The IBA's Human Rights Institute (London)

In 1995, the IBA established its Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) under the Honorary Presidency of Nelson Mandela, to fulfil its objectives to promote and protect human rights and the independence of the legal profession under a just rule of law.

In order to advance our objectives, the IBAHRI undertakes a variety of projects to build capacity, lobby for change and highlight issues of international concern to the public, the media and the legal community. Our core activities include training for lawyers and judges; capacity building with bar associations and law societies; undertaking high-level fact-finding missions; and conducting trial observations. The IBAHRI also works on a number of thematic programmes.

HRI Interns

IBAHRI interns are invaluable to the work of the Institute. Typical tasks undertaken by interns include:

• researching and drafting country background reports for IBAHRI missions;
• conducting legal research in thematic areas;
• drafting intervention letters;
• researching and drafting project briefing notes;
• trial monitoring;
• media monitoring and press summaries;
• researching the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession; and
• supporting IBAHRI events.

Skills and experience required:

• advanced studies in international human rights and/or humanitarian law; excellent legal research and analysis skills;
• experience of legal writing and drafting;
• strong interpersonal oral and written skills;
• familiarity with internet- based research; and
• fluency in Spanish, French or Arabic an asset.

HRI Communications Intern

The IBAHRI communications intern is invaluable to the work of the Institute. Typical tasks undertaken by the intern include:

• researching and drafting country-specific, media background reports for IBAHRI projects;
• media monitoring and press summaries;
• drafting press releases, e-newsletters and other communications materials;
• compiling media and other contact lists;
• proofreading and copy-editing IBAHRI communications;
• monitoring and recording press coverage;
• monitoring and reporting on web and social media activity; and
• supporting IBAHRI events.

Skills and experience required:

• undergraduate degree (Media, social science or related field);
• demonstrated desire to work in a media, communications role;
• excellent research and analytical skills;
• excellent verbal and written communications skills, with experience synthesizing complex messages for a variety of audiences;
• IT literate with knowledge of web and social media, ideally with experience of using Content Management Systems;
• creative thinker with a flexible approach to working;
• commitment to the aims and objectives of IBAHRI; and
• fluency in Spanish, French or Arabic an asset.

Location and contact

Please read 'Applying for internships - procedure' in the next section. 

Mrs Helen Ugwu
Intern Programme Manager
International Bar Association
4th Floor, 10 St Bride Street
London, EC4A 4AD
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)20 7842 0090
internprogramme@int-bar.org

More information on the IBAHRI

The Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) is the department within the International Bar Association that undertakes research and develops and implements innovative strategies, projects and initiatives that are relevant to business and the rule of law, the global legal profession and the broader global community. For more information about the work and current LPRU projects click here

LPRU interns are supervised by staff lawyers with international experience in a range of commercial areas and with a strong interest in issues affecting the legal profession.

Typical projects undertaken by interns include:

• Conducting legal research, drafting reports and working papers in variety of legal ethics and compliance, anti-corruption, social media and the legal profession, business and human rights, whistleblowing, digital Identity and judicial integrity;
• Assisting in conducting legal surveys and analysing survey results;
• Updating information for websites;
• Contributing to IBA and external publications;
• Supporting the planning and development of new international legal projects;
• Supporting the expansion of strategic global initiatives such as the IBA OECD UNODC Anti-Corruption Strategy for the Legal Profession.

Skills and experience required:

• Advanced studies in business and economic law (Masters / PhD level preferred);
• excellent research, writing and analysis skills;
• strong interpersonal oral and written skills;
• familiarity with computer based legal research;
• fluency in Spanish, French or Arabic an asset.

Location and contact

Please read 'Applying for internships - procedure' in the next section

Mrs Helen Ugwu
Intern Programme Manager
International Bar Association
4th Floor, 10 St Bride Street
London, EC4A 4AD
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)20 7842 0090
internprogramme@int-bar.org

More information on the LPRU

Please make sure you apply to only one of the above internships: Human Rights Internship / Human Rights Communications Internship / Commercial and Business Law Internship.   

The interns to the IBA’s Executive Director are invaluable to the work of the IBA. Typical tasks undertaken by interns include:

• conducting legal research in thematic areas;
• researching and drafting background briefing memos on topical subjects and legal developments related to IHL and ICL;
• researching and preparing case notes and conducting remote trial monitoring;
• conducting media monitoring and writing media briefings;
• researching the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession;
• conducting legal research that contributes to IBA events and international conferences.

Skills and experience required:

• completion of a relevant undergraduate degree (for students following the USA system, candidates must have also completed the first year of a JD)
• advanced studies in one or more of the following areas: International Human Rights Law; International Humanitarian Law and; International Criminal Law (postgraduate studies desirable);
• excellent legal research and analysis skills;
• experience of legal writing and drafting;
• strong interpersonal oral and written skills;
• with familiarity IHL or ICL internship or work experience preferable and;
• internet- based research.

Location and contact

Please read 'Applying for internships - procedure' in the next section

Mrs Helen Ugwu
Intern Programme Manager
International Bar Association
4th Floor, 10 St Bride Street
London, EC4A 4AD
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)20 7842 0090
internprogramme@int-bar.org

The IBA opened its North America office in Washington DC in August 2013. The mission of this office is threefold:

1. Serve and expand its membership in North America, namely international lawyers, but also law schools and law students. 
2. Engage in public service, including the implementation of programmes that promote the rule of law and human rights in the developing world and North America. 
3. Provide thought leadership on issues critical to the legal profession, the rule of law and human rights throughout the world.   

Typical projects undertaken by interns include:

• Developing concept papers and grant proposals in the field of international development;
• researching & writing remarks for conferences, some of which may be converted into academic papers for publication;
• assisting with logistics, media solicitations, panellist selection and support for conferences and round tables;
• organising and contributing to IBA reports & internal research database and analysing evolving trends in legal profession or international development;
• assisting with expense logging and financial tracking, document creation, meeting preparation, recording of minutes, and outreach.

Skills and experience required:

• Excellent research, writing and analysis skills;
• strong interpersonal oral and written skills;
• self-motivation and emotional intelligence;
• mastery of computer/internet-based research;
• experience organising or contributing to workshops and/or seminars;
• experience abroad is an advantage;
• fluency in a foreign language is a plus.

Location and contact

Please read 'Applying for internships - procedure' in the next section

Ms Sosseh Prom
Program Associate
International Bar Association, North America Office
1667 K Street NW, Suite 1230
Washington, DC 20006

Phone: +1 202 827 3274
sosseh.prom@int-bar.org

International criminal law (ICL) interns are based in the IBA Hague office in the Peace Palace in The Hague, supporting the IBA ICC and ICL programme.

The International Bar Association (IBA) commenced the IBA International Criminal Court (ICC) programme in 2005. The Programme monitors issues related to fairness and equality of arms at the ICC and other Hague-based war crimes tribunals and encourages the legal community to engage with the work of these Courts. The IBA’s work includes thematic legal analysis of proceedings, and ad hoc evaluations of legal, administrative and institutional issues which could potentially affect the rights of defendants, the impartiality of proceedings and the development of international justice.

The Programme also acts as the interface between the Courts and the global legal community. As such, special focus is placed on monitoring emerging issues of particular relevance to lawyers and collaborating with key partners on specific activities to increase engagement of the legal community on ICC and ICL issues.

Programme information is disseminated through regular reports, expert discussions, workshops and other events and expert legal analysis on issues relevant to our mandate.

Based at the Peace Palace in The Hague the IBA’s ICC & ICL programme consults and interacts with Courts’ officials, civil society organisations, academics and international lawyers.

Main responsibilities

• Extensive research and writing;
• Collection of material for IBA reports;
• Analysis of evolving ICL jurisprudence and policy developments;
• Preparation of briefing notes for meetings, presentations and events;
• Assist with updating the Programme pages on the IBA website;
• Assist with organising internal database of research material;
• Assist with routine office administration as required.

Skills and experience

• Advanced studies in international criminal, humanitarian and/or human rights law;
• Excellent research, writing and analysis skills;
• Strong interpersonal oral and written skills;
• Familiarity with computer based research;
• Fluent written and spoken English;
• Experience organising workshops and or seminars an advantage;
• Prior intern experience at the ICC, ICTY or other international organization is an advantage.

How to apply

Send an e-mail to Hague.internprogramme@int-bar.org . The email must include the following documents:

Internship hours and duration

Internships are for a minimum of 12 weeks and a maximum of six months. Internships are full-time, Monday to Friday, up to 40 hours per week. Hours of work are usually 9.30am to 5.30pm with one hour for lunch.

Interns are given two days' holiday per calendar month working with the IBA.

Location and contact

Please read 'Applying for internships' - procedure' in the next section

Please send your application to:

Aurélie Roche-Mair
Director, Hague Office
International Bar Association
Peace Palace, Carnegieplein 2
2517 KJ The Hague

Hague.internprogramme@int-bar.org
 

For general queries regarding the internship programme, please contact:

Mrs Helen Ugwu
Intern Programme Manager
International Bar Association
4th Floor, 10 St Bride Street
London, EC4A 4AD
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)20 7842 0090

• Covering letter - this should set out the following:
  • Why you wish to be considered for an Intern position
  • The dates when you would be able to take up your position
  • Specific research and other experience commensurate with the position
  • Full Curriculum Vitae (CV / resume)
  • Application form (click here to download- you MUST save this form to your computer before filling it in)
  • Writing sample: The writing sample could be a legal essay that you have written for your college degree programme or a report that you have written on a legal topic of interest. Sample must be in English only and not more than 15 pages in length.
  • Letter of reference: preferably from an academic tutor, former employer or supervisor that will mention your academic background and suitability for the internship programme. The letter should be sent by email with the application or directly to the IBA/ICC Programme Director.

How many other interns will be working at the IBA?

In London, there is space for ten interns per three month intake and we always aim to fill all places. However, at the start and end of internship periods, there may be times when there are fewer interns in the office. In Washington DC, there are generally 1-2 interns at a time.

Where do interns come from?

We have interns join us from around the world. 

What is the dress code for interns?

Smart clothes, such as trousers, blouses, shirts and skirts are fine. Men must be smart but suits are not necessary. No jeans or trainers unless there is an official 'dress down Friday'.

What is the minimum level of education required in order to undertake an IBA internship?

We ideally hope to receive applications from postgraduate law students; however, the nature and scope of the work involved means that to be eligible, you must have completed at minimum one year of an undergraduate law degree.

What is the average age of interns?

Interns generally range from 20 to 35 years of age, but interns of any age are welcome.

Can I have a paid job whilst working as an intern at the IBA?

We understand that you may need to work part time in order to support yourself financially. However, we will expect you to continue to work full time at the IBA.

Who will I be working with?

Depending on the project you are working on, you will either report to members of staff in the IBA office or deal via e-mail and phone with other prominent international lawyers.

How will I be treated?

As an intern, you will be treated as an IBA member of staff and will get invited to office parties, celebrations and staff lunches.

What is a typical day like whilst I am an intern?

It is difficult to summarise what a typical day is like being an intern, as it is dependent on the type of projects you are working on. The work you do is not simply like writing an essay, which does not get used when you leave. You will be contributing to research that could ultimately secure funding for a project, assist local bars with undertaking their own training and capacity building, as well as writing speeches and academic papers that form the basis of the work of the IBA.

For typical projects, see the IBA and interns' work boxes above.

When to apply/intake periods

We try to keep interns in blocks of three months because of office space considerations, so ask that you suggest dates within these blocks of dates when applying. We may be flexible on start dates if these do not correspond to your semester.

Applications for each intake period are not reviewed until after the relevant closing date. It is best to submit your application not more than 1-2 months in advance of the closing date so that the information provided is up to date.

How to apply

 Send the following explaining your interest in the IBA Internship Programme (addresses below):

1. Covering letter - this should set out the following:
     - Why you wish to be considered for an intern position
     - The dates you would be able to take up your position
     - Specific research experience and areas of law that you are interested in
    
2. Full Curriculum Vitae (CV / resume)
    
3. Application form (you must save this form to your computer before filling it in):
   • APPLICATION FORM FOR AN IBA INTERNSHIP POSITION – London
   • APPLICATION FORM FOR AN IBA INTERNSHIP POSITION – North America office, Washington DC
   • APPLICATION FORM FOR AN IBA INTERNSHIP POSTION - The Hague
      
4. Writing sample* - The writing sample could be a legal essay that you have written for your college degree programme or a report that you have written on a legal topic of interest. Sample must be in English only and not more than 4-5 pages in length. Because of the nature of the internship placements, much of the work will involve writing reports, letters, or assisting in the preparation of academic articles. The writing sample is useful for us to see how you structure a piece of written work and how you form and support an argument.
    
5. Letter of reference - a letter from an academic tutor or employer mentioning your academic background, personality and suitability for the internship programme. This should be sent directly by your referee. If you are applying for funding, your academic referee should state their opinion on your eligibility to receive a grant as part of their overall reference.

To find out what former interns are now doing, please look at our Intern Alumni pages.

Applications, reference letters and questions regarding London internships should be sent via e-mail to internprogramme@int-bar.org or by post to:

Mrs Helen Ugwu
Intern Programme Manager
International Bar Association
4th Floor, 10 St Bride Street
London, EC4A 4AD
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)20 7842 0090

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Applications, reference letters and questions regarding internships in Washington DC should be sent via e-mail to sosseh.prom@int-bar.org or by post to:

Ms Sosseh Prom, Program Associate
International Bar Association, North America Office
1667 K Street NW, Suite 1230
Washington, DC 20006

Phone: +1 202 827 3274

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Applications, reference letters and questions regarding internships in The Hague office should be sent via e-mail to Hague.internprogramme@int-bar.org or by post to:

Please send your application to: Aurélie Roche-Mair
Director, Hague Office
International Bar Association
Peace Palace, Carnegieplein 2
2517 KJ The Hague
Email: Hague.internprogramme@int-bar.org

Covering letter - this should set out the following:

• Why you wish to be considered for an Intern position
• The dates when you would be able to take up your position
• Specific research and other experience commensurate with the position

Full Curriculum Vitae (CV / resume)

Application form (click here to download - you MUST save this form to your computer before filling it in)

Writing sample: The writing sample could be a legal essay that you have written for your college degree programme or a report that you have written on a legal topic of interest. Sample must be in English only and not more than 15 pages in length.

Letter of reference: preferably from an academic tutor, former employer or supervisor that will mention your academic background and suitability for the internship programme. The letter should be sent by email with the application or directly to the IBA/ICC Programme Director.

 

How long will it take before I hear whether I have been selected?

Once the IBA is in receipt of ALL the information required, it will take a minimum of four weeks after the closing date to hear whether you have been selected.

The offer of any internship is conditional upon you being able to satisfy eligibility criteria to work in the relevant country in accordance with applicable immigration rules. Due to the high volume of applications that the IBA receives, offers will remain open for acceptance for 10 working days from the date of the offer. If we do not hear from you within that period we will assume that the offer is rejected and it will be withdrawn and offered to the next successful applicant.

You will need to confirm your acceptance of the internship place within ten days of receiving the offer. We will then send you an Offer Letter and detailed information about the programme.

Once an internship place has been offered by the IBA, interns must consult their nearest British, Dutch or US mission for details on visa requirements. The offer of any internship is conditional upon you being able to satisfy eligibility criteria to work in the relevant country, in accordance with applicable immigration rules. You are strongly advised to establish your immigration status as soon as possible.

Obtaining a visa

All offers are conditional upon ability to satisfy immigration requirements.  If your visa application is declined, there is little that the IBA can do to help and you would be unable to take up your position.

Eligibility to intern in the UK

The IBA operates an equal opportunities policy and as such we welcome applications from everyone regardless of nationality or immigration status.  However, it will be a condition of any internship offer that prior to commencing the internship placement, you are able to present evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK as at the commencement date.

The IBA therefore strongly advises all intern applicants to contact UK Visas and Immigration and/or the British mission in their home country to get the latest updated information on what they will require to be able to enter the United Kingdom in order to undertake an IBA internship.

Please note that if you hold a Tier 4 Student Visa which will expire either before the internship is due to start or during the dates of the internship placement, this will not allow you to be able to commence the internship.  If your Tier 4 Student Visa has expired or will expire during the dates of the internship placement or you do not have an alternative valid UK Visa allowing you to work in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Tier 5 Temporary Worker Visa.  This may be possible via your home country or through BUNAC (more information below).  Any such applications may require a return to your home country before re-entering the UK if you are currently working or studying in the UK.

If you hold a Tier 4 Student Visa that is valid for the dates of your internship, you may be restricted on your ability to work for only 20 hours per week during term time (full-time outside of term time).  Unfortunately, as the IBA is only able to offer intern placements on a full-time basis (eg, 35 hours per week), we would therefore require written confirmation of your term dates and holidays from your educational institution/university before considering your application further.

Finally, please note that the IBA cannot itself provide Certificates of Sponsorship for intern placements.

BUNAC is an organisation which can facilitate volunteering and work opportunities in the UK.  They are currently authorised by the UK Border Agency to issue Certificates of Sponsorship to successful applicants who can then apply for a Tier 5 Temporary Worker Visa before entering Britain. BUNAC accepts applications all year round from students or recent graduates of any nationality in need of sponsorship. To be eligible you must be:

• Aged 18 or over;
• Currently a full-time student in an Associate’s Degree or above, or recent graduate within the past 12 months;
• Hold a current valid passport from outside the EEA;
• Hold an acceptable internship offer in the UK for up to 6 months;
• Have sufficient support funds;
• Hold an IELTs score of 6.0+ if from a non-English speaking country;

For further information, visit the BUNAC website. All interns are responsible for paying BUNAC for their service.

The above-mentioned immigration categories are available at date of writing. UK immigration rules are subject to change.  We, therefore strongly suggest that you revert to the Government website for up to date guidance on the options open to you.

Visa for the USA

All applicants must ensure that they are legally permitted to work in the United States. Applicants from outside the U.S. must be able to comply with and obtain their own J-1 visas. Please consult the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor website for a list of Designated Sponsor Organisations.

Funding

You will need to be able to support yourself whilst interning with the IBA. The IBA will pay research expenses such as trips to libraries, etc. Please bear in mind that accommodation and travel are expensive in London. Accommodation is also relatively expensive in The Hague and Washington DC. Public transit tends to be costly in DC.

London

The IBA Educational Trust is granting funding (to a maximum of £2000 each) in the London office to students who would not otherwise be able to take up the position due to financial constraints. Priority is given to applicants from developing countries, but other applicants will be considered. Please note that only applicants for internships in London are eligible to apply for this funding.

• Download IBA Educational Trust application form for London internships.
• Download IBA Educational Trust application form for the Hague internships.

The Hague

The IBA Educational Trust is granting funding (to a maximum of €2000 each) in the Hague office to students who would not otherwise be able to take up the position due to financial constraints. Priority is given to applicants from developing countries, but other applicants will be considered.

• Download IBA Educational Trust application form for the Hague internships.

The Hague

For internships in the Hague office, the IBA Human Rights Institute Trust is granting funding (to a maximum of €2000 each) to students who would not otherwise be able to take up the position due to financial constraints. If you wish to be considered for this funding, please complete the IBA Human Rights Institute Trust funding application form and submit it with your complete ICC Programme Internship application. Please note that only applicants for internships in The Hague will be considered, and funding is not guaranteed upon receipt of application.

North America (Washington DC)

There is no funding available for internships in Washington DC at this time.

• Download the IBA Human Rights Institute Trust application form for Hague internships.
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Accommodation

Interns are responsible for finding their own accommodation. In London, you may want to search flat share websites such as www.spareroom.co.uk or try the Youth Hostel Association or Halls of Residence in local universities to see if they have any space. In Washington DC, you may want to search for short-term lease options using online tools like www.apartmentfinder.com.