Introducing Warner Bros Legal Internships
At its core, the legal internship at Warner Bros. is designed to provide students with an immersive experience in the various legal departments that drive the company’s operations. As one of the leading entertainment companies in the world, Warner Bros. places a strong emphasis on compliance and legal excellence across all facets of its business, from television and film production to studio operations and digital services. The legal intern program is a critical component of this focus , allowing students to gain valuable insight into the complex legal matters that the company faces on a day-to-day basis.
This paid internship program provides students with the unique opportunity to work alongside experienced legal professionals in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The Warner Bros. legal team is committed to fostering the next generation of legal talent and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in their future careers. Whether you are interested in intellectual property, labor law, business affairs, or data privacy, the WB legal team is constantly seeking innovative solutions to complex problems in order to help further the company’s success.
Warner Bros Legal Internship Application Process
Those persons eligible for the legal intern position at Warner Bros must currently be enrolled in a Juris Doctor (JD) candidacy program in the United States or abroad. Candidates also need to be able to start a part-time internship in the summer and end it by mid-December. Interns will be expected to work 25 hours per week, though this is negotiable based on class and school schedules. There is no previous work experience requirement for this position, other than some preference being given to students with prior internships or legal/work experience. Resume and cover letter materials are also a requirement for the application process. The deadline for submission of applications to the Legal Internship Program will be reviewed and considered during the end of August of each year. Candidates are encouraged to send their applications early to ensure their acceptance into the program, as their may be considerable competition among candidates. Due to the availability of positions, Warner Bros does not guarantee that all students who apply and accept an internship placement will be offered a position. Academic awards and grades will be a factor in reviewing applications for in-house positions, so applicants are also required to provide a transcript for review.
A Day in The Life of A Warner Bros Legal Intern
The day-to-day responsibilities of a Warner Bros legal intern can vary depending on the area you are supporting, whether that is business affairs, IP, employment, entertainment or in litigation. The people you are supporting may look to you to handle various tasks, whether those are related to reviewing or summarizing contracts, drafting correspondence, conducting legal research, preparing documents for court filing, and preparing briefs, pleadings, declarations, etc. that require cited research. For example, when supporting the Litigation group, tasks may include preparing records for use on appeal, and assisting in preparing pleadings for a particular action, or preparation of motions, oppositions, affidavits, and replies. Interns can also expect to do a fair amount of work related to the reporting and monitoring of talent activity, and spot checking material contained in a particular show or development project to ensure that it is clear of rights issues. Standard legal intern assignments may include assisting with and participating in the review of proposed script and story ideas, handling clearance of literary material and other content, reviewing, maintaining and updating talent agreement files, managing talent DEALS database, and tracking various industry secondary documents.
What Warner Bros Looks For in Legal Interns
When it comes to excelling as a legal intern at Warner Bros, possessing the right skills and attributes can make all the difference. The company looks for a combination of technical skills, relevant legal knowledge, and personal qualities that contribute to a successful internship experience.
Warner Bros values strong communication skills, both oral and written. Given the diverse nature of legal work, interns must be able to effectively convey complex ideas and legal principles to both legal professionals and clients alike. Attention to detail is equally important, as legal documents require precise language and adherence to specific guidelines. In addition, the ability to perform legal research and analyze case law is greatly valued by the company.
While specific legal expertise is beneficial, it is not absolutely necessary to secure an internship with Warner Bros. What the company is looking for is a strong foundation in legal concepts, as well as an eagerness to learn. Familiarity with entertainment law, intellectual property rights, and media law is certainly a plus, but the willingness to pursue additional training and education on the job is more crucial.
Problem-solving skills are another key trait. Interns at Warner Bros are often tasked with coming up with creative solutions to complex problems, whether on the legal or innocent side of the industry. A collaborative approach is equally essential, as legal departments rely on teamwork and coordination to meet their goals and provide the best possible service to their clients.
In addition to the skills listed above, Warner Bros seeks personnel who are adaptable, self-motivated, and possess a high level of professional integrity. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness are important as well. Understanding the nuances of a global media and entertainment organization that operates in many different countries is crucial for anyone interested in long-term success in the field.
Learning and Networking Opportunities Internship
As a Warner Bros legal intern, you have a unique opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented professionals in the entertainment industry. The in-house legal department regularly hosts events that bring together legal professionals from all over the company, including network teams and production divisions. These events create a space where interns can learn about various aspects of entertainment law, making valuable connections that will set them up for future success.
Through a mentorship program, interns are paired with experienced attorneys who provide guidance and support. The mentorship program allows interns to ask questions, seek career advice, or simply chat about their favorite television shows and films. There’s always something new happening here at Warner Bros , and the legal team is happy to share the latest news about upcoming projects and releases.
Interns are also able to participate in seminars hosted by various departments, such as Human Resources or the IT division. These seminars offer a glimpse into the intricate systems and processes that keep Warner Bros operating smoothly. Whether it’s how the company handles its intellectual property or its approach to workplace diversity, these seminars offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the inner workings of a major Hollywood studio.
With a wealth of networking and professional development opportunities right at your fingertips, interning with Warner Bros legal team offers a chance to grow as a legal professional while learning from some of the best in the business.
Legal Internship Benefits and Impact on Career
Long-term, a legal internship with Warner Bros can have a major impact on your career. It can broaden your understanding of the film, television, and digital media industry, help you develop important professional contacts, and sometimes even lead to a full-time position with the company. Hiring managers within Warner Bros have told us that a legal internship is highly valued, so long as applicants are able to articulate clearly how that experience has given them insight into their chosen field. Whether you are a law student or a young lawyer, a legal internship can have a positive impact on your resume and your career. Your time spent with Warner Bros can help shape your career path, and provide you with insights that will be valuable for years to come.
What Former Warner Brothers Legal Interns Have to Say
Former interns have had a range of experiences during their time in the Warner Bros. legal department, but they have all contributed to the success of the team in different ways, and have also found themselves quickly tackling complex and meaningful work. "As an intern in Intellectual Property, for me, the most exciting and enjoyable part of the experience was getting to work on the legal strategies around the Studio Tour tram [at Universal Studios Hollywood]. I got to participate in meetings with people at Universal City and Six Flags Magic Mountain, and have real conversations about how we, as an entertainment company, can protect our assets. Plus, visiting the previous home of WB Animation was pretty amazing!" said a former legal intern in the Warner Bros. animation department. "I spent part of my time working with the people who review the majority of scripts that are pitched to WB. During that time , I read generally fun and original scripts and got feed back from the department usually within the same week! It was nice to have a taste for the process of getting material through an ending stage in the studio," said a former Warner Bros. legal intern in the Business and Legal Affairs department. "There is a lot of room to take the initiative and make it your own and the staff is always there to help you," said a former intern in the IP department at Warner Bros. "I was given the opportunity to work on various legal agreements for a possible Batman-based television show, teach students in the UNLV Thomas & Mack Pre-Law summer camp about intellectual property, and even go with my supervisor to a film shoot at Universal Studios" said a former Warner Bros. legal intern in the Litigation department.
