Download Internships in International Law

Internships in International Law
International Courts and Tribunals
International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (The Hague)
The Internship Program of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia offers
professionals, graduate students, and undergraduate students who are in their final stages of education
the possibility to enhance their professional training in the unique environment of an international court.
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (Tanzania)
The Internship Program is geared towards providing offices at the ICTR with the assistance of students
and professionals specializing in fields relevant to the work of the Tribunal. The Internship hopes to
promote a better understanding of major global problems confronting the world and to give them an
insight into how the ICTR attempts to find solutions to the problems.
International Criminal Court (The Hague)
The ICC welcomes highly motivated candidates with outstanding academic qualifications to serve as
interns/clerks in one of the Organs of the Court for a period of up to six months. Interns/Clerks will
acquire practical experience in the implementation of international criminal justice in a unique setting.
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (Hamburg, Germany)
The purposes of the program is to give the participants the opportunity to gain an understanding of the
work and functions of the Tribunal. Participants will be expected to be able to contribute to the work of
the Tribunal in the fields of, inter alia, the law of the sea, public international law, and international
organizations.
Permanent Court of Arbitration (The Hague)
The Permanent Court of Arbitration offers internships to individuals with outstanding academic records
who wish to acquire work experience at an international arbitration institution. Interns gain insight into
both the practical and legal aspects of international arbitration.
Special Court for Sierra Leone (Sierra Leone)
The internship program will provide unique opportunities to work with the Court and contribute to its
development. Interns will be given the opportunity to work on current cases, prepare decisions, draft
opinions and work on overall issues surrounding the Court.
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (Washington, DC)
The internship provides students and recent graduates in law or other related disciplines with the
opportunity to learn about the Commission’s work. It is also an opportunity to acquire practical training in
the area of human rights.
Inter-American Court of Human Rights (San Jose, Costa Rica)
This autonomous judicial institution is part of the human rights protection system of the Organization of
American States. The Court hears and rules on the specific cases of human rights violations referred to
it and issues opinions on matters of legal interpretation.
International Human Rights Law
Human Rights First (Washington DC; New York, NY)
Human Rights First has worked in the U.S. and abroad to create a secure and humane world by
advancing justice, human dignity and respect for the rule of law. Law and graduate school students can
participate in research, writing projects, supporting Asylum casework, and an assortment of advocacy
projects.
Human Rights Watch (various locations)
Human Rights Watch offers academic semester and summer internships for graduate students in their
New York, London, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Brussels, and Berlin offices. Interns monitor human
rights developments in various countries, draft reports on human rights conditions, and engage in
advocacy efforts aimed at curtailing human rights violations.
Amnesty International (various locations)
Amnesty International USA is principally concerned with the dissemination and education of all human
rights as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Various internships are available
throughout the year in their main office in Washington DC and other regional offices.
Center for Justice and Accountability (San Francisco, CA)
The Center for Justice and Accountability works to deter torture and other severe human rights abuses
around the world by helping survivors hold their persecutors accountable. CJA currently represents
more than 40 survivors from more then twelve countries including Bosnia, Chile, China, East Timor, and
Honduras.
International Justice Mission (Washington, DC; abroad)
International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that rescues victims of violence, sexual
exploitation, slavery, and oppression. Legal interns conduct legal research and prepare memoranda of
law on international legal issues, participate in strategy meetings, and prepare case documentation.
International Commission of Jurists (Geneva)
The International Commission of Jurists is dedicated to the primacy and implementation of international
law and principles that advance human rights. The internship offers young graduates the opportunity to
gain valuable professional experience in an organization dedicated to the legal protection and promotion
of human rights.
Human Rights in China (New York, NY)
HRIC’s internships offer direct and in-depth exposure to the workings of an international human rights
organization, domestic and international advocacy work, and participation in HRIC’s projects, research
and briefings.
International Service for Human Rights (Geneva)
International Service for Human Rights' (ISHR) Internship Program is currently made up of three
programs. ISHR recruits interns for the UN monitoring team, the Education and Training Program and
the Human Rights Defenders Office.
Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights (Minneapolis, MN)
Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights is an organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of
internationally recognized human rights. Interns can play an integral role by assisting with activities
such as research, writing, client service, translation or event planning.
International Institute of Humanitarian Law (San Remo, Italy)
The IIHL is a forum for the promotion, dissemination and teaching of human rights. Interns will be
engaged in the secretariat and in the library, contributing to the organization of the courses and to the
preparation of relevant material and documents needed for the various meetings of experts held by the
IIHL.
Immigrant and Refugee Appellate Center (Alexandria, VA)
The Immigrant and Refugee Appellate Center, LLC is a law practice devoted to immigration appellate
work on behalf of aliens. IRAC encourages law students to practice their appellate skills on behalf of
indigent aliens who are on appeal and need a brief.
The Africa and Middle East Refugee Assistance Legal Aid Project (Cairo, Egypt)
The intern will assist refugee clients to prepare testimony supported by legal arguments based on
international refugee and human rights law, assist in training Egyptian lawyers and students in refugee
law and legal practice and improving policies and practices concerning refugees.
International Environmental Law
International Environmental Law Research Center (Geneva)
IELRC seeks to contribute to the development of legal and institutional frameworks that foster equitable
and sustainable environmental management at the local, national and international levels. The
organization offers various opportunities for interns in their offices.
Center for International Environmental Law (Washington, DC)
CIEL's intern/extern program offers students excellent opportunities to gain experience in the field of
international environmental law. Responsibilities of an intern include researching and writing about
areas of international law and policy; assisting with policy analysis and advocacy; attending meetings
and conferences; and otherwise working closely with CIEL staff on various projects.
United States Government
The State Department (Washington, DC; abroad)
The US Department of State offers a wide variety of opportunities for students to gain experience in a
foreign affairs environment. Some interns are placed in Washington, DC, while others have the
opportunity to work in US embassies and consulates abroad.
The Department of Justice (various locations)
The U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Government's law firm and the world's largest legal
employer, offers opportunities for law students, entry-level attorneys, and experienced attorneys in
virtually every area of legal practice.
The Department of Transportation: Office of International Law (Washington, DC)
Projects have included research and analysis of the law of executive agreements, treaty denunciation,
and dispute resolution clauses in international agreements, review of legislation affecting international
transportation, and review of orders granting license authority to U.S. and foreign air carriers in
contested adjudicatory cases.
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (Washington, DC)
Created to monitor the status of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief abroad and to
give independent policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. Work
includes researches on a variety of other international human rights and comparative law topics, as
assigned.
Commission for Security and Cooperation in Europe (Washington, DC)
Interns for the Helsinki Commission get the opportunity to work for an organization that provides a blend
of international relations, human rights, and Capitol Hill experience. Interns research Helsinki Final Actrelated issues on human rights, religious liberties, corruption and rule of law, and free media as well as a
wide range of other tasks.
Other International Organizations and NGOs
World Trade Organization (Geneva)
The WTO secretariat maintains a limited internship program for post-undergraduate students wishing to
gain practical experience and deeper knowledge of the multilateral trading system. Assignments given
to interns are intended to enhance interns' knowledge and understanding of the WTO and of trade policy
more generally.
ABA Section of International Law: International Internship Program (abroad)
The ABA Section of International Law acts as a liaison between foreign law firms and interested
students by providing a list of law firms that have agreed to host potential interns. Internships are
available in a range of countries and in various disciplines of international law.
ABA Africa Law Initiative Council (Washington, DC)
The Africa Law Initiative Council is a public service project of the ABA designed to provide assistance in
support of legal reforms and the rule of law in African countries. Intern duties include assisting Director
in all aspects of project work, including corresponding with and handling requests of ABA
representatives overseas. Monitors information flow between DC offices and overseas projects.
ABA Asia Initiative (Washington, DC)
The Asia Law Initiative is a public service project of the American Bar Association that provides
assistance in support of legal reform and the rule of law in countries in Asia. Interns perform legal
research and writing, particularly pertaining to Asian legal systems, assisting in grant proposal
development and assisting in developing training programs.
ABA CEELI (Washington, DC)
The Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative (CEELI) -- a public service project of the American
Bar Association (ABA) -- advances the rule of law by supporting the law reform process in Central and
Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. CEELI regularly offers internships for students in their
Washington, DC office.
The American Non-Governmental Organizations Coalition for the ICC (New York, NY)
AMICC is a coalition of non-governmental organizations committed to achieving full United States
support for the International Criminal Court and the earliest possible US ratification of the Court's Rome
Statute. Intern duties include researching ICC issues in the US as well as outreach to member
organizations and alliances.
Center for Justice and International Law (Washington, DC; Costa Rica; Argentina; Brazil)
By the end of their internships, interns will possess hands-on experience litigating cases before the
Inter-American Commission on Human Right, a comprehensive and realistic understanding of the InterAmerican human rights system in Latin America, and practical experience in the day to day operation of
an international NGO.
International Law Institute (Washington, DC)
ILI provides training and technical assistance to find practical solutions to the legal, economic and
financial problems of developing countries. ILI regularly offers internships for students in their
Washington, DC office.
International Republican Institute (Washington, DC)
The International Republican Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting democracy
and the rule of law throughout the world. Its programs are tailored to meet the needs of pro-democracy
activists in over 35 countries. Programs include grassroots political organizing, campaign management,
polling, parliamentary training, judicial reform and election monitoring. IRI regularly offers internships for
students in their Washington, DC office.
National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (Washington, DC)
The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is a nonprofit organization working to
strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. NDI offers throughout the year various internships
opportunities in their large range of program areas.
Other Opportunities
Everett Public Service Internship Program (various locations)
The Everett Public Service Internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students the
opportunity to participate in ten-week internships in over 55 organizations dedicated to improving the
world. Everett Interns work on substantive projects, develop professional skills, and gain knowledge
about the enormous societal impact of public service.
Blenheim Foreign Law Student Internship Program (Amsterdam)
Blenheim is a Netherlands law firm specializing in Dutch business and corporate law. Interns at
Blenheim have the opportunity to learn about international legal practice in The Netherlands. Activities
include legal research, attending meetings, and being present at court hearings.
Fellowship and Research Opportunities for Students and Professionals
Fulbright Scholars Program
The Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship program in international educational exchange.
Fulbright grants are made to U.S. citizens for a variety of educational activities, primarily university
lecturing, advanced research, and graduate study.
Human Rights First
Fellowships with Human Rights First offer recent law school graduates an opportunity to explore real
world application of international human rights law in national settings, working closely with our highly
qualified and experienced staff.
Human Rights Watch’s Alan R. and Barbara D. Finberg Fellowship
Fellows work full time for one year at Human Rights Watch, based in New York City or Washington,
D.C. Fellows monitor human rights developments in various countries, conduct on-site investigations,
draft reports on human rights conditions, and engage in advocacy aimed at publicizing and curtailing
human rights violations.
ABA CEELI Legal Analyst Fellowship
Legal practitioners have the opportunity to join CEELI's staff on a one-year contract basis as Legal
Analysts in the Office of Rule of Law Research. The Legal Analysts are relied upon to conduct in-depth
legal research and provide analysis of issues related to the rule of law and legal reform in emerging
democracies and transitioning states.
Center for International Environmental Law’s Louis B. Sohn Fellowship
This fellowship offers the opportunity for a recent law school graduate to work at the Center for
International Environmental Law in their Human Rights and Environment Program. Fellow will seek to
identify and develop connections between human rights and environmental protection.
United States Institute of Peace Research Fellowship
The Jennings Randolph Program for International Peace awards Senior Fellowships to enable
outstanding scholars to conduct research at the U.S. Institute of Peace.
Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program
To further this goal, and to strengthen the ties of friendship and understanding between the United
States and Germany, the foundation sponsors a fellowship program that enables young American
professionals to participate in an intensive work and study program in Germany.
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
The Center awards approximately 20–25 residential fellowships annually to individuals with outstanding
project proposals in a broad range of the social sciences and humanities on national and/or international
issues.
Open Society Institute International Policy Fellowships
The International Policy Fellowships Program (IPF) identifies and nurtures the next generation of open
society leaders in the countries of the former Soviet Union, Central and Eastern Europe, and Mongolia.
From 2005, IPF activities will diversify into two main program areas: an impact-oriented fellowships
program designed for leaders with proven policymaking and advocacy experience, and a public policy
capacity development program providing assistance to up-and-coming policy researchers at local and
regional levels.
Alexander von Humboldt: German Chancellor Scholarship
Ten German Chancellor Scholarships are awarded annually to prospective leaders from the US
enabling them to carry out research projects of their own choice in Germany.
Columbia Law School Human Rights Institute Teaching Fellowship
The objective is to equip participants in the Program with the academic tools and experience they will
need to embark successfully upon the path of teaching human rights law. Teaching Fellows audit
courses drawn from the human rights curricula offered at the law school and other departments within
the Columbia University system.
Columbia Law School Human Rights Institute LLM Human Rights Fellowship
Human Rights Fellows receive funding towards tuition, room, and board for the LL.M. program at
Columbia Law School. The successful LL.M. Human Rights Fellowship applicant is committed to
human rights scholarship and/or advocacy and intends to work in the human rights field following
completion of the program.
Crowley Program in International Human Rights Teaching Fellowship
The Crowley Program is administered by a fellow who is a law school graduate. The Fellow, as a
member of the adjunct faculty, will teach an elective seminar in human rights in preparation for the
annual fact-finding mission during the spring semester.
U.S. Agency for International Development World Learning Democracy Fellows Program
The Democracy Fellows Program places fellows in USAID/Washington and in USAID missions
overseas. Democracy Fellows help to strengthen democratic institutions, programs, practices and
activities in emerging and transitional democracies.
Organization of American States Fellowship
Every year, the Agency provides several hundred fellowships for undergraduate and graduate studies
and research at universities through out the region and awards for specialized, short-term training at
educational institutions and training centers in OAS Member and Observer States.
New Voices Fellowship Program
New Voices is a national leadership development program that helps nonprofit organizations recruit
innovative, new talent. It awards salary-support grants to small nonprofits demonstrating a commitment
to cultivating and strengthening the leadership potential of creative and diverse "new voices" in the field.
Carr Center for Human Rights Policy Fellowships
The Carr Center for Human Rights Policy Fellows Programs bring together a diverse group of human
rights practitioners, scholars and activists to conduct research on human rights policy, contribute to the
Center's programs, and participate in broader dialogue with students, faculty and researchers in the
Harvard community.
UN Institute for Training and Research Fellowship Programme in International Law
The Fellowship Programme is jointly organized by the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs and the
United Nations Insitute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The fellowships are intended to enable
qualified professionals from developing countries and countries with economies in transition, in
particular mid-level government officials and young university teachers of international law, to acquire
additional knowledge on international law and on the legal work of the United Nations and its associated
bodies.
Pro-Bono Opportunities
ABA Africa Law Initiative Council
This project focuses on training, capacity building, and building partnerships and collaborations in Africa.
The Council coordinates the Association's programs and projects in Africa
ABA CEELI International Legal Liaison Program
Through the Liaison and Legal Specialist Program, attorneys, judges and law professors volunteer as
liaisons in host countries for at least one year. Working closely with a host country's legal community in
a spirit of long-term trust and cooperation, a liaison develops and carries out legal assistance projects to
help meet the host country's needs. As CEELI's primary representatives in the field, liaisons coordinate
reform efforts with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Justice and
other assistance providers; implement work plans; and manage the office.
ABA Iraq Initiative
Legal Specialists provide expertise and assistance on specific projects for periods ranging from several
weeks to one year. The ABA will need legal specialists to provide support on a wide variety of topics,
including constitutional law, women's legal rights, judicial training, criminal law, public legal education
and more.
Center for Justice and Accountability
Law Firms have the opportunity to commit varying amounts of time and resources to help CJA bring
their cases to trial and hold human rights abusers accountable. Each case depends on the generous
pro bono support of attorneys and their firms.
DC Bar Directory of Pro Bono Opportunities in International Law
A comprehensive guide that lists various pro bono opportunities in the field of International Law. The
Directory features timely, concise information about more than 60 prospects for interested attorneys.
Lawyers Without Borders (Hartford, CT)
Lawyers Without Borders is the world’s largest group of volunteer lawyers from around the globe who
stand ready to offer pro-bono services to worldwide projects and initiatives. LWOB provides legal
support to rule of law projects and initiatives in human rights and nation building.
The Immigration and Human Rights Committee of the D.C. Bar International Law Section
Volunteers are needed to staff the bimonthly Free Legal Advice and Referral Clinic. Attorneys meet with
non-citizens that have immigration questions or concerns, offer general information about immigration
law, and refer them to local legal or social service agencies for further assistance and/or representation.