Who can be an intern at The AIRE Centre? Applicants must have a law degree or currently be studying law. We do prefer candidates with good knowledge of EU or international human rights law. Excellent written and spoken English is essential, and a second European language is desirable. Interns come to us at all stages of their legal careers to participate in the learning process and enrich their skills. Some are current law students, many are doing a further degree in human rights or EU law. We have also taken on barristers and solicitors who are interested in human rights or EU law and want to gain practical experience. Interns are of course required to act professionally in all aspects of their conduct, particularly when dealing with confidential materials.
Why become an AIRE Centre intern?
AIRE Centre interns receive an unparalleled exposure to the practical application of European rights law and the opportunity to participate first hand in the preparation of ECHR cases. Our Review details the experiences of some former interns – do please read it if you have yet to make your mind up - you can download it from our website. As you will see many of our interns have gone on to become notable human rights lawyers in their own right. Former interns all join our Alumni Association and form part of an ever-growing international network of human rights lawyers.
What you will do:
Interns may be recruited in the context of specific projects, or more generally to assist the Director or Legal Adviser.
You may be participating in all aspects of preparation for cases pending before the ECtHR, including:
• Legal research in support of cases;
• Corresponding with the client, the Court, or other legal professionals;
• Accompanying the legal team in Strasbourg during hearings
Interns are also involved in:
• Undertaking research for articles, both for publications of The AIRE Centre, and for outside journals/publications;
• Attending meetings/conferences/seminars on behalf of The AIRE Centre.
All legal activity is supervised. As the AIRE Centre has no support staff both interns and staff are required to assist with administrative tasks as they arise.
Summer 2009 European Law in Action Programme:
During summer 2009, law students from Columbia University, the University of Michigan, Georgetown University, and Syracuse University joined the AIRE Centre for internships and externships over the Summer.
More Information on Being an Intern
Where you will be placed:
Almost all of the AIRE Centre's activities are undertaken in our cramped but historic offices in Red Lion Square.
Hours per week:
The number of hours you will give the centre each week will be decided with your supervisor in advance. Interns commit to different amounts of time depending on our current caseload and other commitments that the intern may have. Typically the minimum commitment we require is 2-3 days per week for 6 months, but preferably every day for three months.
Office hours:
Our office is open from 10am – 6pm, although these hours are flexible and staff and interns are expected to serve increased hours when the caseload dictates it.
How to apply:
Application should be by CV with covering letter to Antonia Shahab at admin@airecentre.org
. The letter should include details of your availability for interning, and your EU or human rights law experience. We receive a large number of applications and only have a limited amount of desk space in our small offices, so we cannot take on all those who apply. However if you have the skills that we are looking for we will ask you to an interview.
Further questions:
If you have any further questions please contact Antonia Shahab at admin@airecentre.org
