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Legal Internships in Morocco 2026 — Stage and Trainee Positions
Legal internships — known as stages in Morocco — are a fundamental part of the pathway to becoming a practising avocat. Morocco distinguishes between academic stages (during university) and the mandatory professional stage (after passing the bar exam). This guide covers both types, along with practical advice on finding positions, compensation expectations, and making the most of your training period.
Types of Legal Stages in Morocco
1. Academic Stage (Stage Académique)
Law students at Moroccan universities may undertake internships during their studies, typically during the Master's years. These academic stages provide practical exposure to legal work and help students decide on their career direction. Academic stages are not always required but are highly recommended for competitive positions after graduation.
2. Professional Stage (Stage Professionnel — Mandatory)
The most significant stage in a Moroccan lawyer's career is the three-year professional stage required after passing the bar examination. During this period, you work as an avocat stagiaire under the supervision of an experienced avocat (maître de stage). This is a formal requirement overseen by the bar association and the Institut de Formation des Avocats. The professional stage includes:
- Duration: Three years of supervised practice.
- Supervision: You must be attached to a maître de stage who is an experienced avocat in good standing with the bar.
- Court appearances: Stagiaires can appear before courts under the supervision and responsibility of their maître de stage.
- Training sessions: Mandatory attendance at training organized by the Institut de Formation des Avocats, covering professional ethics, practical skills, and specialized legal topics.
- Progressive responsibility: As the stage progresses, you take on more complex work and greater autonomy.
- Final assessment: At the end of the three years, a final evaluation determines whether you are ready for independent practice.
3. Corporate Internships
Law students and graduates may also complete internships at corporate legal departments, particularly at multinationals, banks, and CFC-accredited companies in Casablanca. While these do not count toward the mandatory professional stage, they provide valuable exposure to in-house practice and business law.
Which Firms Offer Stage Programs?
Most of Morocco's top law firms accept stagiaires for both academic and professional stages. Notable firms with active stage programs include:
- Kettani Law Firm: One of the most established stage programs in Casablanca, covering corporate, banking, and real estate law.
- Naciri & Associés: Competitive program with exposure to cross-border transactions through the Allen & Overy network.
- Clifford Chance Casablanca: International firm offering stages with global standards and exposure to pan-African work.
- CMS Francis Lefebvre Maroc: Structured program covering tax, corporate, and employment law.
- Hajji & Associés: Active stage program covering corporate, infrastructure, and dispute resolution.
- Gide Loyrette Nouel Casablanca: French network firm offering high-quality stages in banking and corporate practice.
- DLA Piper Casablanca: International firm with stages covering corporate and finance work.
Compensation for Legal Stages
| Stage Type / Employer | Monthly Compensation (MAD) |
|---|---|
| Professional Stage — International Firm (Casablanca) | 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Professional Stage — Domestic Firm (Casablanca) | 2,500 – 5,000 |
| Professional Stage — Regional Firms (Rabat, Marrakech, Tangier) | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Academic Stage — Law Firm | 1,500 – 4,000 |
| Academic Stage — Corporate In-House | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Academic Stage — Government / Public Sector | Unpaid – 2,000 |
| Academic Stage — NGOs / International Organizations | Unpaid – 2,500 |
For detailed salary information at all career levels, see our Legal Salary Guide Morocco 2026.
How to Secure a Legal Stage
1. Build Your Academic Profile
Strong grades at Université Mohammed V, Hassan II, or Cadi Ayyad are essential. A Master's degree or specialization significantly strengthens your candidacy. If possible, consider an exchange semester or LLM at a French university to broaden your profile.
2. Leverage University Networks
Moroccan universities maintain relationships with law firms and corporate employers. Attend career events, employer presentations, and conferences organized by your law faculty. Professors often serve as referral sources for stage placements.
3. Apply Through Job Boards
Check our Morocco internship listings regularly for new opportunities. Many firms also post openings on their websites, LinkedIn, and through bar association channels.
4. Network at Bar Association Events
The local barreaux organize events, conferences, and training sessions where you can connect with practising avocats who may be looking for stagiaires. The Association des Barreaux du Maroc coordinates national events as well.
5. Prepare a Strong Application
Your application should include:
- A well-organized CV in French highlighting academic achievements, language skills, and any prior experience
- A cover letter (lettre de motivation) tailored to the specific firm or organization
- Academic transcripts (relevés de notes)
- Evidence of language proficiency in French, Arabic, and English
- Any relevant certificates or training completed
Making the Most of Your Stage
- Be diligent: Moroccan legal culture values hard work, reliability, and attention to detail. Arrive on time, meet deadlines, and show initiative.
- Learn from your maître de stage: Your supervising avocat is your primary mentor — observe their courtroom technique, client management, and legal reasoning closely.
- Attend all training sessions: The Institut de Formation des Avocats sessions are mandatory but also genuinely educational. Take them seriously.
- Build your network: Connect with fellow stagiaires, associates, and partners. The relationships you build during your stage will shape your career.
- Develop bilingual drafting skills: Practice drafting documents in both French and Arabic — this skill is highly valued in the Moroccan market.
- Seek diverse experience: Try to gain exposure to different practice areas during your stage to identify your strengths and interests.
From Stage to Independent Practice
Completing the three-year professional stage is the final step before full qualification. Many stagiaires remain with their stage firm as associates, while others establish their own cabinets or join corporate legal departments. The connections and skills developed during the stage period are critical for long-term career success in Morocco.
Explore Opportunities
Browse current listings on our Morocco internships page and full-time roles on our jobs page. Learn about qualifying as a lawyer in our step-by-step guide, and sign up for alerts to hear about new stage openings as soon as they are posted.