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- Tasks: Support legal processes in publishing, from contract reviews to engaging with emerging legal issues.
- Company: Join Penguin Random House UK, a leader in the publishing industry.
- Benefits: Paid internship at London living wage, with valuable experience and skills development.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in law and publishing while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: No prior legal experience needed; just bring your curiosity and attention to detail.
- Other info: This is a positive action programme for candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Are you intellectually curious and enjoy finding practical solutions for complex issues? If you’re interested in law, contracts or commercial strategy within publishing, this could be the role for you. No prior legal experience is required — curiosity, attention to detail and a willingness to learn are what matter most.
A bit about the team and projects you will work on: They work behind the scenes to support the publishing process, advising across contracts with suppliers, customers and collaborators, ensuring general legal compliance and engaging with emerging legal issues. They support creative ideas with clear, practical legal frameworks.
Over eight weeks, you’ll see the legal and commercial thinking underpinning publishing. You’ll work on structured mini-projects:
- Reviewing and organising GDPR contracts;
- Supporting updates to contract templates;
- Assisting with licensing agreements, including stage and screen adaptations;
- Researching legal developments related to AI and its impact on the publishing industry;
- Sitting in on live deal discussions and seeing how legal and commercial discussions inform outcomes;
- Contributing to agreements for social impact initiatives such as book donations and reading partnerships.
You’ll attend team meetings, observe problem-solving discussions and build an understanding of how legal strategy supports publishing innovation and risk management.
Knowledge and skills you’ll gain: Contract review; legal research; data protection awareness; licensing insight; analytical thinking; structured problem solving; professional communication; risk awareness.
About our Summer Internship: This role is part of our summer internship programme at Penguin Random House UK. Please note that our summer internship is a positive action training programme, aimed at bringing new voices into the business. As a result, we will only be accepting applications from candidates who identify as coming from a lower socio-economic background. You must also be over the age of 18 and have the existing right to work in the UK in order to apply for this internship role. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas as the summer internship does not meet the minimum requirements for visa sponsorship. Applications close on Sunday 29th March at 23:59. Our summer interns are paid the London living wage. Summer interns will be expected to join us in the business for 8 weeks from Monday 6th July 2026. Please note that this is a full-time hybrid position. You will be working from 9:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. You will be expected to be in person in our London office for at least 2 days per week.
Commercial Legal Intern employer: Penguin Books UK
Contact Detail:
Penguin Books UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Legal Intern
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing and legal fields on LinkedIn. A friendly message can go a long way, and you never know who might have an inside scoop on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show us your curiosity by asking insightful questions about their legal strategies and how they tackle emerging issues in publishing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of real-world scenarios where legal frameworks support creative ideas. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and offer practical solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and eager to dive into the world of commercial law.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Legal Intern
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Curiosity: We want to see your intellectual curiosity shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've tackled complex issues or learned something new, even if it's outside the legal realm. This will help us understand your problem-solving mindset!
Attention to Detail is Key: When applying, make sure to proofread your application thoroughly. We appreciate candidates who pay attention to detail, so double-check for any typos or errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and commitment!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates tailor their cover letters and CVs to the role. Highlight your interest in law, contracts, and publishing, and explain why you’re excited about this internship specifically.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the internship there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Books UK
✨Show Your Curiosity
Make sure to express your intellectual curiosity during the interview. Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the projects you'll be working on, especially around legal compliance and commercial strategy. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the position and eager to learn.
✨Highlight Attention to Detail
Since attention to detail is crucial for this role, be ready to discuss examples from your past experiences where you demonstrated this skill. Whether it's through academic work or personal projects, share how you ensured accuracy and thoroughness in your tasks.
✨Research the Company and Industry
Familiarise yourself with Penguin Random House UK and its publishing process. Understanding current trends in publishing, especially regarding AI and GDPR, will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview. It shows that you’re proactive and well-prepared.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you approach problem-solving. Think of a time when you faced a complex issue and how you navigated it. This could relate to legal scenarios or any other challenges you've encountered. Highlighting your analytical thinking will resonate well with the interviewers.