Law internship in Kazakhstan
Do a law internship in Kazakhstan and see two legal systems side by side: the national civil-law system and the English-law-based courts of the Astana International Financial Centre.
What you'll do
Your day-to-day
What law interns usually do
- Research laws, regulations and cases.
- Help draft and review documents, with supervision.
- Summarize new rules for the team or for clients.
- Keep case and client files organized.
- Sit in on client meetings where possible.
Tasks depend on your host company and your level. We match you based on your skills and goals before you arrive.
Local know-how
What to know before you go
Law in Kazakhstan
Language shapes legal work in Kazakhstan. Kazakh is the state language and Russian is officially used alongside it, including in the state courts. The court of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) works differently. Its procedural rules are modeled on English common law, much of its work is in English, and it hears disputes linked to the AIFC or cases the parties agree in writing to bring there.
For an English-speaking intern, that means two kinds of work. Most local legal work needs Russian or Kazakh, while English-language work is found mainly with international firms and AIFC-related matters. Tell your career advisor early which languages you speak, and we'll check which roles are possible. You might research, draft and organize files under supervision, but you never do anything that needs a license.
Job roles
Legal Research Intern
Finds and summarizes the laws, rules and decisions a case or client question depends on.
Corporate Law Intern
Supports work on contracts, company set-up and cross-border deals.
Compliance Intern
Helps check that processes and documents meet the rules.
Legal Writing Intern
Drafts memos and summaries in clear English for the team and clients.
Exact roles vary by host company. Tell us what you want to learn and we'll look for the closest match.
The industry
Law in Kazakhstan
Two systems
Kazakhstan has a civil-law system, like much of continental Europe. The Astana International Financial Centre is different: its court and arbitration center apply rules based on English common law and work in English.
What you learn
You'll see how international business is set up and protected in a growing economy, and how two legal traditions meet in one country.
Language at work
Most legal work in Kazakhstan is in Russian or Kazakh. English-language roles are mainly in international firms and AIFC-related work, so we'll check what fits your profile.
Prices
How much it costs
Asia Internship Program prices depend on your program and how long you stay. See the destination page for the full price table.
FAQ
Questions interns ask
Do I need to speak Russian for a law internship in Kazakhstan?
It helps a lot for most local legal work. English-language work is found mainly with international firms and AIFC-related matters. Tell your career advisor your languages on your free call.
Do I need a law degree for a law internship in Kazakhstan?
No degree is required to apply. We welcome students, graduates and career changers. Law students and graduates usually find it easier to be matched to legal tasks.
Can I appear in court as a law intern in Kazakhstan?
No. You might observe, research, draft and organize files under supervision, but you never do work that needs a license.
Applications open all year
Your field, somewhere new.
It's free to apply, and you only pay a deposit once you're accepted.