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INTERNATIONAL

CAREERS GUIDE

2014

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LAWSOC EXECUTIVE

Sharon SunVice-President (International Careers)

Henry SitAsia Careers Director

Hannah PhuaCareers Marketing Coordinator

Wilson NgheInternational Corporate Careers Director

Dennis XinInternational Corporate Careers Director

Angelina YurlovaInternational Careers Publications Director

Oliver MooreInternational Public Interest Director

Benjamin HeenanCo-President

Marie IskanderCo-President

THANK YOU TO OUR 2014 SPONSORS

International Careers Guide SponsorsDavis Polk & WardwellFreshfields, Bruckhaus, DeringerLinklaters (Hong Kong)Linklaters (United Kingdom)

2014 Hong Kong Law Fair Sponsors AshurstAllen and OveryBaker & McKenzieCity University of Hong KongClifford ChanceDavid Polk & WardwellDLA PiperFreshfields, Bruckhaus, DeringerHogan LovellsLatham WatkinsLinklatersOrrick, Herrington & SutcliffeSimmons & SimmonsSkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & FlomThe University of Hong Kong

Copyright

© 2014 UNSW Law Society.This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced or stored by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of the UNSW Law Society.

Disclaimer The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the UNSW Law Society, the editor, or the UNSW Faculty of Law. Although the editor and authors have taken every care in preparing and writing the guide, they expressly disclaim and accept no liability for any errors, omissions, misuse or misunderstandings on the part of any person who uses or relies upon it. The editor, authors and UNSW Law Society accept no responsibility for any damage, injury or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether law student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication.

Catherine ChanTim ChiangPhilip ChrystalJulia DolleschelLaura FerraroGordon Finlayson Grace Ip

Aline JaeckelAmrita KapurAden KnaapGreemn LimDr Lucas LixinskiBernard LungAdrien Ng

Prof Colin PickerSephora Sultana Mavis SunCharlene WongVictor Yip

THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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CONTENTSINTRODUCTIONVice President of International CareersWelcome from the 2014 UNSW Law PresidentsInternational Careers Publications Director

INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE CAREERSInternational Corporate Careers DirectorsInternational DeanNetworking

HONG KONGAsia Careers DirectorWorking in Hong KongHow to QualifyAdviceDavis Polk & WardellFreshfields Bruckhaus DeringerInterview – Charlene WongInterview – Tim Chiang Linklaters (HK)Interview – Mavis SunHong Kong Law Fair 2014 & Firm PresentationsDoing Your Own Research

UNITED KINGDOMPractising Law in the United KingdomLinklaters (UK)Interview – Laura FerraroInterview – Bernard LungInterview – Aden Knaap

EUROPEWorking in SwitzerlandWorking in HungaryWorking in Germany

UNITED STATESPractising Law in the United StatesDoing Your Own Research

INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERSPublic Interest DirectorUN & Associated Organisations Legal InternshipsInterview – Greemn LimInterview – Sephora SultanaInterview – Aline JaeckelInterview – Amrita Kapur NGO Positions

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Introduction

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International Careers Vice-President,UNSW Law Society

B Com/LLB (4th year)University of New South Wales

A message fromThe Vice-President of International Careers

This year, the International Careers Guide is separated from the Australian Careers Guide to provide a more streamlined and specialised focus on international careers.

Pursuing a career overseas requires extensive research on what is required to work in a different legal jurisdiction, differences in working culture, and the processes you need to take when applying for the clerkship or job. We have collected a range of personal testimonies from students and professionals who provide invaluable insight on their experiences working abroad.

The guide is designed to provide students with an overview of what job opportunities are available in the international market and to encourage students to think about working overseas in the future. I hope you will find something in this guide that interests you. Happy reading and goodluck!

SHARON SUN

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A message fromThe 2014 UNSW Law Presidents

Welcome from the 2014 UNSW Law Society Presidents

As Co-Presidents of the UNSW Law Society we are pleased to be introducing to you the 2014 International Careers Guide.

The UNSW Law School is one of the top law schools in the world and as such our students are highly sought after by international firms and organisations. Entering into an international career after your law degree offers you an array of opportunities and experiences that you may not be able to acquire at a national level. For this reason we highly encourage our members to consider using this Guide when making an informed decision about legal careers available and the possibilities of taking up a global career.

The Guide will provide you with detailed information about a range of international firms – from the type of work they undertake to how their graduate programs are structured and timed. We are particularly pleased to see that the 2014 Guide has also dedicated a focus towards public interest international organisations – so there is information available to accommodate for all law students.

The International Careers team, with the help of their Vice-President (International Careers), Sharon Sun, have done a stellar job in putting this Guide together for our UNSW Law Society members and we trust that you will find this Guide particularly useful. All the best with your applications!

Benjamin Heenan & Marie IskanderCo-Presidents | UNSW Law Society 2014

BENJAMIN HEENAN & MARIE ISKANDER

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International Careers Publications Director,UNSW Law SocietyBA/LLB (2nd year)

University of New South Wales

A message fromThe International Careers Publications Director

HOW TO READ THIS GUIDE

We have created a sleek, easy to follow and comprehensive International Careers Guide. There are three main sections, these being Introduction, International Corporate Careers and International Public Interest Careers, which are all colour coded for your convenience (Purple, Green and Red, respectively). The Guide features interviews from a diverse cross-section of individuals, ranging from law students to UNSW academics, to provide you with practical and worthwhile advice. We have also included a myriad of useful links throughout the guide for you to explore.

International Corporate Careers

This section is further divided into Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Europe and United States, which cover the most popular and sought-after destinations by Australian law students looking to study abroad. This section also features a number of top tier firm profiles and related interviews from students who either did clerkships or participated in the various initiatives offered by the firms.

International Public Interest Careers

This section is comprised of detailed profiles regarding UN legal internships and NGO positions, accompanied by a number of individuals who share their personal experience with the public interest sector.

I hope that the vibrant colours, visuals and design elements facilitate a close and engaging reading of the 2014 International Careers Guide.

ANGELINA YURLOVA

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International Corporate Careers

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A message fromInternational Corporate Careers Directors

We are one of the top law schools in Australia and as a result UNSW law students are favoured by law firms around the world. The international careers team have partnered with law firms from Hong Kong and London to organise numerous careers events, including a Hong Kong law fair and information sessions to inform UNSW students about international opportunities. I encourage all UNSW law students to attend as many events as possible.

WILSON NGHE

I encourage all of you to explore career possibilities beyond what’s available in Australia. By doing a little research, you will discover there are so many places in the world your UNSW

Law Degree can take you. The student contributions that follow reveal that our students have been successful building careers

as diverse as Corporate Law in London, Human Rights Law in the Netherlands, Clerkships in Hong Kong, and Master’s Degrees in the

United States. Hopefully the information and insights provided by this guide will be a valuable leaping off point as you chart you careers

in the law.

International Corporate Careers Director, UNSW Law Society

B Com/LLB (3rd year)

International Corporate Careers Director, UNSW Law Society

B Com/LLB (5th year)

DENNIS XIN

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Colin Picker is the International Associate Dean at the University of New South Wales Law School. A graduate of Yale Law School, and a former clerk on a Federal Court of Appeals in the United States, he has extensive insight into legal practice in Australia, America, and in a number of other jurisdictions across the world.

COLIN PICKER

A message fromThe International Associate Dean

What motivates UNSW students to apply to work in abroad – in Hong Kong, New York, or London?

It is actually lifestyle decisions that tend to motivate our students to pursue a career in those major international cities. A lot of people want to experience living in one of those two cities. Another motivating factor might be that the most elite law firms in New York and London receive the most challenging and engaging transactions and cases anywhere in the world. That being said, the lawyers at top Australian law firms also have opportunities to do very interesting and difficult work, so the main motivating factor is definitely the lifestyle choice.

What different pathways are there to practising law in the United States?

There are two different pathways to securing a position at an American law firm for Australian graduates. The more common way is to first become a lawyer at a prominent law firm in Australia. After you have a few years of experience, you can either be posted overseas by that firm, or you can apply to foreign law firms laterally. As an Australian lawyer working overseas, you will be involved in either Australian law with Australian clients in America, or you will be working on transnational law. It is rare that an Australian lawyers working in America will be practising American law.

The second way is to apply to study a Master of Law (LLM) at an accredited American Law School. This is more complicated, because not all state jurisdictions in America allow you to take the bar exam, and become a qualified attorney as a foreign graduate with a United States LLM. LLM is only a one year degree, and many states require a three year JD degree to be eligible for the bar exam.

There are some states, however, where an LLM from an American Law School will qualify you for the bar exam. New York and California are such states.

What about pathways to practising law in London?

It is actually very similar for London. Most UNSW graduates who practice law in London are lateral hires who have a few years of experience at a prominent Australian law firm. There are a small number each year who have completed Masters Degrees at universities in the United Kingdom and been hired as solicitors or barristers directly.

What about working in the Not for Profit Legal Sector in America?

The best path to securing a position at a not for profit organisation in America would be to apply for a position at an international organisation like World Bank or International Monetary Fund as an experienced lawyer. These international organisations have quotas for how many Americans and how many Australians they take in each year. Top American Public Interest Organisations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, the NAACP Legal Defence Fund, and the National Public Defenders typically only consider hiring experienced lawyers from prestigious law firms, or stellar graduates of elite law schools that have completed a judicial clerkship at a Federal Appeals Court or the Supreme Court.

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NETWORKING

Networking may be an unfamiliar term to some, perhaps something that sounds outdated and distant to the current generation of law graduates. However, be assured that this valuable skill is perhaps one of the most important weapons in your arsenal to finding you that job you want. Not only does it improve your communication skills with industry professionals but also allows you to forge relationships with key employees of the law firms. A good networker may not have as good a mark as the next law graduate next to him or her, but by leaving a lasting impression on the H.R manager or even a Partner can help build in-roads to getting that next job.

FIVE TIPS:

STAND OUT. The hardest part of networking is standing out. Given that we are all receiving the same education, UNSW law graduates may seem homogenous and similar in substance. Make yourself different by talking passionately about your hobbies and interests (whether it be a sport you play or your love of public interest law); make an attempt to learn about the other person’s interests.

BE GENUINE. Show a genuine interest in something you and the other person have in common and never go in with the mindset that because you are investing your time in this, that you will receive something in return.

BE PATIENT AND KEEP IN CONTACT. Relationships take time to build and you cannot expect results from just the one meeting. Follow-up by emailing the person after meeting them and try to learn more about the firm or what they look for in a candidate.

BE CURIOUS AND ASK QUESTIONS. Recruiters will inevitably be bombarded constantly with the same questions. Try to think about how the firm will affect you and tailor creative questions to your situation. E.g. “Personally, I am a third year Commerce/Law student with an interest in international law. How does my degree and my passion for international law fit into a firm like yours?”

HAVE A FEW SENTENCES ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PROMOTES YOU TO THE FIRM. Having a pre-prepared opener that sells you as a law graduate is useful to lay the foundations of the conversation and let the firm representative know where you are coming from. Don’t allow this spiel to be too long so keep it concise by covering key information and your main strengths.

Tips for Networking

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HONG KONGAsia Careers Director, UNSW Law Society

B Com/LLB (3rd year)University of New South Wales

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Asia Careers Director, UNSW Law SocietyB Com/LLB (3rd year)

University of New South Wales

A message fromThe Asia Careers Directior

As UNSW law students, we are fortunate enough to have countless opportunities beckoningour attention abroad. Amongst these places are growing hubs such as Asia, a goldmine of unlimited potential for law graduates. I would encourage you all to attend the UNSW Hong Kong Law Fair held on the 25th of March and gain an understanding about working in Asia. A place like Hong Kong houses some of the heaviest hitters in the legal industry and as a commercial hub of the world, there is a firm out there with a culture to suit just about everybody. Many UNSW law graduates hold an insular view that they must work domestically but the truth is, the world is at your fingertips. It’s up to you to explore outside the boundaries of Australia and a simple search on the Internet may just break you free. I hope this guide will be helpful to all law students and inspire you into leading a global career.

HENRY SIT

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Practising Law in Hong KongQualifying as a Solicitor in Hong Kong

QUALIFYING AS A SOLICITOR

There are two avenues to qualifying as a solicitor in Hong Kong - either as a trainee solicitor or via the overseas lawyer route.

THE TRAINEE SOLICITOR ROUTE

This is the most obvious pathway to qualification for university graduates. In summary, to be admitted, prospective solicitors are required to complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) from a common law jurisdiction, the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) in Hong Kong, and finally a two-year training contract with a law firm.

Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL)

The PCLL is a one year full-time legal education program provided by three universities in Hong Kong. Apart from securing a training contract, requirements for admission into the PCLL present one of the most challenging barriers to admission in Hong Kong. These are:1. Completion of your LLB/JD before PCLL

commencement.2. Demonstration of competence in 11 core & 3

top-up subjects.3. A score of at least 7 from the IELTS

(International English Language Testing System) test.

Moreover, competition for places in the PCLL program is intense and is usually based only on academic merit. A high credit or distinction average in your law degree is generally recommended.

Training contracts

These are special employment contracts with law firms and trainee solicitors are roughly comparable to graduate solicitors in Australia. During the two-year period, trainee solicitors are exposed to work from at least three practice areas and many top-tier firms second their trainees to overseas offices as part of the training.

Internships are generally for penultimate year students and last between two weeks to a month. They are available in June/July and December to February, though not all firms run schemes for all these months. Interns at top-tier firms can expect to be remunerated at the market rate and may even receive a living allowance. For Australian students, interviews for internships in Hong Kong are conducted over the phone, on-campus during the Hong Kong Law Fair, or through the firms Sydney or Melbourne offices.

THE OVERSEAS LAWYER ROUTE

Practising solicitors in an overseas common law jurisdiction (including Australian states) with at least 2 years post-qualification experience can seek admission through this route. In order to be admitted, five Overseas Lawyers Qualification Examinations (four written and one oral) must be sat and passed. In addition, there are certain residency requirements which must also be satisfied.

An overseas lawyer, pending qualification, can also be registered as a foreign lawyer with the Law Society of Hong Kong. Experience gained as a registered foreign lawyer can count towards the 2 years post-qualification experience requirement. Registered foreign lawyers, however, must work from within a law firm.

Practising Law in Hong KongQualifying as a Barrister in Hong Kong

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QUALIFYING AS A BARRISTERThe pathways to being admitted as a barrister are largely similar to that of a solicitor. Prospective barristers in Hong Kong can either seek ad hoc admission if they have been admitted as barristers overseas or general admission after completion of the PCLL. For those who elect to take the PCLL, certain electives must be taken within the PCLL program and you should check with the universities. Furthermore, instead of a training contract, a pupillage is required.General admission is also available to practising solicitors in Hong Kong or overseas practising lawyers, provided they have completed a pupillage.

Given that the focus of this guide is set on qualifying as a solicitor in Hong Kong, this sub-section is admittedly brief and incomplete. Those interested in qualifying as a barrister in Hong Kong are strongly recommended to visit the website of the Hong Kong Bar Association at http://www.hkba.org/ for more information about admission requirements.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Apart from getting a training contract, this is perhaps the most difficult step in becoming qualified in Hong Kong. It is, therefore, important that you familiarise yourself with what is involved and how you can overcome this step.

WHAT IS IT?

The Hong Kong Conversion Examinations are preparatory exams for non-Hong Kong students to meet requirements for admission to Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) in Hong Kong. Entry requirements for PCLL require demonstration of competence in 11 Core Subjects: Contracts; Torts; Constitutional Law; Criminal Law; Land Law; Equity; Civil Procedure; Criminal Procedure; Evidence; Business Associations; and Commercial Law.

Australian students with non-Hong Kong law qualifications must also demonstrate competence in three Top-up Subjects for the purpose of PCLL admission, namely:

1. Hong Kong Constitutional Law;2. Hong Kong Legal System; and3. Hong Kong Land Law.

However, students who have already completed or will complete all or some core subjects in an Australian university may apply for exemptions to the PCLL Conversion Examination and Administration (PCEA) if the subjects are completed as part of their non-Hong Kong common law qualification.

How do I get exemptions for the 11 core subjects that have been already completed or will be completed at a university overseas?

To apply for exemption from any Conversion Examination(s), students must submit an Application for Evaluation to the Conversion Examinations Board.

What if my law degree does not involve a course listed above or if I do not get an exemption?

You must satisfy all 14 subjects before you begin the PCLL program which is a necessary step to being qualified as a solicitor in Hong Kong. If your law degree does not require you to complete certain subjects listed above or PCEA does not grant you an exemption, the most obvious route to take is to sit Conversion examinations. These are administered by PCEA and obtaining a pass in these examinations demonstrates “competence” in the relevant subject.

Another way of demonstrating competence is to complete the relevant subjects as a visiting “internal” student at either The University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, or the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

When are Conversion examinations offered?

Conversion exams are usually offered in January and in June/July. Students should check the PCLL Conversion Examination website www.pcea.com.hk for specific dates.

Practising Law in Hong KongQualifying as a Barrister in Hong Kong

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How to QualifyAs a Solicitor or Barrister in Hong Kong

How to QualifyAs a Solicitor or Barrister in Hong Kong

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In order to be admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong, students can hold a ‘qualifying’ or a ‘non qualifying’ law degree. Australian students with a Bachelor of Laws or a Juris Doctor fall under the former category and benefit from this system as they are not required to sit a law conversion course. However, if Australian students have not completed the subjects deemed as ‘core subjects’ in Hong Kong, they will need to complete PCLL conversion examinations to cover these. Students may also need to complete three ‘Top-up’ subjects: Hong Kong Constitutional Law, Hong Kong Legal System and Hong Kong Land Law. For more information on the Hong Kong Conversion Examination, please visit Hong Kong Conversion Examination Board (www.pcea.com.hk)

Australian students will need to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) (either 1 year full time or 2 years part-time). PCLL providers include: City University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and The University of Hong Kong. Students should contact these institutions to determine if a specific course is sufficient for the purposes of admission into the PCLL programme.

Australian students will also need to undertake a training contract (2 years full time) at a law firm. It will be advantageous in obtaining a training students where students possess Chinese language abilities.

VACATION WORK AND PUPILLAGES/TRAINING

CONTRACTS

Recruitment practices (for Vacation Programmes/Mini-pupillages and Training Contracts/Pupillages) vary from employer to employer. Generally applications should be made earlier rather than later: for vacation work, several months in advance; for Pupillage, about 1 to 2 years beforehand. Training Contracts with large law firms should be sought over 2 years in advance of your desired start date, while the Department of Justice normally conducts its legal trainee recruitment shortly after the commencement of the PCLL year.

Most law firms have one intake of Trainee Solicitors each year (in August/September) and will interview all their vacation students (and others) for Training Contracts. Therefore when to apply for a vacation placement depends on when you will join as a Trainee Solicitor.

How to QualifyAs a Solicitor or Barrister in Hong Kong

Catherine shares her experience on applying to Hong Kong ClerkshipsB Com/LLB (4th year)

University of New South Wales

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AdviceOn applying to Hong Kong Clerkships

From my personal experience in the Hong Kong law firm’s recruitment process, the biggest lesson I wish I had known was the importance of having the requisite Chinese skills, especially Chinese (Mandarin) skills in reading, writing and conversing.

If you are serious on pursuing a Hong Kong law career, you should begin thinking of ways in which you can make yourself the most competitive candidate out there by considering Beijing or Shanghai language courses where you are immersed in the language and culture for the duration of the program.

Law firms often test your Chinese skills in the course of your Vacation Program; hence, even if you do gain experience in the clerkship it is more difficult without a good foundation of Chinese to obtain a trainee contract.

Nonetheless, I am aware that in the past, students have progressed from a Vacation Student to a Trainee without these skills. It is also vital from the onset that you truly understand why you are interested in pursuing a career in Hong Kong, and not in Sydney.

Before an interview, take time to consider what makes you personally want to pursue a career in law and what kind of skills you are able to bring to the firm, distinguishing yourself from other students also interested in the same path.

I would encourage everyone to apply, as a Vacation Program in Hong Kong or other countries would be truly an insightful experience with a lot to learn about other countries and yourself.

CATHERINE CHAN

Grace Ip is a UNSW Law Graduate who is now pursuing her PCLL conversion while working as a paralegal at a law firm in Hong Kong. She came to UNSW as an international student and has decided to pursue a career back home.

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GRACE IP

If you are considering moving back to Hong Kong to pursue a legal career, it is very important to start thinking about the conversion exams early on in your degree. Some students don’t start thinking about conversion exams until final year, which is probably too late or rushed. Ideally, you should spend a summer or two before you graduate studying the contents for these conversion exams. The conversion exam, which you do before you’re eligible for the PCLL, is offered by three different institutions in Hong Kong.

It is also important to research the different institutions that offer the PCLL because they each have different entry requirements. You can do this research on the PCLL website which has information on each institution.

Personally, I did a bit of research during my final summer regarding the different options for institutions. In terms of gathering information about career prospects in Hong Kong, I found the Hong Kong Law Fair each year to be a valuable source of information.

Finally, from my experience in searching for a position at a law firm in Hong Kong, the interviewers seem to look for candidates who are committed to a legal position in Hong Kong and at their firm over the long term. It is important to be able to explain clearly your motivations for applying, showing that you are willing to commit to a career path at their firm for the long term. Additionally, having some relevant work experience and strong grades is important.

AdviceFor International Students pursuing a career back home

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Firm Address: 18/F The Hong Kong Club Building,

3A Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong

Contact details: Phone: +852 2533-3340

Email: terese.auyeung@davispolk.com

Office locations: New York, Washington, Menlo Park, Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, London,

Paris, Madrid, Sao Paulo

Number of lawyers in Hong Kong: ~100

Number of partners in Hong Kong: 11

Firm’s Areas of Practice:Equity Capital Market, Debt Capital

Market, Mergers & Acquisition, Private Equity, Enforcement &

Litigation

Number of summer clerks the firm anticipates on accepting: Summer clerks – 18 to 20

Winter clerks – 6 to 8.

Clerkship application deadline: Winter Vacation Scheme 2014/2015:

1 Aug 2014Summer Vacation Scheme 2015: 1

Feb 2015

Application: Online at

www.davispolk.com/careers/hong.kong

(see vacation scheme)

What should be included in a student’s application?

Resume, cover letter and academic transcript.

DAVIS POLK & WARDELLHong Kong

ABOUT THE FIRM

What is the history/background of the firm?The firm started in 1849 and we have worked on many of the most significant business and legal developments of the past 160 years – from landmark court cases to the formation of major corporations and financial institutions to the development of new financial instruments. Today, we continue to expand upon this tradition of leadership, creativity and extraordinary client service.

We work with the leading companies in the world, frequently on matters and cases that are unprecedented in size, scope and complexity. Our practices – all of them – rank among the highest in the profession worldwide. No one offers smarter, more dedicated lawyers or more meaningful leadership in innovation. Our balance and depth have allowed Davis Polk to remain at the epicenter of business and legal matters through good times and bad, as our clients navigate the ups and downs of the economic cycle. For more details of the notable events in the history of our, firm please click : http://www.davispolk.com/firm/history/

What is an interesting case that the firm is currently working on?Last year, we completed the acquisition of Canada’s Nexen by our client, State Owned Enterprise oil & Gas giant, CNOOC. This is the largest ever successful outbound acquisition by a Chinese company to date. This deal has since won many awards including Deal of the Year (FinanceAsia 2013); one of China Business Law Journal’s 2013 Deals of the Year; and China Law & Practice’s Energy & Natural Resources Deal of the Year 2013

How does the firm encourage a work/life balance?Work life balance is not easy to achieve in any corporate law firm. Our staffing partners work hard to ensure that associates are staffed equitably and that there is enough support at all levels. We also arrange social activities such as firm lunches, BBQs, retreats and monthly drinks so that associates can get together outside of work.

Recognizing that it is important to keep our associates fit and healthy, the firm sponsors sporting activities such as dragon-boating, soccer and basketball as well as subsidizing gym memberships so that lawyers can work off steam and de-stress.

Family life is important to our associates and the firm recognizes this and provides for generous parental leave provisions.

What is the typical progression of a lawyer in the firm?At Davis Polk, we have a very flat structure. Lawyers progress from associate level to Counsel to partners.

What professional development opportunities does the firm offer?All of our trainees will be sent on secondment to out New York office for 6 months so that they can experience first-hand what it is like to work in a Wall Street Law Firm. The firm will also sponsor trainees to take the New York Bar and provide study leave and pay for the Bar Bri preparation courses to prepare for the exam while they are in New York. Associates are sent to New York during their junior mid and senior years to participate in firm wide training program which lasts for 3-5 days.

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What is a recent pro bono matter that the firm has worked on?Davis Polk has been working with the Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre (HKRAC soon to be relaunched as the Hong Kong Justice Centre ) for a few years, providing pro bono legal aid to refugees seeking protection at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Hong Kong. We have worked on several matters with HKRAC, from research and memo-writing to full Refugee Status Determination representations.

Apart from volunteering our legal services, we also regularly make available over weekends, free of charge, our state of the art training and function facilities at our office to enable training to be delivered by the HKRAC to lawyers who would like to be involved in its voluntary work.

Why work with this firm?Working at Davis Polk means that you have the opportunity to work on the largest and most important transactions in China and Hong Kong; to work with and learn from a number of the most highly-regarded lawyers in the market. A smaller, more entrepreneurial environment also means that our lawyers have direct involvement in matters that are reshaping the global economy.

We provide extensive training programs across many practice areas and legal topics and a have a dedicated, full-time associate development staff to look after the lawyers.

A collaborative approach and culture which comes from our lockstep system enables you to work with and learn from Davis Polk’s lawyers around the world.

CLERKSHIP INFORMATION

What is the application process like for clerks?Students interested in our vacation scheme should apply online with a covering letter, CV and transcripts. Please visit www.davispolk.com/careers/hong-kong (see vacation scheme).

What specific qualities does the firm look for in a potential clerk?We are interested in students who are hardworking and driven. They should have with strong academics, Chinese language abilities and cultural sensitivity.

What kind of responsibilities can a clerk expect in the firm?Vacation clerks will have the opportunity to work on international and cross border transactions for a variety of firm clients by being staffed on live deals. They will also attend training programs designed to teach skills required to become an effective solicitor as well as information sessions focused on the work of our Asia practice.

What ‘co-curricular’ activities are available for summer clerks? Our associate development team puts on regular social events for our vacation clerks. We hope that through the attendance at firm-sponsored social events and interactions with lawyer mentors, clerks will have fun and also have the opportunity to experience Davis Polk’s collaborative culture. Sponsored social events include wine tasting, horse racing , BBQ, dragon boat racing, leather workshops, cooking and baking classes and art jam, to name a few.

After being a clerk, what are the prospects of becoming a graduate?The vacation scheme forms part of our recruitment process for trainee solicitors. When considering candidates for our trainee pool, we give preference to our vacation clerks.

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QA

July 2012: Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), University of SydneyJuly 2014: Bachelor of Laws, University of Sydney

Victor grew up in Hong Kong and started university in Australia after completing Form 5. He then worked at Davis Polk as a Summer Associate in July 2013 and

will be joining the firm as a Trainee Solicitor in 2015.

VICTOR YIP

QA

QA

Why Davis Polk?

Davis Polk has a stellar reputation for having one of the best corporate teams in Hong Kong and has received numerous Tier 1 rankings by industry rating organizations such as Chambers and IFLR. The firm works on cutting edge deals with the world’s leading companies and has acted as legal counsel in some of the world’s largest capital market, M&A and private equity transactions. The team regularly advises on US securities law, which allows trainees to gain experience in a mix of work from both Hong Kong and the US. Trainees will also have secondment opportunities to the New York head office as part of the 2-year training program.

The recently launched litigation practice is a key milestone in the firm’s progression towards becoming a full service firm in Hong Kong. The practice is led by two of Hong Kong’s most highly regarded litigators, who have brought with them a wealth of experience in areas such as compliance, regulatory investigations and complex commercial litigation.

What made my experience different being at Davis Polk?

What impressed me most were the people at DPW. The entire team was most approachable, knowledgeable and willing to teach me new things, which greatly benefited my appreciation and understanding of the ‘big picture’. I was given hands-on experience in a wide range of work, such as IPO applications, arbitral proceedings and drafting reform proposals to government advisory bodies.

The firm also gave us a generous budget for inviting associates to lunch. Apart from indulging in culinary delights in some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, it was a great way for us to learn about the firm and its people in an informal setting!

What is the culture like at Davis Polk?

The firm’s culture strikes a good balance between professionalism and openness, coupled with subtle hints of traditionalism as one would expect from one the oldest Wall Street law firms. Although the firm sets high expectations regarding its work quality, people are always courteous, helpful and respectful towards one another. The people come from a fascinating myriad of backgrounds and are an absolute pleasure to work with.

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Firm Address: 11/F, Two Exchange Square,

Central, Hong Kong

Contact details: Telephone: 28463400

Fax: 28106192chinagraduates@freshfields.com

www.freshfields.com/chinarecruiting

Firm’s Areas of Practice:Corporate (M&A and IPO)

Corporate – IP/ITDispute Resolution

FinanceAntitrust, Competition and Trade

Application: All applicants should submit their

application via our website www.freshfields.com/chinarecruiting

Application deadline: 2014 Winter

internship programme will be Opens: 1 February 2014

Closes: 30 April 2014

Trainee solicitors:Positions in 2016: 8-10Positions in 2017: 8-10

The firm wants your training to be as broad as possible. So you will spend six months in corporate, three months in finance, three months in dispute resolution and three months in either antitrust, competition and trade or corporate-IP/IT. You will also do a six month seat in London and three month

seat in either Shanghai or Beijing.

In two years you’ll cover a range of industries and practice areas, build your business knowledge and find a

field you’d like to pursue further.

ABOUT THE FIRM

Although it is common for us to advise on a deal or a problem that is entirely China-based, the majority of our clients are international businesses investing in China, or Chinese businesses wanting to expand and invest internationally. And, increasingly, transactions will span Asia, the United States and Europe. The teams we put together to advise clients often include colleagues from many of our 28 offices.

We opened our office in Hong Kong nearly 30 years ago and we were one of the first international law firms to set up in the PRC, opening offices in Beijing and Shanghai 20 years ago. What this means for our people is being part of a firm with a deep understanding of China’s political and regulatory framework.

We’ve helped some of the largest Chinese state-owned enterprises list on stock exchanges in Hong Kong, New York and London – as well as on the various PRC exchanges. Over the next few years we’ll no doubt help many more to do the same, from banks to utility companies, airlines to railways.We help our Chinese clients buy and sell businesses, form joint ventures, raise debt and equity, solve commercial issues with counterparties and competitors, launch new products, protect their intellectual property, and resolve their disputes through arbitration. We do the same for international businesses wanting to invest in the region. That’s why an interest in China is vital.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

A good degree is essential, but there are certain qualities that all candidates need.There are four qualities below that we look for regardless of your background. These should give you an idea of whether we’d be right for you

1. You need a SHARP ANALYTICAL MIND, but you also need mental stamina and the ability to recognise the problem and the tenacity to stick with it until it’s solved.

2. A career in law attracts different personalities, which is great. We’re not after identical people. But HOW YOU COMMUNICATE and the effect you have on others is important.

3. As commercial lawyers our task is to interpret what the law says and what that means to our clients and the effect it has on their plans. So you need to be INTERESTED IN THE COMMERCIAL WORLD.

4. To thrive in this career you need CONFIDENCE. It’s our job to spot actual and potential confidence and to recognise those who will flourish.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

For those interested in applying to be a Hong Kong trainee, we run three four-week internship programmes every year so you can experience what life is like at Freshfields.

The firm offer Hong Kong internships in every December (for law students in Australia), June and July (for law students in Hong Kong, UK and Canada). We also hold a number of presentations and attend law fairs in the UK and Australia.

The internship programme is a four-week programme which we will provide a full introduction of the firm to you. You will also be assigned to sit with the associates which you will be given real legal task to work on.

We give priority to penultimate-year law students who are on track for a 2:1 degree or equivalent and are fluent in written and spoken Mandarin and English. We would recruit about 10 students for each internship programme.

Hong KongCorporate Associate, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

2008 Summer Intern2010-2012 Trainee Solicitor

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Corporate Associate, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer2008 Summer Intern

2010-2012 Trainee Solicitor

ADRIEN NG

After A-levels it was on to the London School of Economics to study law.

My idea was always to return to Hong Kong to pursue a career in commercial law at an international law firm. So I dug around to find out which of the international firms had the reputation, the clients and the deals. Freshfields’ name kept cropping up, and so did two others. I did three internships in Hong Kong to experience life at each of them.

My decision to pick Freshfields was easy!It was the working style and atmosphere at Freshfields during my internship that I enjoyed the most. All the people I met and worked with were nice. It was the only firm where I didn’t feel I had to make an effort to please people. There was a relaxed camaraderie that I liked. And outside work, the firm offered a number of social events that were well organised. Nothing was strained; nothing was forced.

I joined the firm as a Hong Kong trainee in August 2010.Freshfields encourages you to keep an open mind as to which area of law is right for you. For me, my interest was always corporate law. I had friends who were joining financial institutions in Hong Kong as analysts. Their world was interesting, but I wanted to be involved in the legal support of major deals. Where was the risk and how could it be mitigated? How should a deal be structured? And how do you get it all down on paper?

My six months in London were great!I joined a team in the corporate practice that focused on financial regulatory issues. In the wake of the Lehman collapse, the European Commission issued a directive on the recovery and resolution of financial institutions. Our job was to help our client in determining ways to preserve the important functions in the event of the failure of the bank and to ensure taxpayers did not bear the losses. I was part of a big team – six partners and more than 20 associates and trainees across several practice groups.

We had to learn how every process at the bank worked: how loans were acquired, how debit and credit cards were distributed, and how payments were made. My supervisor, a senior associate, was kind enough to invite me to numerous meetings with senior management at the bank and encouraged me to take an active role in asking questions. We had to analyse any shortcomings, and set out the bank’s contingency plans. It was fascinating stuff. You needed to have a ‘big picture’ view as well as a solid grasp of the detail.

It was a huge workload, but everyone was very clear as to what was needed and their role.

Before the work was finished, my supervisor went on paternity leave. Rather than allocate his work to another senior associate, the partner and my supervisor had enough confidence in me to allow me to take ownership of certain parts of the project. I knew what still needed to be done and I worked with the client and colleagues to make sure it happened. And all the time I had the comfort of knowing that the supervising partner was happy to answer questions.

If I had any advice to an applicant it would be to BE YOURSELF!

The interviews are straightforward and the interviewers really are interested in you and your potential. They want commercially minded people who will find it easy to fit in with clients and colleagues. Don’t try to second-guess what they’re looking for, just be yourself. And do your research. You know you’ll be asked, ‘why us?’ So it’s silly to come unprepared. There’s loads of information on websites, blogs and the legal press, so there’s no excuse for not having done your research.

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Clerk at Baker & McKenzie, Hong KongJuris Doctor

University of New South Wales

QA

CHARLENE WONG

QA

How was the clerkship experience?

It was fantastic! I was fortunate enough to be allocated to my first preferences, Intellectual Property and Corporate, which are both well-known, award-winning practice groups. More specifically, I have selected Intellectual Property due to my strong interest in this area of law. Though I did not have any previous knowledge in either practices, I was thankful to have wonderful mentors who had accommodated me in their busy schedules to guide me patiently throughout my clerkship.

The people in Baker & McKenzie, from first-year trainees to even the Chairman of the Hong Kong office, are all very open and friendly. They were down-to-earth and willing to give me valuable advice on not only work matters, but also on career options. I have learnt so much from just having a casual chat with them. Apart from their wisdom, I am amazed by their humour and outstanding creativity (especially during Charades at the Corporate Group Spring Dinner)! The “work hard, play hard” culture of Baker & McKenzie lawyers is truly admirable and I definitely enjoyed being a part of the firm!

What to expect from a clerkship with Baker & McKenzie?

The clerkship is a 4-week program in which you will work in 2 practice groups based on your own preferences. It is important to note that the clerkship is part of the selection progress for the traineeship program, therefore, there will be some formal assessments during your clerkship.

During your seat rotation, your Partner-mentor, Associate-mentor and Trainee-buddy will provide you with guidance. Additionally, you will receive some work from other associates if they require your assistance.

Be prepared for a very interesting and eventful month filled with not only hands-on experiences on the practical work of a top-tier international law firm, but also social events to bond with your trainee-buddies, mentors and other associates.

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Q

Q

A

A

My advice on applying for Baker & McKenzie Hong Kong

If you would like to pursue a career in a well-established international law firm with the highest number of award-winning departments in Hong Kong, Baker & McKenzie is the one for you.

I believe that Baker & McKenzie values versatility, thus, you must be confident in all of your attainments. Academic achievement is not the only determining factor within your application; other personal achievements will also allow you to stand out from the crowd. However, since this is a clerkship at the Hong Kong office, it is preferable if you have basic Chinese language skills. Moreover, it is better for you to demonstrate your interest in pursuing a career in Hong Kong by completing some of the PCLL Conversion Exams in preparation for the PCLL Course in Hong Kong.

My future plans

My plan is to obtain my qualifications in both New South Wales and Hong Kong. Currently, I have completed 3 PCLL Conversion Exams and planning to finish off with my remaining subjects this year before my graduation.

“”

You must be confident in all of your attainments. Academic achievement is not the only determining factor within your application; other personal achievements will also allow you to stand out from the crowd.

Clerk at two top tier British firms in Hong KongB Com/LLB student (5th year)

University of New South Wales

QA

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What does being a clerk in Hong Kong involve?

WorkThere isn’t really a typical day for a clerk in Hong Kong – much of it depends on which firm and practice group you are in. As a clerk on the corporate team, I worked on a range of legal and market research tasks ranging from issues on trust accounts in Hong Kong to compilation of a general overview of the private equity in China. I have also been involved in different parts of live transactions, including reviewing and editing parts of the bidder’s statement and picking out key covenants within a financing document. In summary, clerks get a broad array of tasks, giving a taste of matters and issues that are tackled by real lawyers.

TrainingThere is a strong emphasis on training. Both firms that I clerked at ran many sessions on how different practice groups work from an insider’s point of view. Furthermore, we were given sessions with partners or senior lawyers who shared their experience in various landmark deals that they were involved in. This gave us the opportunity to understand the inner thinking and difficult issues behind the glamorous deals that happen on the financial markets.

ProjectTypically, clerks are given a project to work on in the beginning of the program, and are expected to present it or submit it near the end of the program. This may be drafting an analysis or advising for a mock transaction, or it may be researching a project on a certain legal hot topic. Often, the project will have an emphasis both on legal accuracy and business awareness. This is a very good opportunity to gain a practical understanding of issues that you may tackle in the future as a lawyer and to practice applying law in the context of real world business considerations.

SocialLike in Australia, firms in Hong Kong make a great effort in getting us clerks involved in the culture of the firm. Activities ranged from formal firm-wide welcome drinks to impromptu last minute Friday night floor drinks. There were also numerous clerk specific social events – for example, I went to drum jamming for the first time in my life whilst doing a clerkship in Hong Kong!

TIM CHIANG

“”

Q

Q

QA

A

A

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You’ve clerked for two different international law firms in Hong

Kong, what were the similarities and differences?

Seeing as both firms that I clerked at were British, the culture was not too different except to say that one had a much larger office and therefore not everyone knew each other around the firm. On the other hand, the other firm that I worked at was much smaller in headcount and therefore everyone was more familiar with one another.

Is the Hong Kong clerkship experience suitable for both people with Chinese

speaking background as well as people with no Chinese background?

How so?

Although many firms say that they prefer that you have Chinese language ability, don’t be discouraged from applying because you do not (or only have very limited Chinese skills). Lawyers in Hong Kong come from all over the world. There are definitely perks in knowing Chinese in living and working in Hong Kong. However, the language of communication within the office is usually English and there are many who do not understand Cantonese or Mandarin. Outside the office, Hong Kong is still a very international city and you will be able to get around with English easily.

What advice do you have for those who think they might, one day, want

to clerk at a law firm abroad?

The best way to prepare is similar to how you would prepare for any other job – ensure that you have decent grades, get involved in uni and have relevant work experience.

After doing the ground work, you would need to show a demonstrated interest in both the Hong Kong market and the wider Asian market. This can be done by keeping update with the news in that region and also being familiar with how admission as a lawyer works in Hong Kong.

At the interview stage, on top of behavioural questions, you should have an idea of the general hot legal and financial topics around the world, particularly in Hong Kong and Asia Pacific. Furthermore, it will also be beneficial in having a general understanding of what corporate law firms do and what different types of transactions entail.

The best way to prepare is similar to how you would prepare for any other job – ensure that you have decent grades, get involved in uni and have relevant work experience.

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Firm Address: 10/F, Alexandra House, 18 Chater

Road, Hong Kong

Contact details: Graduate Recruitment team

asiarecruitment@linklaters.com / (852) 2842-4888

Office locations: 29 offices around the world

Europe: Amsterdam, Antwerp, Berlin, Brussels, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Lisbon, London, Luxembourg,

Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Rome, Stockholm, Warsaw

Asia: Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo

Americas: New York, Washington D.C., Sao Paulo

Middle East: Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Number of lawyers in Hong Kong: 140

Number of partners in Hong Kong: 28

Firm’s Areas of Practice:Banking & Projects; Competition; Corporate (M&A, IPOs, Advisory); Employment; Financial Markets; Finance Capital Markets (Equity, Equity-linked, Debt Structured

Finance); Litigation & Arbitration.

Number of summer clerks the firm anticipates on accepting:

24 interns in total (12 interns for each summer scheme in June and July).

Clerkship application deadline: 2014 summer vacation scheme:

closed 2015 summer vacation scheme: 18

January 2015

Application: Please complete the online

application form via our website - http://www.linklaters.com/JoinUs/locations/HongKong/Pages/Apply.

aspx

ABOUT THE FIRM

Linklaters has been in Hong Kong for over 30 years since 1976. As part of our Greater China offering, this office (alongside Beijing and Shanghai) is recognised as having the strongest international offering in the market by all benchmarking standards.

While many law firms are strong in some areas, Linklaters is the only firm with market leading global teams across the full range of corporate, finance and commercial practice areas; with 19 market-leading practices across our global network of 29 offices. One of the most prestigious teams in the legal world, our success is testimony to the strong relationships we forge – both internally and externally. Together we are working to fulfil our ambition of becoming the leading premium global law firm.

Our office is reflective of an incredibly varied legal landscape. On the one hand there’s the established marketplace, with the world’s leading law firms engaging in deals very similar to London and New York. On the other hand, there’s a very fast, evolving marketplace, with many firms using Hong Kong as a springboard into China and elsewhere in Asia. This means excellent opportunities for lawyers and other professionals from all over the world, including China.

In Australia, we operate an alliance with Allens and together have an association with Widyawen & Partners in Indonesia. Our relationship in South Africa with Webber Wentzel complements and strengthens our pan-African offering.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

There are three main career milestones at Linklaters:

AssociateOnce you qualify, you will join one of the areas you worked in as a trainee. Most people are offered their first choice of practice area. There are incredible career opportunities in every area, so you can be confident in choosing the one that is more interesting to you.

Managing Associate (MA)Four years after qualification, you will be eligible for promotion to managing associate. At this point you will become more engaged in the business, solving more difficult legal issues, leading teams, and accounting for financial performance.

PartnerAfter two or more years as an MA, the exceptional performers may be considered for election to the partnership. Partners are acknowledged world-class experts in their fields.

LinklatersHong Kong

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Linklaters Law & Business School is an entirely new framework for career-long continuous professional development. We’ve created a holistic syllabus that blends business skills with technical knowledge to give people a mix of expertise.

The Linklaters Law & Business School draws on the experience of clients, colleagues, and our global advisory board of business leaders and academics. The syllabus has been designed in partnership with some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including the University of Law, HEC Paris and Harvard Law School.

We’ll give you the knowledge and confidence to serve our clients at the very highest levels, along with the tools to achieve your own career objectives.

The size and success of Linklaters means we can offer an unrivalled choice and flexibility in your career development. We want you to fulfil your full potential, exploring the learning opportunities that interest you, and building your career by excelling in the areas of law that you most enjoy.

CLERKSHIP INFORMATION

SELECTION PROCESS

Summer vacation scheme

1. Phone interview with graduate recruitment team2. Online critical reasoning test & Managing associates interview3. Offer of vacation scheme if successful

Training contract

1. Phone interview with graduate recruitment team2. Online critical reasoning test & Managing associates interview3. Stimulation exercise4. Training contract interview with Partner5. Offer of Training contract if successful

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KIND OF RESPONSIBILITY A CLERK CAN EXPECT

Our four week summer schemes are designed for penultimate or final year (law or non-law) students who are keen to have a career in Hong Kong. You may also apply for a two week secondment to our Shanghai office as part of the scheme.

We have worked hard to design a vacation scheme that successfully combines real life experience in our practice areas with workshops and seminars dedicated to your professional development. The selection process is tough, but that is because our vacation schemes form part of your professional learning curve, rather than an extended interview. After your induction, the hands-on part of the scheme will see you working alongside experienced lawyers in two different practice areas, doing the same kind of work as our trainees. In addition, there is a range of professional development sessions, designed to give you a broader understanding of our global business strategy and practice areas, as well as the opportunity to develop your skills in areas such as business analysis, mediation and pitching to a client.

Throughout your time with us, you will have access to experienced lawyers and trainees who will be available to support you, answer your questions and offer constructive advice and feedback. In each department you experience, you will have a trainee ‘buddy’, who is on hand to integrate you into the team and discuss any questions you might have. You will also have an associate ‘principal’ to reflect the type of supervision afforded to our trainees.

There will also be the opportunity to get to know the firm in more informal settings, including a range of social events, which are often a highlight! These provide further opportunities to get to know our people, as well as the other vacation scheme students, who may be your future colleagues.

After attending the vacation scheme, you will automatically be offered the opportunity to interview for a training contract. The process for this is a final interview with a partner.

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Summer Clerk at Linklaters in Hong Kong, 2013Bachelor of B Com/LLB (2014)

The University of Sydney

The Linklaters Experience

A vacation scheme at Linklaters truly allows you to gain an insight into what it takes to be a great lawyer at a Magic Circle firm. During the four weeks, summer clerks are offered two rotations (options include Corporate, Banking and Projects, Financial Regulatory, Capital Markets, Litigation and Employment) as well as the option of spending one of the rotations in the firm’s Shanghai office. I chose Litigation and Capital Markets, and found myself doing hands-on work from day 1 such as researching case law and legislation, attending hearings, drafting client memos as well as contributing to the firm’s enormous knowhow database. A real effort was put into ensuring that clerks got the most out of the four weeks – my ‘buddies’ and principals made sure I gained exposure to a variety of interesting work and were always readily available to offer assistance and answer any questions.

Sitting in the same office as an established Associate or Partner, who are leaders in their field, also offered an incomparable opportunity to learn first-hand. It was an invaluable learning experience listening in on conference calls and observing their interactions with clients. At the same time, the collegiality and approachability at all levels of the firm also left a lasting impression – I will never forget my casual chat about childhood dreams and life philosophies with one of the most senior partners in the Litigation team!

MAVIS SUN

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Directly related to this is the firm’s top-of-the-field training and development programs. Linklaters is unique in the industry with its very own Law & Business School. During the summer, this consisted of regular lunchtime seminars on legal developments and updates on matters the firm is advising on – we, as summer clerks, were always invited to attend these (and tried to understand what was going on as best as we could!). Also as part of the vacation scheme, a series of practice group presentations and general skills seminars were organised for us. Training was definitely one of the most valuable aspects of the summer.

Outside the office

Of course, let’s not forget the social calendar. Apart from weekly Friday drinks and numerous coffees and lunches with Associates and Partners, clerks always benefit from other firm-wide social activities, which for us included a night at the Happy Valley races, a drum jamming class, and a memorable Saturday spent with children from a local orphanage.

“

”

A real effort was put into ensuring that clerks got the most out of the four weeks – my principals made sure I gained exposure to a variety of interesting work and were always readily available to offer assistance and answer any questions.

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Doing Your own

research

CHAMBERS HONG KONG STUDENT

• Independent reviews on life as a trainee at leading Hong Kong law firms from anonymous trainees who speak freely about what working at their respective firms was really like

• How to get started as a Hong Kong lawyer.• Expert advice from leading lawyers, recruitment

teams and local law schools on how to get hired at the right place.

LINK: http://www.chambersstudent.com.hk

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UNITED KINGDOM

Practising Law in the United KingdomBecoming a Solicitor in the United Kingdom

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Practising Law in the United KingdomBecoming a Solicitor in the United Kingdom

PRACTISING LAW IN THE UK - THE STEPS

If you have a law degree from an overseas institution, you can apply to the SRA for a Certificate of Academic Standing. This will qualify you to apply for entry into the Legal Practice Course (LPC) (if you want to become a solicitor) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) if you want to be a barrister.

Legal Practice Course:LPC is not an academic course – it’s vocational and requires good time management, organisation and preparation. There are many providers so look around.

Bar Professional Training Course: The Full-time course lasts for a year while the part-time option is spread over two.

The training Contract:You must complete this training with a law firm for two years. Most training contracts are taken on a full-time basis and last two years.

What types of firms recruit our students?Major UK firms, in particular, the Magic Circle firms, actively recruit students from overseas.

BECOMING A SOLICITOR IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

You must be willing to undertake further training and study if you wish to become an accredited solicitor in the UK. As a law graduate, training will take at least three years. This includes studying for and passing further exams beyond law school. The Solicitors Regulation Board oversees the requirements of becoming a solicitor, known in the UK as being admitted to the roll of solicitors.

As a law graduate, there are four components to being admitted to the role of solicitors in the UK:

• A Law Degree (LLB or JD) – including successful completion of Contract, Restitution, Torts, Criminal Law, Equity and Trusts, Property Law, Public Law, Constitutional Law, and Administrative Law• Legal Practice Course (LPC) (1 year) – similar to Australia’s College of Law•Practice-based training contract incorporating Professional Skills Course (2 years full time)• Admission to the roll of solicitors

You may apply for the LPC either directly to a college or university that offers such a course of through the LPC Central Applications Board.

As an overseas applicant, there is an alternative pathway to becoming an accredited solicitor that avoids the difficulties of using Australian University law courses to satisfy UK requirements (for example, European Union Law, one of the requirements, is not taught here at UNSW).

This alternative pathway involves becoming accredited in Australia through the College of Law, applying for a Certificate of Eligibility from UK’s Solicitors Regulation Authority, applying for the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme, and thereby becoming a qualified lawyer of England and Wales.

To find out more about becoming a qualified solicitor in the United Kingdom, please contact the Solicitors Regulation Authority, which oversees the requirements for admissions. http://www.sra.org.uk/

Also, the Law Society of UK offers support for those working towards becoming a qualified solicitor or other legal professional in the United Kingdom. http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/

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BECOMING A BARRISTER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

The first part of becoming a barrister in the UK is satisfying academic requirements. This means a law degree, LLB or JD, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Law. Questions of transfer eligibility of Australian degrees to satisfy LLB/JD requirements should be directed to the Barrister Standards Board (BSB). While LLB/JD and GDL are prerequisites for moving onto the next stage—vocational stage—they do not guarantee admission.

The second stage of training to become a barrister is the vocational stage. This takes the form of the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), which can either be taken over one year full time or two years part time; the latter of which allows time for students to carry out paid work and gain useful legal experience.

Prospective barristers must also pass the Bar Course Aptitude Test: https://www.barprofessionaltraining.org.uk/s4/oa/candidates/start.asp

The final stage of training to become a barrister is a one-year pupillage. This is usually undertaken in a set of barristers’ chambers, although it can also be undertaken with certain other organisations. Being a pupil is similar to being an apprentice when you will gain practical training under the supervision of an experienced barrister or barristers. At the end of the year you will be a fully qualified barrister. Pupillage is divided into two parts: the “first six” which is a non-practising six months and the “second six” which is a practising six months.

During the first six, pupils generally shadow their pupil supervisor, do legal research, draft opinions and other court documents, read their pupil supervisor’s paperwork and observe

him or her in conferences and in court. During the second six, pupils can take on some work of their own, under supervision.

For more information visit this website:http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/becoming-a-barrister/how-to-become-a-barrister/

Doing Your own

research

CHAMBERS STUDENT UK

There are thousands of interviews with trainees, pupils and market sources, as well as interesting and informative articles. This website is for anyone considering a law career in the UK. There is also a newsletter which you can sign up to for free.

LINK: http://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/

Practising Law in the United Kingdom Becoming a Barrister in the United Kingdom

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Firm Address: One Silk Street, London EC2Y 8HQ

Contact details: Graduate Recruitment0044 207 456 2000

Graduate.recruitment@linklaters.com

For more information on Linklaters and graduate opportunities, please visit www.linklaters.com/ukgrads

Office locations: Linklaters has offices in 29 cities

around the world. In May 2012, we entered into a strategic alliance with international law firm, Allens, which enables us to work closely together

to provide advice through our global network of 40 offices across 29

countries, including to emerging markets in Africa, Asia and South

America.

Number of lawyers and partners in the firm:

We have around 2,600 lawyers, including around 460 partners.

Firm’s Areas of Practice:Corporate: Competition, Corporate / M&A, Employment & Incentives, Environment & Climate Change,

Pensions

Finance & Projects: Banking, Capital Markets, Financial Regulation,

Projects, Restructuring & Insolvency, Investment Management

Commercial: Intellectual Property, Litigation & Arbitration, Real Estate,

Planning & Construction, TaxTechnology, Media &

Telecommunications, Trusts

ABOUT THE FIRM

What is the history/background of the firm?Linklaters can trace its roots back to 1838 - and we have been a leading firm in the City of London pretty much ever since. In the 1970s we started to develop a network of overseas offices on the back of the markets’ use of English law and the English language on international financings.

Today, we’re leaders in Europe and Asia and have a very strong presence across Eastern Europe and the Middle East. We are also one of the few international firms able to advise on Japanese law. In 2012 we formed an integrated alliance with Allens to enable our two firms to collaborate closely for the benefit of clients around the world.

What is an interesting case that the firm is currently working on?As we’re strong across a range of practice areas, you don’t need to look very far to find interesting matters on which our lawyers are working. For example, Linklaters has recently been appointed by HM Treasury to advise on the highly anticipated first issue of Sukuk on behalf of the United Kingdom.

What is the typical progression of a lawyer in the firm?The training contract is built around six-month ‘seats’ in four different practice areas – often including a seat in one of our international offices or on a client secondment. During your training contract, you will take the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS), so that you can be admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales. This means you will be dual-English and Australian law qualified. Once qualified, there is a clear career path for progression within the firm, up to partner level.

What professional development opportunities does the firm offer?There is a real emphasis on continued learning and development at Linklaters, beginning with a trainee’s first day at the firm and continuing all the way through to partnership. Each practice has specific training designed to suit your needs which will include a mixture of formal training courses, eLearning, on the job supervision and the feedback you receive every day.

LinklatersUnited Kingdom

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Number of summer clerks the firm anticipates on accepting: 10

Clerkship application deadline: 29th May, 2014

Application: Applications begin with an online

application form. Our applications for the 2014 clerkship close on 9

May 2014. Applications for the 2015 clerkship will open in March next

year.

What should be included in a student’s application?

Our application forms make it easy for you to let us know the information we’re looking for, including qualifications and academic achievements, extra curricular activities, work experience and why you’re interested in a career

in commercial law.

Our business is all about exceptional people, so we want the best and the brightest to find and fulfil their true potential at Linklaters. We recruit a diverse mix of the most talented graduates from a wide range of

universities and backgrounds.

We have also developed the Linklaters Law & Business School, which is an entirely new framework for career-long continuous professional development. Through the Linklaters Law & Business School, we have integrated business skills and technical knowledge in one holistic syllabus that gives people the mix of expertise they need to thrive in a changing world. There are also opportunities for development aligned to the various practice groups, for example the chance to become a solicitor-advocate or to take a professional qualification in relation to intellectual property law.

Why work with this firm? Linklaters is one of the world’s most prestigious law firms: a global network of exceptional lawyers working and learning from one another to fulfil our ambition of becoming the leading global law firm. Linklaters is the only law firm to have market-leading global teams across corporate, finance and commercial practice areas. Our culture of innovation, teamwork and entrepreneurship means that we have built strong relationships with our clients advising them on their most important and challenging transactions. Linklaters has 19 practices across 29 cities worldwide, giving you truly global exposure on a daily basis. Trainees have the opportunity to be seconded to our international offices or to the offices of one of our clients, providing first hand experience of this global dimension. We have high expectations and recruit talented, motivated graduates who expect a lot from themselves. In return, we offer you global opportunities, world-class training and incredible rewards.Clerkship information

What is the application process like for clerks?The process begins with an online application form, available on the website (http://www.linklatersgraduates.co.uk/apply-now). The graduate recruitment team reads each application form individually and, if progressed to the next stage, you will be invited to take an online critical thinking test. Successful candidates will be invited to interviews in Australia in June 2014.

After being a clerk, what are the prospects of becoming a graduate?Each clerk is entitled to a final interview for a training contract at the end of the clerkship. In each of the last two years 100% of the clerks were offered training contracts with Linklaters at the end of the scheme. We provide assistance for the next steps in the process after an offer, including relocation to the UK.

QA

QA

How did you hear about the international clerkship?

I heard about the opportunity through previous participants in the program. However Linklaters also holds an information sessions in March with its alliance partner, Allens, and usually emails with information are distributed to students via their student email accounts. Linklaters also has information on its website about the Australian program. See: http://www.linklatersgraduates.co.uk/our-schemes/australian-clerkships

What is the application process like?

The application process is fairly rigorous. However it is an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself and take part in a more intensive interview process, similar to what London graduates experience.

The first step involved submitting an online application, in which you entered basic information, including your marks at university, and answered a couple of questions about why you want to work at Linklaters etc.

After making it past the initial application stage, we were asked to do an online Watson Glaser test. This is a critical thinking test and was timed.

If successful in the two stages above, we were then invited to interview. Two recruitment partners and a member of graduate recruitment came out from London to Sydney and Melbourne to conduct interviews.

The first element of the interview involved a two hour ‘work simulation exercise’. This was an activity where we had a laptop and via an online portal, were given an email account containing documents. After having some time to become familiar with the documents, we received hypothetical emails every few minutes to respond to, based on the information in the documents.

Following this, we had a short break and then re-sat the Watson Glaser critical thinking test.After lunch had two separate interviews. One was a ‘legal’ interview with a partner, which tested our legal and commercial knowledge of the factual scenario we were given in the work simulation activity. The second interview was an interview with the other partner or the human resources representative, where we were asked behavioural style questions, as well as about our interest in the firm and working in London.

Linklaters London Vacation Scheme - November-December 2012In 2013 Laura graduated from UNSW with a Bachelor of Law and Economics

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Useful Link

LAURA FERRARO

Q

Q

QA

A

A

“”

Be on the lookout for information from Linklaters early on in the year, as this application and interview process is done and dusted before any of the Australian law firms commence their recruitment for summer clerkships

Did you notice anything different whilst working overseas?

The work hours in London are slightly different. Most people start at 9:30am, and don’t leave work until about 7pm. This is generally a later start and finish time than in Australia.

The culture was in many ways similar to the culture in Australian law firms. However I would say it was possibly more serious culture and in certain areas I wondered whether there might be less interaction between people of different levels. Everyone was lovely and went to a lot of effort to make you feel welcome.

I also noticed that there were many Australians working at Linklaters London already, and never a shortage of Aussie accents around the office!

What’s something interesting you worked on at Linklaters?

While in the competition team I did some work with the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), which involved drafting some provisions in an agreement, and considering the application of those provisions within the wider context of EU competition law. I also got to attend some client meetings at RBS which was a great experience.

Any tips for UNSW students looking to apply?

Watch out for timing! Be on the lookout for information from Linklaters early on in the year, as this application and interview process is done and dusted before any of the Australian law firms commence their recruitment for summer clerkships. Information sessions about the program take place in March, and require registration.

Be prepared for the challenges of the application and interview process. It is quite different to what you would go through if you applied for summer clerkships in Australia. This means having some idea about the firm, the economic climate in Europe and especially London, and why you want to pursue a career in corporate law in London.

Remember that this clerkship runs from mid-November to mid-December, so it doesn’t hurt to apply for some Australian summer clerkships, as some firms are flexible and will allow you to take part in an Australian clerkship in January.

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Clerk at Linklaters in LondonB Com/LLB student (5th year)

University of New South Wales

QAQA

BERNARD LUNG

QA

“”

The application is very straightforward and almost identical to the training contract application that UK students apply for.

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How did you hear about the international clerkship?

From the joint Allens and Linklaters presentations held in March last year, and again on 17 March this year.

What is the application process like?

The application is very straightforward and almost identical to the training contract application that UK students apply for. The first stage consists of several questions accompanied with your academic transcript and CV. Applicants will also need to achieve a passing score in the Watson-Glaser critical thinking test. The final stage is an assessment centre day held at Allens. At this stage, there is an e-tray assessment, a repeat of the Watson-Glaser test, and two one-on-one interviews.

Did you notice anything different whilst working overseas?

The one difference that is immediately noticeable is the kind of clients that come to Linklaters (and the other English firms). Linklaters’ clientele consists of massive European and American clients, who produce some challenging and interesting work for the firm.

BERNARD LUNG

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Q QA A

“”

Don’t be put off by the long application process. The clerkship at Linklaters is probably the best opportunity to begin your legal career in London.

What’s something interesting you worked on at Linklaters?

I ‘worked’ incredibly hard constructing a magnificent gingerbread house as part of a Linklaters clerkship event held in Silks, Linklaters’ very own food court. The beauty of this gingerbread house lies in its symbolism rather than its construction. Unfortunately, it narrowly missed out on the ‘Best Gingerbread House’ Award.

Any tips for UNSW students looking to apply?

Don’t be put off by the long application process. The clerkship at Linklaters is probably the best opportunity to begin your legal career in London.

The firm is looking for the usual qualities in a law student. There is no strict mark cut-off. Successful applicants generally have a keen interest in working overseas. The clerks every year are incredibly diverse, so just be yourself and do your best.

If you have any questions, I would recommend you contact the very helpful recruitment team at Linklaters, who will be presenting at Allens Sydney Office on 17 March this year.

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Clerk at Linklaters in LondonBA/LLB student

University of Sydney

QA

QA

How did you hear about the international clerkship?

Linklaters runs clerkship presentation events at a number of Sydney’s universities, and this is generally how students hear about it. My path to the clerkship was a little different: more the product of mid-semester exam procrastination than anything else. I wanted to find an alternative to Australian clerkships and Linklaters’ clerkship in London seemed ideal.

What is the application process like?

The selection process is pretty challenging, but thankfully most of the hard work is confined to the assessment day.

The process begins with an online application, which requires you to think about what you offer Linklaters, why you want to work as a commercial lawyer in London and why Linklaters in particular appeals to you.

Progressing to the next stage of the process, selected applicants undertake an online critical thinking test, known as the Watson Glaser test. It’s kind of like a big kids’ NAPLAN test: it tests your ability to evaluate arguments and to identify conclusions that logically follow from these arguments. Linklaters offers a number of practice questions on its website

http://www.l inklatersgraduates.co.uk/application-process/critical-thinking-test as do a number of other sites.

The process culminates in the assessment day, a full day in which applicants progress through a work simulation and written exercise followed by two one-on-one interviews – an interview with a member of the firm’s Human Resources team, and one with a partner. The ‘HR interview’ is largely competency based, focussing on your application and your commercial awareness (think along the lines of ‘why Linklaters?’, ‘why law?’), but be aware that a couple curve ball questions could come your way.

The partner interview is a little tougher. It centres on a presentation of what you wrote in your work simulation and will require some base legal knowledge. Be prepared for the partner to probe you in relation to legal and commercial issues that you did not pick up, and don’t be afraid to admit the limitations of your knowledge.

Useful Link

ADEN KNAAP

Q

Q

A

AAQ

“”

What Linklaters is looking for is pretty obvious: foundational legal knowledge, sound commercial awareness, a firm commitment to pursuing a career in commercial law and an interest in moving to London. Be ready to project that.

“”

Perhaps the greatest virtue of the Linklaters’ clerkship is its ability to engage clerks regardless of their past legal experience.

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Useful Link

ADEN KNAAPDid you notice anything different

whilst working overseas?

Given the clerkship is located in Linklaters’ London office, the culture or work ethic is broadly similar with that of Australia. That said, you may be confronted by some minor cultural differences: for example, don’t be surprised if one of the librarians looks/sounds like/is Gareth from ‘The Office’.

What’s something interesting you worked on at Linklaters?

After four years as a paralegal in Sydney, I had prepared myself for a month of photocopying with maybe a bit of bulldog clipping if I was lucky. But the work I did at Linklaters was consistently engaging, and the firm really try to give you exposure to a whole cross-section of their work.

Perhaps the greatest virtue of the Linklaters’ clerkship is its ability to engage clerks regardless of their past legal experience. As a lowly Arts student, with a poor grasp on personal finance, let alone macro financial issues, I was initially hesitant about undertaking a rotation with the Banking team. However, guided by some incredibly helpful colleagues (as well as investopedia), I found myself glued to newspaper reports on the changing regulatory environment for UK banks.

Any tips for UNSW students looking to apply?

What Linklaters is looking for is pretty obvious: foundational legal knowledge, sound commercial awareness, a firm commitment to pursuing a career in commercial law and an interest in moving to London. Be ready to project that. And make sure you don’t address your cover letter to a different firm.

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EUROPE

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What made you choose to work in Switzerland?

I was offered a position related to my area of legal specialisation (aviation and space law), following graduation from my master’s programme (LLM) in Canada (McGill University).

How did you get to work with your company?

In terms of current employer (of 24 years), I was previously working in Geneva for a non-governmental organisation specifically on a report commissioned by the Dutch Government which involved research and enquiries/interviewing of representatives from the aviation insurance market. During the (report related) interviews I was asked – given my legal background - whether I had considered working in insurance and reinsurance (I had not) but subsequently received offers from several Swiss insurers and reinsurers who were looking for professionally educated candidates at the time – although there was no requirement for prior experience in the insurance markets.

How does working in Switzerland compare to working in Australia? What are some work

culture differences that you have perceived?

Switzerland – and my employer Swiss Reinsurance Company - provides a truly international working environment. There are experts from every conceivable area of business/science/technology and nationals from more than 80 countries. I find the Swiss attitude very progressive, open and liberal generally and they invest heavily in their employees in terms of continuing education and training.

I did not gain the same sense of “employee investment” in terms of Australian employers – specially the law firms I had worked with prior to leaving Australia for graduate studies in Canada. I assume that attitude has changed.

How can you best prepare as a student at UNSW in order to work in Switzerland?

Maintain a global outlook which is reflected in your areas of optional law courses and pursue areas of law which are really of interest to you.

Specialisation can be risky but the rewards are great if you are passionate about the areas of law that interest you. Do not, however, expect to plan your career with certainty and expect setbacks and interesting diversions “en route”.

The excellent standard of teaching and education generally at UNSW - in my experience - will provide a solid foundation for further post/graduate studies and a satisfying career. I have and continue to rely upon those foundations on an almost daily basis. The study of languages can also be of assistance in terms of preparation.

Country of residence: SwitzerlandB Comm/LLB, 1975-79

Senior claims expert/in-house counsel & director responsible for aviation and space related insurance and reinsurance claims

PHILIP CHRYSTALWorking in Switzerland

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Country of residence: Budapest, HungaryGeneral Counsel, Head of Compliance & Human Resources,

HBO Europe

GORDON FINLAYSON

What made you choose to work in Hungary?

Shortly after qualifying I moved to London where I lived for five years, working and completing my masters at UCL and qualifying as an English solicitor. I then moved to Dubai where I was the general counsel of a pan-regional pay television operator called OSN. When the role as HBO’s European legal head came up, I jumped at the opportunity of living in Budapest. HBO has been broadcasting out of here for twenty years and it’s a great role in a really interesting part of the world. The scope of my current role includes a large number of countries across Europe, so while our Headquarters is based in Budapest I am responsible for managing the legal function and staff across a number of offices throughout Europe.

How does the legal system in Hungary differ to that in Australia?

HBO broadcasts and/or produces content in 19 countries across Europe, all of which have civil law systems. The complexity and extent of regulation by the European Union overlaying the domestic legal systems across Europe make it a complex and challenging market to practice as a lawyer. My work includes business development outside of the European Union which can be very challenging from a commercial and cultural point of view.

What are the admission requirements for Hungary?

I am a practising English solicitor and am not registered with the bar in Hungary.

How does working in Hungary compare to working in Australia? What are some work culture differences

that you have perceived?

Working in a multinational business operating in a pan-regional business has many challenges, there is a significant variance to the approach of particular countries to the rule of law, each country has its own particular variations, so it would be difficult to generalise about work cultures. One primary challenge is working with a large number of counsel from different native language backgrounds, it’s important to spend sufficient time with your local counsel in order to correctly understand their advice as the key points can often get lost in translation.

How can you best prepare as a student at UNSW in order to work in your country?

For those UNSW graduates aspiring to work in Europe, it’s very important to gain a solid grounding in the law and preferably some international experience in Australia before thinking about your move overseas.

Once you make the move it is very valuable to undertake some post-graduate study, such as an LLM programme, in Europe in order to bolster your experience in this market.

When I first moved to London I undertook the LLM programme at University College London and qualified as a lawyer in England and Wales, both which have proven invaluable (in addition to my LLB from UNSW) in demonstrating my local knowledge and value as an employee to potential employers. In order to practice in Europe its essential to have a solid understanding of the functioning and structure of the governing institutions, competition authorities and courts of the European Union and European Economic Area.

Working in Hungary

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Country of residence: Budapest, HungaryGeneral Counsel, Head of Compliance & Human Resources,

HBO Europe

What made you choose to work in Germany?

I am German, have studied and am admitted to the bar in Germany. The LL.M at UNSW was a post-graduate degree to give me insight into another legal system.

How does the legal system in Germany differ to that in Australia?

Germany is a civil law country. The civil law system involves applying general stipulations to individual cases and taking into account applicable jurisprudence. Whereas in the common law system the legal principles are mainly based on case law, the civil system is based on written codes. It is always quite difficult to understand and to get used to the respective other system.

What are the admission requirements in Germany?

To be admitted to the bar in Germany, the first and second state exam is required. There is a special admission procedure for foreign lawyers, depending on the qualifications of their home country.

How does working in Germany compare to working in Australia? What are some work

culture differences that you have perceived?

As I have never worked but only studied in Australia, I cannot tell the differences. I assume that it depends where you work, both in Germany and in Australia, and Australia may be a bit less formal.

How can you best prepare as a student at UNSW in order to work in Germany?

As a student, you should learn the German language. If you are working in law firms with international clients, most of the work is in English. However, to be able to participate in the daily life, knowing the German language is a must. Additionally, you should familiarize with the German legal system (civil law system) as it differs strongly from the Australian legal system.

Country of residence: GermanyLL.M. (International Business and Economic Law) 2009,

Senior Associate at Raupach & Wollert-Elmendorff Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH – Deloitte Legal

JULIA DOLLESCHELWorking in Germany

Practising Law In the United States

Practising Law in the United States Eligibility to take the Bar Examination

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UNITED STATES

Practising Law In the United States

Practising Law in the United States Eligibility to take the Bar Examination

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ELIGIBILITY TO TAKE THE BAR EXAMINATION IN THE US: FOREIGN LAW SCHOOL GRADUATES

Practising Law in the United States Eligibility to take the Bar Examination

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Doing Your own

research

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

http://www.asil.org/

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATIONwww.americanbar.org

CALIFORNIA BAR WEBSITEwww.calbar.ca.gov

NEW YORK BAR WEBSITE https://www.nysba.org/

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Public Interest Director, UNSW Law SocietyBA/LLB (3rd year)

University of New South Wales

International Public Interest Careers

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Public Interest Director, UNSW Law SocietyBA/LLB (3rd year)

University of New South Wales

A message fromThe Public Interest Director

OLIVER MOORE

What is public interest law?

International public interest law provides a range of opportunities for students, working internationally to work in the public interest. The field encompasses a wide range of positions in organisations including NGOs, the United Nations and overseas Government positions. Students passionate about issues such as human rights, the environment and humanitarian law can find a fulfilling career path in international public interest law. In the age of globalisation, there is a growing demand for talented individuals to work in the rapidly expanding legal field of international law. Those who pursue careers in public interest law often say that the most satisfying part is being able to advance a cause they truly believe in..

Where does it take me?

The most exciting part about international public interest law is that it can take you anywhere in the world. Unlike other opportunities found in commercial law firms, the jobs in public interest law are not necessarily limited to centres of commerce. Organisations with global reach such as the United Nations need legal professionals at all levels of operation. UNSW Alumni interviewed for the Careers Guide have gone to the Netherlands, New York, Common locations for those working in the field include the geographic centres of international law, such as The Hague in the Netherlands and the UN Headquarters in Geneva and New York, whilst NGOs provide opportunities to travel and engage with cultures worldwide. The positions listed in this guide range from Ghana, Malaysia and Brazil. from prestigious law firms, or stellar graduates of elite law schools that have completed a judicial clerkship at a Federal Appeals Court or the Supreme Court.

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Lucas Lixinski is a Lecturer at UNSW Law, having spent his professional life working in International Human Rights Law. Lucas holds a PhD in Law from the European University Institute. He gives some key advice for students wanting a career in international public interest law.

How do I get there?

Internships

According to Lucas, it is standard for the industry to complete 2 or 3 unpaid internships before continuing on to paid work. This requires dedication, a commitment to saving and a passion for the work. However, Lucas advises that the first jobs may not live up to a student’s glamorous expectations of work in the industry. Nonetheless, just because it is not glamorous does not mean that it is not important. Often the work done by interns is vital to the day-to-day functioning of organisations, particularly NGOs. Lucas also emphasises that with time, the labour of love required in internships will pay off, and secure employment can be achieved with hard work. Students should remain open to anything, and be realistic. Sometimes a student wanting to work in the ICC may not achieve an internship straight up, but there are plenty of smaller NGOs that act as observers that give valuable experience to interns.

Applying for jobs

The positions you apply for should genuinely reflect your interests and career aspirations. It is difficult to tell what a person is truly passionate about merely from an application.

Therefore, Lucas states that it is important that your academic transcript demonstrates your knowledge and awareness for the area of law that you are applying for. Consequently, students interested in public interest law should pick the electives that reflect this, and the knowledge gained is highly valued by international organisations.

Further study

In many countries in Europe, post-graduate degrees are relatively common, and a Masters degree can assist greatly later in your career. However, for many positions, an LLB is sufficient, particularly if electives have been taken in the relevant subject area. Additionally, professional experience can supplant the need for a Masters degree, and career progress is possible without returning to study. If you want to pursue further academic study, there are many incredible courses worldwide to consider, and seeking study at universities well known for a focus on international law is looked upon favourably.

LUCAS LIXINSKI

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LUCAS LIXINSKI ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Financial Support

The Australian and New Zealand Society of International Law (ANZSIL) provide financial support for people undertaking unpaid internships in international organisations or NGOs. You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. The closing dates for 2014 are 25 April and 24 October. See: http://anzsil.anu.edu.au/

Other opportunities

In addition, there are a range of volunteering and internship opportunities that do not provide legal experience but nonetheless go towards the aim of international public interest law. These include opportunities with the Red Cross, Care Australia and Medicins Sans Frontières.

UN internships

For up to date information on UN internships see:http://undesadspd.org/Youth/UNOpportunities/Internships.aspx

How can this Careers Guide help?

The goal of the careers guide is to assist students in finding entry-level positions. There are a range of volunteering opportunities, internships and paid positions that students can get involved in. This list can be considered a starting point and is by no means exhaustive. Be aware that some of the most coveted positions are quite competitive, but do not let this discourage you. If you are truly passionate about a global issue, then there will be a way for you to forge a career in international public interest law. This guide caters to the whole spectrum of students, and the most important message that we can give is for you to apply! There are a multitude of opportunities out there for prospective international lawyers, why not apply and find out where it takes you?

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LOCATIONNairobi, Kenya

DURATION3-6 months

DESCRIPTIONThe United Nations Office at Nairobi, the UN headquarters in Africa, was established by the General Assembly in 1996. The objective of the internship programme is to provide current students with important practical experience which complements their field of study, which at the same time will be of benefit to the UN offices to which the intern is assigned.

LINK http://www.unon.org/content/internship-programme

CANDIDATE CRITERIAThird year or above

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

LOCATIONVienna, Austria

DURATION 2-4 months

DESCRIPTIONThe International Trade Law Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (ITLD), which serves as the substantive secretariat of UNCITRAL, offers an internship program for a selected number of applicants who have completed their graduate studies or are pursuing postgraduate studies. The Division includes a Legislative Branch and a Technical Assistance Section Those are tasked, respectively, with the development of harmonized legislative texts, and the provision of technical assistance, with respect to the adoption and use of UNCITRAL legal texts.

LINK http://www.uncitral.org/uncitral/en/vacancies_internships.html

CANDIDATE CRITERIAGraduates

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE AT NAIROBI

UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW

UN & ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONSLEGAL INTERNSHIPS

IMPORTANT NOTE - WHERE TO APPLYMost UN positions are organised through their Careers Page

(https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx) unless stated otherwise. You must create a profile to apply for positions.

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UN & ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONSLEGAL INTERNSHIPS

LOCATIONThe Hague, Netherlands

DURATION1-3 months

DESCRIPTIONThe International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began work in April 1946. The Court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and specialised agencies. The International Court of Justice offers internships of one to three months to students and young professionals who are in the early stages of their careers. The internship is an opportunity for them to put their knowledge and experience into practice, while performing certain tasks for the Court under the supervision of Registry officials.

LINK http://www.icj-cij.org/registry/index.php?p1=2

CANDIDATE CRITERIAStudents and young professionals

APPLICATION DEADLINEAccepted on a rolling basis

WHERE TO APPLYSee online application form http://www.icj-cij.org/registry/internships.php?init=true

LOCATIONThe Hague, Netherlands

DESCRIPTIONThe International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) is a United Nations court of law dealing with war crimes that took place during the conflicts in the Balkans in the 1990’s The Internship Programme assigns interns to each of the three constituent organs of the Tribunal, the Registry, the Chambers and the Office of the Prosecutor.Legal and non-legal internships are available in the Registry and the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP), while Chambers internships are all legal.

LINK http://www.icty.org/sid/113

CANDIDATE CRITERIAFinal year undergraduate law student or first year JD

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL FOR THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA

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LOCATIONArusha, Tanzania, Kigali, Rwanda or The Hague, Netherlands

DURATION2-6 months

DESCRIPTIONThe Internship Programme 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, such as international relations, law, economics, political science, philosophy, journalism, translation and terminology. The purpose of the Programme is to provide the participants with important practical experience which compliments their field of study and which will, at the same time, be of benefit to the office to which the intern is assigned.

LINK http://www.unictr.org/tabid/122/default.aspx

CANDIDATE CRITERIAThird year or above, graduate or post-graduate

APPLICATION DEADLINEAccepted on rolling basis

LOCATIONThe Hague, Netherlands

DURATION 3-6 months

DESCRIPTIONThe principal task of the Chamber Support Sub-unit is to assist the Judges of the Appeals Chamber in their judicial duties. The Appeals Chamber of the ICTR is extremely busy, and interns in the Chamber Support sub-unit are required to undertake a great deal of substantive legal work including research in public international law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, comparative criminal law and international human rights law.

LINK http://www.unictr.org/Portals/0/English/opportunities/Vacancy/acsu.pdf

CANDIDATE CRITERIALaw graduate, or near completion of law degree

APPLICATION DEADLINEAccepted on rolling basis

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL FOR RWANDA

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIIBUNAL FOR RWANDA/APPEALS CHAMBER SUPPORT

SECTION

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LOCATIONHamburg, Germany

DURATION3 months

DESCRIPTIONThe purposes of the internship programme of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea are to give the participants the opportunity to gain an understanding of the work and functions of the Tribunal and to enable the Tribunal and its Members to benefit from the assistance of persons with relevant knowledge and skills in areas within the scope of activities of the Tribunal.

LINK http://www.itlos.org/index.php?id=243

CANDIDATE CRITERIAThird year or above, graduate or post-graduate

APPLICATION DEADLINEJanuary to March: application to be submitted by 30 September of previous yearApril to June: application to be submitted by 31 December of previous yearJuly to September: application to be submitted by 31 MarchOctober to December: application to be submitted by 30 June

WHERE TO APPLYSee application form at https://www.itlos.org/fileadmin/itlos/documents/basic_texts/INT.2.pdf

LOCATIONVienna, Austria

DURATION2-12 months

DESCRIPTIONThe United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) accept unpaid interns on an ad hoc basis. The purpose of our Programme is to offer students from diverse academic backgrounds an educational experience through practical work assignments within the international environment of the UN, while offering the United Nations the assistance of qualified students specializing in various professional fields.

LINK http://www.unvienna.org/unov/en/job_internship.html

CANDIDATE CRITERIAThird year or above, graduate or post-graduate

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL FOR THE LAW OF THE SEA

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE AT VIENNA AND THE UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND

CRIME

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LOCATIONThe Hague, Netherlands

DURATION3-6 months

DESCRIPTIONDefence counsel practising before the International Tribunal are supported by a range of staff such as investigators, legal assistants and case managers. This is refered to as the Defence Team. In addition, to these staff, Teams also have internships for applicants who are interested in international criminal defence. The tasks that an intern is required to perform may include legal research, witness summaries, witness preparation, factual research, writing legal memoranda, case management tasks and supporting Defence Counsel in their daily work.

LINK http://adc-icty.org/adcinternships.html

CANDIDATE CRITERIAFinal year law student

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

LOCATIONRome, Italy

DURATION 3-12 months

DESCRIPTIONUNICRI is a United Nations entity established in 1967 to support countries worldwide in preventing crime and facilitating criminal justice. The objective of the internship programme is to enhance the educational experience of graduate and post-graduate students from diverse academic backgrounds through practical work assignments and on-the-job experience, to expose them to the work of the United Nations and to provide UNICRI with the assistance of highly qualified students specialized in various professional fields.

LINK http://www.unicri.it/institute/join_us/jobs/internships/

CANDIDATE CRITERIAGraduate students

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

WHERE TO APPLYinternship@unicri.it

ASSOCIATION OF DEFENCE COUNSEL PRACTISING BEFORE

THE ICTY

UNITED NATIONS INTERREGIONAL CRIME AND JUSTICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

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LOCATIONGeneva, Switzerland and Budapest, Hungary

DURATION2-6 months

DESCRIPTIONInternships at UNHCR are on an on-going basis and are offered throughout the year, depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of units/offices to receive and supervise interns. There is no deadline for sending in your application form. Most interns work on a project which will benefit both them and UNHCR, in fields such as refugee protection (legal), international relations, administration and public affairs.

LINK http://unhcr.org/pages/49c3646c49d.html

CANDIDATE CRITERIADepends on specific position

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

WHERE TO APPLYSee online application form at http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/internship?_ga=1.17068273.975135523.1391141928

UNHCR(THE UN REFUGEE AGENCY)

Position: Justice Sector Intern at the Hague Institute for the Internationalisation of Law

(HiiL), The Hague, Netherlands

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How did you find out about this position?

The Hague Justice Portal. However, this website is currently inactive. Alternatively, you are able to find many available internships and jobs through LinkedIn and broad google searches.

What did the application process involve?

First, I was required to submit an online application, consisting of a motivation letter written sample, academic transcript, and resume. Then, I was invited to two face-to-face interviews in the Hague before successfully obtaining the internship.

What was the main project you worked on at The Hague?

I worked on a variety of exciting and challenging projects throughout my internship, all with an emphasis on justice innovation. One of my main projects was to develop a rule of law navigational tool that would measure and assess rule of law in different countries. I was also responsible for organising, facilitating, and writing reports on our weekly ‘Future of Courts’ sessions. This involved an open debate and discussion with a range of stakeholders (e.g. ministers, judges, lawyers, academics and experts), and we would collaboratively draw insights from past and existing court practices in order to suggest creative solutions and approaches that courts should adopt in the future.

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I worked on a variety of exciting and challenging projects throughout my internship, all with an emphasis on justice innovation.

GREEMN LIM

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What was a typical day in the office?

HiiL is not a typical workplace - in fact it could best be described as a hub of ‘creative chaos’ with an open workspace, where daily experiences are constantly varied. My morning could start with general intern work involving data entry, legal research, and report writing for my major projects, meetings in the afternoon, and then end with a “scrum session” in the Justice Innovation Labs where we would be devising project pilots for clients. Alternatively, I could have a brand new justice project handed to me one day, and be expected to have a draft project proposal the next day. If you are used to the regular 9-5 grind with set tasks and duties, then HiiL will shake things up a bit!

What was the most rewarding part of your time there?

Being able to see the product of your hard work come into fruition and have an actual impact on society. For instance, the Rule of Law project I was working on has been commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will be used to assist ministers and policy makers in developing evidence-based policies. HiiL also has a strong focus on implementing justice in places where it is needed most, so it was incredibly rewarding to see existing deficiencies or countries with weaker legal institutions improve through HiiL’s advocacy, creativity

and ‘think outside the box’ approach. It was also a privilege to work with such a talented group of Dutch and international people who constantly challenged you to go beyond your comfort zone and to realise your potential.

Any tips for those who want to follow in your footsteps?

If there’s an opportunity, just take it. If there’s no opportunity, make it happen. Everything is possible in Europe - the world is your oyster.

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HiiL is not a typical workplace - in fact it could best be described as a hub of ‘creative chaos’ with an open workspace, where daily experiences are constantly varied.

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If there’s an opportunity, just take it. If there’s no opportunity, make it happen. Everything is possible in Europe - the world is your oyster.

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Sephora has interned at both the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and

the International Criminal Court. She graduated from her UNSW Arts/Law degree in 2011.

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SEPHORA SULTANA

What motivated you to consider an internship in public interest law?

There was no hesitation in my decision to apply for internships in international criminal law. Towards the end of my law degree, I realised that I wanted to practice in the public international law field. After experimenting with a range of international law-based electives, I settled on international human rights and international criminal law as my areas of preference. I chose the ICTY as it is the longest standing modern international criminal justice body and is responsible for the development of the key legal principles. The ICC was another natural choice. Although still (comparatively) in its infancy, the Court has a number of interesting cases and legal issues on its docket and as the world’s permanent criminal court, it is the key organisation, at which to gain experience in this area. I knew that undertaking internships would give me the structured support and hands-on experience I needed to use and increase the knowledge I had already gained at university.

You’ve interned at both the ICC and the ICTY, what projects were you

involved in?

My responsibilities as an intern were varied. My time at the ICTY was useful as I gained substantial drafting experience having prepared internal memoranda, decisions of the Registrar and correspondence to accused and to their counsel. These tasks were invaluable in preparing me for my work at the ICC, where I assisted in the drafting of procedural decisions of the Chamber and prepared summaries of witness testimony, which eventually formed part of the judgment in that case. I summarized jurisprudence and academic writing in legal areas relevant to the work of the two courts – as is to be expected from a not-yet lawyer.

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For those interested in following a similar path, I strongly recommend looking at internship possibilities from as early on in your study as possible. I would advise first undertaking as much relevant experience (such as internships and research work) as possible in Australia to increase

What did you find to be the most rewarding part of your time there?

I had many rewarding experiences. The highlight was the opportunity I was given to assist in the preparation of the final decision in the Lubanga case, which was the first judgment handed down by the ICC. I feel very privileged to play a part (however small) in the history of international criminal jurisprudence.

Any tips for students wanting to follow in your footsteps?

For those interested in following a similar path, I strongly recommend looking at internship possibilities from as early on in your study as possible. I would advise first undertaking as much relevant experience (such as internships and research work) as possible in Australia to increase the chances of acceptance to the programme. The application process is rigorous and requires substantial amounts of energy and time. Although the ICTY will accept interns at whatever stage of their law degree, preference is generally given to those, who have completed their legal education. At the ICC, this is less preference, so much as standard and the majority of other applicants will also have Masters degrees.

Depending on the organ, to which you have applied and the personal preferences of the team, in which you will potentially be working, applicants may have to partake in a phone interview.

Applicants often wait a long time to be informed of the outcome of their applications but it can be beneficial to chase up one’s application with the relevant organisation. If nothing else, it shows motivation and enthusiasm.

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Casual Academic at UNSWAline is undertaking a PhD in International

Environmental Law and Law of the Sea

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Life on Earth is sustained by our natural environment and its resources. It should be a logical aim to not irreversibly damage the Earth’s ecosystems. Despite this logic, we are facing enormous environmental challenges on a global scale that require our attention.

ALINE JAECKEL

What motivated you to work in the field of environmental law?

My motivation is straightforward: life on Earth is sustained by our natural environment and its resources. It should be a logical aim to not irreversibly damage the Earth’s ecosystems. Despite this logic, we are facing enormous environmental challenges on a global scale that require our attention.

Where did you first gain experience in public interest law?

My first contact with public international law outside the university classroom was through participating in several Model United Nations during my undergraduate degree. I then did an LLM in public international law at Leiden University, which provided plenty of opportunities to talk to international law professionals and to visit international institutions in The Hague. Joining the CISDL network (Centre for International Sustainable Development Law) enabled me to work on several projects in the field of international environmental law and development.

Simultaneously, I was able to gain experience in international law through a range of consultancy work projects and internships with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the International Seabed Authority, the International Development Law Organization, and the German development aid agency (GIZ).

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Explore beyond your field of law... Even if your degree might not specifically provide for this, it pays off to explore how you might be able to add an interdisciplinary focus to your studies through summer schools, a semester abroad, or extra-curricular activities.

What does your current position involve?

I am currently a PhD candidate and casual academic at UNSW Law involved in teaching international law. My research focuses on how the precautionary principle is being applied to prevent environmental harm from the act of mining the international seabed for minerals. This is exciting research since seabed mining is likely to start in a few years and the responsible international organisation, the International Seabed Authority, is currently in the process of developing the relevant regulations. As such, my research corresponds to a new development in practice on which there has been very little research and discussion.

What have you found to be the most rewarding part of your career path?

A rewarding aspect of my doctoral research is to make a contribution, however small, to protecting our shared marine environment. Mining seabed minerals is a relatively new, and not widely known activity, which makes it all the more interesting to work on. As for personal rewards, whilst a PhD project easily merges with one’s personal life, it also offers great flexibility as to when and where to work. Additionally, the academic environment is dynamic and offers ongoing opportunities for international exchange for doctoral candidates, academics, and practitioners.

Any tips for students wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Explore beyond your field of law. If you are interested in a particular aspect of environmental law, it can be useful and interesting to study the scientific, engineering, economic, or social dimensions of the environmental challenge. Even if your degree might not specifically provide for this, it pays off to explore how you might be able to add an interdisciplinary focus to your studies through summer schools, a semester abroad, or extra-curricular activities. Also, it is extremely useful to gain an understanding of and appreciation for other cultures and countries. Addressing global challenges, be they of an environmental nature or relating to peace and security, requires an appreciation for the cultural and social beliefs and opinions of others.

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Senior Associate, Gender Justice Program at International Centre for Transitional Justice

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My participation in the Jean-Pictet IHL Competition, and my team’s success there, really solidified my interest in addressing women in armed conflict contexts, because of their particular vulnerabilities.

AMRITA KAPUR

What motivated you to enter public interest law?

I was always interested in using law as a tool to help the disempowered and those who were less able to access justice, which is also reflected in my other degree – psychology. My interest in international affairs led me to take several international law courses, which focused my interests on international humanitarian law (IHL) and ICL (International Criminal Law). My participation in the Jean-Pictet IHL Competition, and my team’s success there, really solidified my interest in addressing women in armed conflict contexts, because of their particular vulnerabilities.

What does your current position involve?

My current position as Senior Associate in the Gender Justice Program at International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) involves providing in-depth advisory and technical assistance on how to address the causes and consequences of gender-based violence and gendered experiences of human rights violations in post-conflict and post-authoritarian contexts.

We work primarily with international and national policymakers, transitional justice (TJ) practitioners and women’s groups across the range of TJ processes, such as reparations, truth and memorialization, and criminal justice. My focus countries right now are Colombia, the Ivory Coast, Kenya and Uganda.

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Be willing to make decisions that may not be conventional, but nevertheless are a reflection of who you are, who you want to be, where your skills lie and how you want to contribute to issues that you care about.

What have you found to be the most rewarding part of your career path?

The most rewarding part of my work is using my skills to work on a matters important to me and making a positive contribution. I love building relationships with people who care about the same issues. They are enriching, inspiring, humbling and ultimately can lead to very positive outcomes.

Any tips for students wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Be willing to make decisions that may not be conventional, but nevertheless are a reflection of who you are, who you want to be, where your skills lie and how you want to contribute to issues that you care about. My career path has not been linear, but each professional experience has been rewarding, and developed skills and knowledge that I continue to use and value, sometimes in ways I could never have predicted.

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NGO POSITIONSHUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

LOCATIONBeirut, Lebanon, Berlin, Germany and Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, United States

DURATIONSee specific positions

DESCRIPTIONHuman Rights Watch investigates human rights abuses and seeks to promote human rights worldwide. Founded in 1978, Human Rights Watch has come to be known for its impartial and reliable human rights reporting, innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and success in affecting the human rights-related policies of the U.S. and other influential governments.

LINK http://www.hrw.org/about/volunteering

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

WHERE TO APPLYInternships are advertised on the website.See specific positions

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HUMANITARIAN LAW

LOCATIONSan Remo, Italy and Geneva, Switzerland

DURATION 6 months

DESCRIPTIONAreas of focus at the IIHL include international humanitarian law, human rights, refugee law, migration law, international relations and all related disciplines. Internships offer an opportunity to be at the forefront of humanitarian law, contributing to the formulation and implementation of innovative ways of advancing humanitarian law.

LINK http://www.iihl.org/internships

CANDIDATE CRITERIAGraduates and postgraduates

APPLICATION DEADLINEAccepted on rolling basis

WHERE TO APPLYgianluca@iihl.org.

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INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MIGRATION

LOCATIONUsually in Geneva, Switzerland

DURATION3-9 months

DESCRIPTIONEstablished in 1951, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Internships involve the provision of services and advice to governments and migrants.

LINK https://www.iom.int/cms/en/sites/iom/home/about-iom-1/recruitment/internships-at-iom/current-internship-opportunities.html

CANDIDATE CRITERIAGraduates

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

WHERE TO APPLYSee specific positions

INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP

LOCATIONBeijing, China, Brussels, Belgium Dakar, Senegal, and New York, Washington DC, United States

DESCRIPTIONEmployment at Crisis Group provides challenging and intellectually stimulating opportunities, whether based in the field or in one of our advocacy offices. Alongside colleagues from varied backgrounds, many of whom have distinguished track-records in the academic as well as the public domain, the organisation provides a unique work environment. Staff members are supported and encouraged to enhance their research and analytical skills, contribute to the development of policy through strategic advocacy initiatives, and to be central to the policy debate in resolving some of the most intractable conflicts of our time.

LINK http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/about/employment/internships/vacancies.aspx

CANDIDATE CRITERIAUsually undergraduate

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

WHERE TO APPLYSee specific positions

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ADVOCACY FORUM NEPAL

LOCATIONKathmandu, Nepal

DURATION 3-6 months

DESCRIPTIONAdvocacy Forum (AF) is a leading non-profit, non-governmental organization working to promote the rule of law and uphold international human rights standards in Nepal. Since its establishment in 2001, AF has been at the forefront of human rights advocacy and actively confronting the deeply entrenched culture of impunity in Nepal. Paid and unpaid positions are available, as advocates devise innovative strategies to combat impunity.

LINK http://www.advocacyforum.org/work-with-us/internships.php

CANDIDATE CRITERIAAll students

APPLICATION DEADLINEAccepted on rolling basis

WHERE TO APPLYSee page for details

BRIDGES ACROSS BORDERS SOUTHEAST ASIA CLINICAL LEGAL EDUCATION

INITIATIVE (BABSEA CLE)

LOCATIONThailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia

DURATIONMay-August

DESCRIPTIONBABSEA CLE is an organisation dedicated to increasing the accessibility of the legal systems of Southeast Asia. International Legal Studies Externship Clinic offers interns a “hands-on” opportunity to make a real contribution helping people achieve access to justice in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and Cambodia while being involved in a remarkable experience of living and working in the Southeast Asia region.

LINK http://www.babseacle.org/international-externship-clinic/

CANDIDATE CRITERIAPreferably law students

APPLICATION DEADLINEApplication deadline: March 21 2014 and September 30, 2014

WHERE TO APPLYOnline applicationhttp://www.babseacle.org/submit-application/

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CENTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS

LOCATIONPort-au-Prince, Haiti or New York, Miami, Louisiana, United States

DURATION June-August

DESCRIPTIONThe Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Founded in 1966 by attorneys who represented civil rights movements in the South, CCR is a non-profit legal and educational organisation committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change. The Center runs the Ella Baker Summer Internship Program that is designed to provide students in their first and second years of law school with training in movement lawyering and advocacy, and to immerse them in a summer of social justice seminars, skills trainings, and other related events. The goal of the program is to train the next generation of social justice lawyers.

LINK http://ccrjustice.org/ella-baker-fellowship

CANDIDATE CRITERIAFirst year or second year law student

APPLICATION DEADLINE2014 deadline has passed

WHERE TO APPLYawilliams@ccrjustice.org

CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND INTERNATIONAL LAW

LOCATIONWashington DC, United States, San José, Costa Rica, Río de Janeiro, Brazil and Buenos Aires, Argentina

DURATION 3 month minimum

DESCRIPTIONCenter for Justice and International Law (CEJIL) is dedicated to the advancement of Inter-American relations and the promotion of human rights. CEJIL’s internship program is primarily directed at students and graduates who wish to have more practical experience in the field of human rights to complement their academic and professional training. CEJIL aims to provide broad and realistic knowledge of the functioning of the Inter-American System as well as the human rights situation in the hemisphere. Interns require a strong command of Spanish.

LINK http://cejil.org/en/internships-cejil

CANDIDATE CRITERIALaw students and graduates

APPLICATION DEADLINE15 February, 15 June, 15 October

WHERE TO APPLYOnline applicationhttp://cejil.org/en/node/add/internships

CENTRE FOR APPLIED LEGAL STUDIES

LOCATIONJohannesburg, South Africa

DURATION 3 months

DESCRIPTIONBased on experience and interest in human rights, each year CALS hosts a number of unpaid volunteers/interns. Volunteers/interns are placed according to their abilities and interests, as well as our needs. They contribute meaningfully to socio-legal research, paralegal community work and public impact litigation in the fields of socio-economic rights and gender equality.

LINK http://www.wits.ac.za/academic/clm/law/cals/aboutcals/11164/internships_and_volunteers.html

APPLICATION DEADLINEAccepted on rolling basis

WHERE TO APPLYlisa.chamberlain@wits.ac.za

HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY CENTRE

LOCATIONAccra, Ghana

DURATIONNo specific duration

DESCRIPTIONThe Human Rights Advocacy Centre (HRAC) is a not-for-profit, independent, non-partisan, research and advocacy organization set up to advance and protect human rights in Ghana. Established in 2008, the HRAC is an organisation situated in the Greater Accra region that operates across Ghana. The Centre offers internship and volunteering opportunities to Ghanaian and international students throughout the year. The challenging environment at the HRAC provides an opportunity for interns to gain practical experience and knowledge in human rights work, to have an insight into the Ghanaian criminal justice system, and to make their own contribution to the protection of human rights in Ghana and the rest of the world. LINK http://www.hracghana.org/index.php/whatwe-do/intern-volunteer

CANDIDATE CRITERIAGraduates (including those with completed Arts Degrees)

APPLICATION DEADLINEAccepted on rolling basis

WHERE TO APPLYinternship@hracghana.org

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HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN

LOCATIONUS Cities

DURATION Four full-time or part-time Fellows for the spring and fall semesters and four full-time summer Law Fellows

DESCRIPTIONThe Human Rights Campaign is the largest national advocacy organization working for the civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. The HRC lobbies Congress, provides campaign support to candidates and works to educate the public on a wide array of topics affecting GLBT Americans, including workplace, family, discrimination and health issues.

LINK http://www.idi.org.il/sites/english/AboutIDI/Pages/InternshipsatIDI.aspx

CANDIDATE CRITERIAUndergraduates, graduates and professionals

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

WHERE TO APPLYSee page for details

INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS

LOCATIONGeneva, Switzerland

DURATION 4-6 months

DESCRIPTIONThe International Commission of Jurists is dedicated to the primacy, coherence and implementation of international law and principles that advance human rights. Interns work at the international secretariat in Geneva in the Economic Social and Cultural (ESC) Rights group.

LINK http://www.icj.org/about/internships/

CANDIDATE CRITERIAGraduates and post-graduates

APPLICATION DEADLINEAccepted on rolling basis

WHERE TO APPLYrecruitment@icj.org

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INTERNATIONAL SERVICE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

VOLUNTARY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

LOCATIONGeneva, Switzerland and New York, United States

DURATION 3-6 months

DESCRIPTIONThe International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is an international non-governmental organisation based in Geneva, at the heart of the United Nations human rights system, with a small branch office in New York. Founded more than 25 years ago, the ISHR has established itself in supporting and facilitating the work of human rights defenders with the United Nations human rights system and regional human rights systems.

LINK http://www.ishr.ch/internships

CANDIDATE CRITERIAStudents and recent graduates

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

WHERE TO APPLYhttp://www.ishr.ch/vacancies

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S RIGHTS ACTION WATCH - ASIA PACIFIC

LOCATIONKuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Geneva, Switzerland

DURATION10-12 weeks

DESCRIPTIONInternational Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific is an international women’s human rights organisation. Since 1993, the IWRAW-AP has worked to contribute to the progressive interpretation and realisation of the human rights of women through the lens of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and other international human rights treaties.

LINK http://www.iwraw-ap.org/governance/internship.htm

CANDIDATE CRITERIAStudents enrolled in women’s human rights related programme

APPLICATION DEADLINEAccepted on rolling basis

WHERE TO APPLYiwraw-ap@iwraw-ap.org

ISRAEL DEMOCRACY INSTITUTE

LOCATIONJerusalem, Israel

DURATION 6 weeks minimum

DESCRIPTIONIDI is an independent, non-partisan “Think-and-Do Tank” that devises ways to strengthen the moral and structural foundations of Israeli democracy. While Israel’s policymakers are consumed by crisis management, the Institute sets the nation’s best minds to work on the long-term challenges facing the State in realms such as Political Reform, National Security, Religion and State, and Constitutional Law. nterns spend a minimum of six weeks in residence at the Institute in Jerusalem, in the course of which they participate fully in the daily life of IDI.

LINK http://www.idi.org.il/sites/english/AboutIDI/Pages/InternshipsatIDI.aspx

CANDIDATE CRITERIAUndergraduates, graduates and professionals

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

WHERE TO APPLYinternship@idi.org.il

LAWYERS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS: SOUTH AFRICA

LOCATIONJohannesburg, Durban and Pretoria, South Africa

DURATION 3-6 months

DESCRIPTIONLawyers for Human Rights (LHR) is an independent human rights organisation with a thirty-year track record of human rights activism and public interest litigation in South Africa. LHR uses the law as a positive instrument for change and to deepen the democratisation of the South African society. To this end, it provides free legal services to vulnerable, marginalised and indigent individuals and communities, both non-national and South African, who are victims of unlawful infringements of their Constitutional rights.

LINK http://www.lhr.org.za/about-lawyers-human-rights

CANDIDATE CRITERIAStudents and recent graduates

APPLICATION DEADLINEAccepted on rolling basis

WHERE TO APPLYPierre Sebakwiyepierre@lhr.org.za

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RAOUL WALLENBERG INSTITUTE OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW

LOCATIONLund, Sweden

DURATION 3-4 months

DESCRIPTIONThe objective of the Internship Programme of the Department of International Programmes is to give university students and recent graduates with a special interest in human rights issues the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the practical human rights work conducted by RWI in order to complement academic studies in the field and to gain practical work experience.

LINK http://rwi.lu.se/about/opportunities/internship/

CANDIDATE CRITERIAStudents and recent graduates specialising in human rights preferred

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc as advertised

WHERE TO APPLYSee http://rwi.lu.se/about/opportunities/vacancies/

THE CARTER CENTER

LOCATIONAtlanta, United States

DURATIONSummer, Fall or Spring sessions, 3-4 months

DESCRIPTIONThe Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is committed to advancing human rights and alleviating unnecessary human suffering. Founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Atlanta-based Center has helped to improve the quality of life for people in more than 70 countries. Interns have the opportunity to work for Carter Center programs that contribute to their mission. Carter Center interns make vital contributions to the Center’s work.

LINK http://www.cartercenter.org/involved/internship/index.html

CANDIDATE CRITERIAUndergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates

APPLICATION DEADLINE1 March, 2014, 15 June, 2014 and October 15, 2014

WHERE TO APPLYOnline application at http://www.cartercenter.org/involved/

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THE INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE PROJECT

LOCATIONWashington DC, United States

DURATION 12 week minimum

DESCRIPTIONThe International Justice Project works towards the development, coordination and increased employment of international law and human rights standards as they pertain to capital punishment. The International Justice Project (IJP) Externship Programme offers a hands-on experience for students from around the world to immerse themselves in the interdisciplinary realities of capital punishment research.

LINK http://www.internationaljusticeproject.org/extern.cfm

CANDIDATE CRITERIAStudents

APPLICATION DEADLINEAccepted on rolling basis

WHERE TO APPLYijphollanduk@aol.com

VITAL VOICES GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP

LOCATIONGlobal

DURATION See specific positions

DESCRIPTIONVital Voices Global Partnership is a non-governmental organisation that identifies, trains, and empowers emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe, enabling them to create a better world for us all. The Partnership’s programs have a strong focus on combating human trafficking, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and all forms of violence against women and girls. Vital Voices Global Partnership offers internships in the fall, spring and summer for undergraduate, advanced students and recent graduates interested in gaining practical experience in public policy.

LINK http://www.vitalvoices.org/get-involved/careers/internships

CANDIDATE CRITERIAStudents and recent graduates

APPLICATION DEADLINEAd hoc

WHERE TO APPLYSee specific positions

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