Simmons & Simmons Launches First AI Law Internship

Simmons & Simmons has launched its first dedicated AI law internship, placing eight students in London for two weeks.

International law firm Simmons & Simmons welcomed eight students on 13 April 2026 to its first dedicated AI law internship programme in London. The two-week programme runs until 24 April and places students within the firm's AI team to work on AI law, governance, and legal service transformation projects. The firm opened the programme to penultimate and final year undergraduates, postgraduates, and recent graduates.

This programme marks a shift in how law firms are approaching talent development. As AI becomes central to legal practice, firms are now building structured pathways for professionals who understand both law and technology.

Programme Structure

The internship runs from 13 to 24 April 2026 at the firm's London office. Eight students are taking part in the first cohort.

Students work in both tech-focused and legal AI roles during the two-week period. The programme is designed to build technical and legal skills at the same time.

Participants work directly alongside the firm's AI specialists on projects covering AI law and governance, as well as AI adoption within legal services. The firm has described its AI team as one of the leading practices in the profession.

Who Can Apply

The programme is open to students in their penultimate or final year of an undergraduate degree. Postgraduate students and recent graduates are also eligible.

The firm has confirmed that standout performers on the programme will be considered for future roles at Simmons & Simmons. This makes the internship a direct entry point into the firm for strong candidates.

What Interns Will Do

Interns will work on real AI matters alongside the firm's ranked international AI experts. Their work spans two areas: advising on AI-related legal issues and deploying AI tools within the firm itself.

Peter Lee, Partner and AI Governance Lead, said: "As AI reshapes how legal services are delivered, it is vital that future lawyers and technologists understand both the opportunities and the risks. This internship gives students direct exposure to real AI matters and practical skills that will be central to their careers."

Minesh Tanna, Partner and Global AI Lead, commented: "AI is transforming the legal profession, and we want students to see the breadth of careers at the intersection of law and technology. Through our unique internship, students will experience how we advise on complex AI issues and deploy AI tools within the firm, helping to build the next generation of legal professionals."

The dual focus on external legal advice and internal AI deployment gives interns a view of how AI is being used on both sides of legal practice.

Why It Matters

The legal industry is actively adjusting to the arrival of AI tools that can assist with research, contract review, and compliance work. Law firms now need professionals who can advise clients on AI-related legal risk while also managing AI systems internally.

Simmons & Simmons is among the first international law firms to create a standalone internship focused entirely on this intersection. The programme reflects a broader trend of law firms investing in structured AI training rather than relying on on-the-job exposure alone.

The firm's AI team advises on some of the most complex AI governance and regulatory matters in the profession. Placing interns within this team gives participants direct access to live client work and internal transformation projects during the two-week period.

With AI regulation developing rapidly across the UK and EU, demand for lawyers with specialist AI knowledge is growing. Programmes like this one are a direct response to that demand.

About Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons is an international law firm with a strong presence across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The firm operates a dedicated AI practice that advises clients on AI governance, regulation, and deployment. Its AI team is considered one of the leading practices in the legal profession. The firm is headquartered in London and works with clients across financial services, technology, life sciences, and other sectors.