Effective project scoping and mentorship are critical to intern success and project outcomes.
6.1 Effective Project Scoping
Principles
- “Reduce scope rather than compromise on good development practices”
- Ensure tasks are appropriately challenging without being overwhelming
- Build in flexibility for unexpected complexity
- Communicate transparently about delays or scope changes
Scoping Framework
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Problem Statement | Clear articulation of the challenge or need |
| Objectives | Specific, measurable goals |
| Deliverables | Concrete outputs expected |
| Timeline | Realistic schedule with milestones |
| Resources | Tools, data, and support available |
| Success Criteria | How outcomes will be evaluated |
| Constraints | Limitations and boundaries |
6.2 Mentorship Best Practices
Setting Clear Expectations
- Define roles and responsibilities to avoid confusion
- Collaborate on measurable skill-building objectives
- Explain how intern work impacts project and company goals
- Establish regular check-in cadence
Progressive Autonomy
- Start with close supervision and clear instructions
- Encourage independent problem-solving before seeking help
- Assign small decision-making opportunities
- Debrief outcomes to enhance learning
- Build confidence through increasing independence
Structured Support
- Assign a working professional as primary mentor
- Provide access to subject matter experts
- Create opportunities for networking and exposure
- Offer feedback that is specific, actionable, and timely
6.3 Program Design Elements
Effective internship programs include:
Orientation and Onboarding
- Introduction to company culture and values
- Overview of legal/compliance function
- Technical systems training
- Project briefing and context-setting
Learning Opportunities
- Social and networking events
- Exposure to different practice areas
- Mentorship from senior professionals
- Skills workshops and training sessions
Project Support
- Regular one-on-one meetings with mentor
- Access to resources and documentation
- Clear escalation paths for blockers
- Opportunities for feedback and iteration
Legal Intern Best Practices Series
This is Part 6 of a 10-part series on best practices for designing capstone projects for legal interns at AI companies.
- Part 1: Best Practices for Intern Capstone Projects
- Part 2: Leveraging Legal Expertise in AI Company Settings
- Part 3: Intersection of Law and AI
- Part 4: Successful Examples of Legal-Tech Intern Projects
- Part 5: Skills Development Goals
- Part 6: Project Scoping and Mentorship (You are here)
- Part 7: Deliverable Formats
- Part 8: Evaluation Criteria
- Part 9: Specific Project Ideas
- Part 10: Resources and References