated by setting up job alerts.

Key Resources for Legal Internship Applicants in Chile

Before applying for legal internships in Chile, familiarize yourself with the regulatory body overseeing the profession. The Colegio de Abogados de Chile (https://colegioabogados.cl/) is the primary regulatory and representative body for lawyers in this jurisdiction.

The legal market in Chile has approximately ~10,333 registered (membership voluntary) practicing lawyers. Key sectors driving internship opportunities include mining (world's largest copper producer), corporate M&A, energy/renewables, capital markets, banking.

Chile is the world's largest copper producer, making mining and environmental law among the highest-demand specializations. Bar association membership has been voluntary since 1981.

Major law firms that regularly offer internship programs include Carey (280+ legal professionals), Claro & Cia (founded 1880). When applying, research each firm's practice areas and tailor your application to demonstrate knowledge of Chile's legal system, which is based on civil law system based on the Spanish legal model.

Browse our Chile legal internship listings for current opportunities, or set up job alerts to be notified when new positions are posted.