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Legal Internships and Trainee Positions in Denmark
Denmark's legal career pipeline relies heavily on the studentermedhjælper (student assistant) system and the formal advokatfuldmægtig (trainee lawyer) role. Unlike some jurisdictions where internships are short-term placements, Danish legal internships are structured, long-term commitments that serve as the primary recruitment pipeline for top law firms.
Browse current trainee and entry-level openings on our Denmark internships board and set up job alerts to be notified of new positions.
Understanding the Danish Legal Internship System
Studentermedhjælper (Student Assistant)
The studentermedhjælper role is the backbone of legal recruitment in Denmark. Law students — typically from their 3rd year onwards — work part-time (8–15 hours per week) at a law firm alongside their studies. This is not a brief summer placement; students often remain as studentermedhjælpere for 2–3 years until they complete their cand.jur. degree.
What studentermedhjælpere do:
- Legal research and memorandum drafting
- Assisting on due diligence for M&A transactions
- Preparing court submissions under supervision
- Attending client meetings and negotiations (in an observer/support capacity)
- Contract review and analysis
The studentermedhjælper role is the most important step in a Danish law student's career — the vast majority of advokatfuldmægtig offers at top firms go to their existing studentermedhjælpere.
Advokatfuldmægtig (Trainee Lawyer)
The advokatfuldmægtig position is a formal 3-year training role that graduates must complete before qualifying as an advokat. This is a full-time, salaried position regulated by Advokatsamfundet. For the complete qualification pathway, see our how to become a lawyer in Denmark guide.
Top Employers for Legal Trainees
Elite Firms (Highest Competition)
| Firm | Annual Intake | Starting Salary (DKK/month) | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorrissen Federspiel | 15–20 | 38,000–43,000 | M&A, shipping, banking |
| Kromann Reumert | 15–18 | 37,000–42,000 | Corporate, capital markets, IP |
| Plesner | 12–16 | 37,000–42,000 | Pharma, energy, employment |
Strong National Firms
| Firm | Annual Intake | Starting Salary (DKK/month) | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bech-Bruun | 10–15 | 35,000–40,000 | Energy, public law, finance |
| Horten | 8–12 | 34,000–39,000 | Disputes, construction, tech |
| Bruun & Hjejle | 5–8 | 34,000–39,000 | Maritime, corporate, banking |
| DLA Piper Denmark | 5–8 | 36,000–42,000 | Corporate, real estate, tech |
In-House Trainee Programmes
Some major Danish corporations offer advokatfuldmægtig programmes, though they are less common than in private practice:
- Maersk — One of the few corporates offering a structured advokatfuldmægtig programme, focused on maritime and commercial law.
- Novo Nordisk — Occasional trainee positions in life sciences regulatory and commercial law.
- Danske Bank — Financial regulation and banking law trainee roles.
Application Timeline
| When | What |
|---|---|
| August–October | Top firms open studentermedhjælper applications for the following year |
| October–December | Interviews and assessment days at elite firms |
| January–March | Offers extended for studentermedhjælper positions starting in spring/summer |
| March–June | Second-wave applications at mid-tier firms and regional offices |
| Year-round | Advokatfuldmægtig positions posted as vacancies arise |
Key insight: The top firms recruit studentermedhjælpere 6–12 months in advance. If you are a 2nd or 3rd-year law student, start applying in August for positions beginning the following year.
What Top Firms Look For
- Academic performance: Strong grades in core subjects — obligationsret, selskabsret, EU-ret, procesret. Top firms expect candidates to be in the upper quartile of their class.
- Language skills: Fluent Danish (essential) and excellent English. A third language (German, French, or a Nordic language) is a bonus for internationally focused firms.
- Extracurricular engagement: Moot court participation, work on Juristen or Ugeskrift for Retsvæsen, student legal aid (retshjælp), or positions in student law societies.
- Sector interest: Demonstrating genuine interest in shipping, pharma, energy, or fintech gives you an edge in the Danish market.
- Professional demeanour: Danish legal culture values understatement, thoroughness, and collaborative work style.
Compensation for Trainees
| Role | Monthly Pay (DKK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studentermedhjælper (8–15 hrs/week) | 8,000–14,000 | Part-time alongside studies |
| Advokatfuldmægtig Year 1 | 34,000–42,000 | Full-time, plus pension |
| Advokatfuldmægtig Year 2 | 37,000–45,000 | Annual increment |
| Advokatfuldmægtig Year 3 | 40,000–48,000 | Final training year |
For full salary data post-qualification, see our Denmark salary guide.
Tips for Securing a Trainee Position
- Start early: Begin applying for studentermedhjælper roles in your 2nd or 3rd year. Waiting until graduation sharply reduces your options at top firms.
- Attend career fairs: Juraens Dag at the University of Copenhagen and equivalent events at AU are prime networking opportunities.
- Tailor your applications: Research each firm's practice strengths and explain specifically why you want to work there.
- Build your CV: Retshjælp (legal aid clinics), moot courts, and student journal work all matter.
- Prepare for case interviews: Many firms test analytical skills through case studies during interviews.
Find Your Trainee Position
Denmark's structured training pathway produces exceptionally well-prepared lawyers. Start your journey by browsing openings on our Denmark internships board, explore the full jobs board, and sign up for job alerts. For firm-specific information, read our top law firms guide, and for the full qualification pathway, see how to become a lawyer in Denmark.
How to Stand Out in Legal Internship Applications
Securing a competitive legal internship requires more than strong grades. Employers in Denmark 2026 look for candidates who demonstrate genuine commitment to the profession and practical readiness to contribute from day one.
Write targeted cover letters. Generic applications rarely succeed. Research each firm thoroughly: mention specific practice areas, recent high-profile matters, or community initiatives that align with your interests. Show you understand what the firm does and explain why your skills match their needs.
Build demonstrable legal skills early. Participation in moot court competitions, legal aid clinics, and law review journals signals that you can research, write, and argue effectively. If your university offers client interview or negotiation competitions, those experiences are equally valuable to prospective employers.
Develop a legal writing portfolio. Compile your best research papers, case analyses, or published articles. Even a short commentary on a recent court decision in Denmark 2026 shows independent thinking and writing ability. Firms increasingly value candidates who can produce clear, well-structured legal documents.
Start networking before you apply. Attend bar association events, legal conferences, and university career fairs. Connect with practicing lawyers on LinkedIn and request informational interviews. Many internship positions are filled through referrals rather than formal advertisements, so relationships matter.
Apply early and follow the right timeline. Most reputable firms recruit 3 to 6 months ahead of the internship start date. Mark application deadlines in your calendar and submit materials well before the closing date. Late applications are often discarded regardless of quality.
Craft a strong legal CV. Highlight academic achievements, relevant publications, language skills, and technical proficiency with legal databases like LexisNexis, Westlaw, or local equivalents. Include any volunteer legal work or pro bono contributions.
Follow up professionally. After submitting your application, a brief follow-up email after two weeks is appropriate. Be polite and concise. After interviews, send a thank-you note within 24 hours referencing specific topics from your conversation.
Make sure to leverage your university career services office, which often has direct relationships with firms hiring interns. Stay persistent, as even unsuccessful applications build experience and connections for future opportunities. Sign up for job alerts to receive internship notifications directly.