Unpaid Internship Investigation

Unpaid internships are on the rise at large corporations, and recent investigations have revealed that some employers have used the recession as an excuse to exploit their unpaid interns. College students typically use internships as a way to get workplace experience and to build their resumes. Even if you weren’t paid for the work, you still have rights.

How do I know if I should have been paid at my unpaid internship?

Federal employment law requires that unpaid interns:

Not replace a paid worker by having an unpaid intern doing the same job. Did it seem like you and your fellow interns replaced someone that had just been let go?

Receiving training other than what they would receive through a vocational or academic program. Did your “training” consistently involve running errands and picking up lunch?

Perform work designed to enrich the unpaid intern, and not perform work primarily for the immediate benefit and/or increase in production for the employer. Were you consistently asked to answer phones, make copies, sort mail, etc.?

Your unpaid internship is supposed to be a learning experience to help prepare you for the workplace – not an opportunity for employers to replace paid workers with your free labor. If this sounds like your experience at your unpaid internship, you may be entitled to unpaid wages. Fill out our free case review on the right side of this page. Employers can't retaliate against you for speaking with a lawyer or for trying to protect your legal rights.

What Can You Do?

Protect your rights and take action. If you are over the age of 18 and believe your employer is taking advantage of you through your unpaid college internship – we want to hear from you. A Zimmerman Reed attorney will conduct a free confidential case analysis. If you have questions and would like to speak with someone, please contact us directly at 800-755-0098. We welcome any questions you may have. All information you submit will be kept confidential. Employers can't retaliate against you for speaking with a lawyer or for trying to protect your legal rights.