Legal Debates Surrounding Internships

Does your company or organization hire interns? Are they unpaid? If so, you should be aware of recent legal issues involving unpaid internships. While companies have had varying responses to recent decisions to reduce risk, the best course has yet to be determined.

At the root of this debate is the Department of Labor’s “Fact Sheet,” which provides six guiding provisions for unpaid internships. According to this document, under the Fair Labor Standards Act, some individuals have pursued litigation against organizations for poor management of interns. The first case, brought against Fox Searchlight Pictures by unpaid interns from the filming set of Black Swan, has opened the door for class-action suits from student complainants.

When reviewing your unpaid internship program, make sure to evaluate the six points included in the fact sheet and provide opportunities for students to learn and grow. Consult with your general counsel about how you should proceed with your program in the current legal environment. If you would like additional resources, please do not hesitate to contact Dave at the WPI Career Development Center at employer@wpi.edu.