Unpaid Internships in New York

With summer approaching, your company may be considering offering unpaid internships. While
unpaid internships historically have been common practice among companies, there are strict legal
rules governing them.

All unpaid internships must satisfy a host of criteria, including, but not limited to, the intern not
doing the work of a regular employee and always being subject to close supervision.

Notices for unpaid internships are also subject to specific legal requirements. In addition, there
may be other obligations imposed on the employer, such as ensuring interns are covered by
Worker’s Compensation.

Unpaid internships can be a mutually rewarding experience for the company and the intern, but it
is important that companies adhere to the legal requirements for such programs. Otherwise, the
company might be subject to financial penalties.

Please contact us for further guidance on this or any other matter.

Contacting Pavia & Harcourt LLP

Questions regarding matters discussed in this publication or any other matters may be directed to
Adam D. Mitzner at amitzner@pavialaw.com.

About Pavia & Harcourt LLP

Established in 1951, Pavia & Harcourt LLP is a business law firm concentrating in international
commercial and corporate transactions, banking, media and entertainment, real estate, litigation
and arbitration, intellectual property, estate planning and administration, and matrimonial law.
We are based in New York City.

This publication by Pavia & Harcourt LLP is for information purposes only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice or opinions on specific facts or matters, nor does its distribution establish an attorney-client relationship. This material may constitute Attorney Advertising as defined by the New York Court Rules. As required by New York law, we hereby advise you that prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.