Summer Legal Associate (1L) Internship 2026 at Visa – Paid In-House Legal Internship in the USA
The Summer Legal Associate (1L) Internship at Visa is a highly competitive paid legal internship designed for first-year law students who are interested in gaining real-world experience within a global, in-house legal department. This Summer Legal Associate opportunity allows selected candidates to work closely with Visa’s legal professionals while learning how law operates at the intersection of technology, payments, regulation, and global business. The Summer Legal Associate role is based in the United States and offers law students a rare early-career exposure to in-house legal practice at one of the world’s leading technology companies.
Visa, a world leader in digital payments and financial technology, processes more than 276 billion payment transactions annually across over 200 countries and territories. Through this Summer Legal Associate program, Visa aims to nurture future legal professionals who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to service and innovation.
Background and Overview of the Summer Legal Associate Program
The Visa Summer Legal Associate (1L) Internship Program is structured to enhance the legal education and professional development of first-year law students. This program is specifically tailored for students who want to understand how an in-house legal department functions within a multinational corporation. Unlike traditional law firm internships, the Summer Legal Associate program emphasizes business integration, cross-functional collaboration, and exposure to diverse legal practice areas.
Summer Legal Associates are placed in Visa’s Bay Area offices in Foster City, California, where they participate in a hybrid work arrangement. The program offers interns meaningful responsibilities, mentorship from experienced attorneys, and opportunities to build lasting professional networks.
Eligibility Criteria for the Visa Summer Legal Associate Internship
To ensure a strong and focused cohort, Visa has outlined clear eligibility requirements for the Summer Legal Associate (1L) Internship.
Who Can Apply
- Applicants must be first-year (1L) law students.
- Students must be enrolled and in good academic standing at an ABA-accredited law school.
Country Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to U.S. applicants only.
- Applicants must have permanent authorization to work in the United States.
- Visa does not sponsor work visas, and future sponsorship will not be considered.
Preferred Candidate Profile
While not mandatory, Visa gives preference to candidates who demonstrate:
- A strong interest in in-house legal work
- Academic excellence and leadership experience
- Commitment to community service or engagement
- Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Teamwork, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
- Attention to detail and professionalism
- An innovative, creative, and entrepreneurial mindset
- Motivation, focus, and a global perspective
Program Details: Structure, Location, Duration, and Compensation
The Summer Legal Associate (1L) Internship 2026 is structured as a summer internship with hands-on learning and professional development.
Location and Work Mode
- Foster City, California, USA
- Hybrid work model
- Expected to work three days per week in the office
- Office attendance requirements will be confirmed by the hiring manager
Duration
- Summer 2026 (exact start and end dates determined by Visa)
- Full-time internship during the summer period
Internship Structure and Responsibilities
Summer Legal Associates will:
- Work under the supervision of Visa attorneys
- Shadow members of Visa’s Legal Department
- Complete projects across multiple legal practice areas, including:
- Litigation
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
- Employment law
- Data use and privacy
- Marketing and advertising law
- Trademarks and intellectual property
- Regulatory compliance
- Product and technology law
- Interact with internal business teams and clients
- Gain insight into Visa’s global business operations
- Potentially participate in a two-week reverse secondment at a partnering law firm
- Deliver an end-of-summer presentation to senior members of the Legal team, which may include the General Counsel
- Participate in social and networking events with fellow interns
Compensation and Benefits
- Estimated pay: USD 44 per hour
- Compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, and location
- This is a paid internship
- Work hours may vary depending on departmental needs
- Travel requirement: 5–10%, depending on assignments
Application Process: How to Apply for the Visa Summer Legal Associate Internship
Interested candidates must complete an online application and submit the required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must upload the following as separate documents:
- Personal Statement (maximum 300 words) explaining:
- Leadership experience, service, or community involvement
- Interest in working at Visa
- Interest in technology and innovation
- First semester law school grades, submitted as soon as they become available
Applicants are encouraged to prepare thoughtful and well-structured application materials that clearly demonstrate their suitability for the Summer Legal Associate role.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Program Term: Summer 2026
- Application Deadline: Not specified (early application is strongly recommended)
Because no official deadline has been announced, applicants are advised to apply as early as possible to improve their chances of consideration.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Work Conditions
Visa is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status. Visa also considers qualified applicants with criminal histories in line with applicable U.S. laws and EEOC guidelines.
The position is office-based and requires standard office activities such as sitting, standing, communicating by phone, and using computers and office equipment.
Apply Here: Official Application Portal
The Summer Legal Associate (1L) Internship at Visa is a unique paid in-house legal internship for first-year law students in the United States who are eager to explore the legal dimensions of global technology and payments. With hands-on experience, strong mentorship, and exposure to diverse legal practice areas, the Summer Legal Associateprogram provides an exceptional foundation for aspiring legal professionals seeking a future in corporate and technology law.
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