ABA Rule of Law Initiative Internship Program
International Volunteer Internship Program
Introduction
Throughout the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative is potentially seeking unpaid legal interns for its offices in various countries, across the Asia, Africa, MENA, LAC, and Europe and Eurasia regions. Legal interns will work on various projects as outlined in the term of reference for each office.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include assisting in the development, planning and implementation of country specific programming, researching and drafting reports, briefings and other related documentation, assisting with the preparation and implementation of training workshops, seminars or other legal education activities, and performing administrative duties requested by the relevant office staff.
Internship Locations
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe and Eurasia
- Middle East and North Africa
- Latin America and Caribbean
Washington, D.C. Internship Program
Introduction
During the 2007 and 2008 calendar year, the Rule of Law Initiative is potentially seeking unpaid interns for its Washington, D.C. Office. Sections that may be looking for interns at a given time are Research and Program Development, Recruitment, Africa, Asia, Europe & Eurasia, Latin America & the Caribbean, and Middle East & North Africa.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities will vary depending on the section’s immediate needs. Duties may include assisting the department with the management of international programs, monitoring the political and economic developments in a region, researching areas of interest, aiding with correspondence, working with program and in-country staff on day-to-day support tasks, and performing administrative duties requested by the relevant office staff.
Current Positions
- Africa Division Intern (unpaid)
- Asia Division Intern (unpaid)
- Europe and Eurasia, Central Asia Division Intern (unpaid)
- Europe and Eurasia Division Intern, Ukraine (unpaid)
- Latin America and Caribbean Division Intern (unpaid)
- Middle East and North Africa Section Intern (unpaid)
- Research and Assessments Office –Legal Intern (Fall 2009)
Application Procedures
International Internships
The International Volunteer Internship Program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Please include a current resume, cover letter, and list of references in your application. The subject line of your email should include: Name, Region of Interest, and Term/Year for which you wish to apply (e.g. Smith, John_MENA Spring 2009). Unless otherwise specified, applications for the International Volunteer Internship Program should be sent by e-mail or fax to:
Jon O’Leary
International Support Associate, Rule of Law Initiative
Email: jobs@staff.abanet.org
Fax: 202-662-1951
Phone: 202-662-1970
Domestic Internships
Please follow directions specified in each of the position descriptions.
The ABA Rule of Law Initiative Internships are offered throughout the year during Fall, Spring and Summer semesters allowing for complete applications to be accepted on a rolling basis. The internships are created and filled based on each division’s specific needs, workload and ultimately their capacity to host an intern for that particular semester. Should you not hear from us, it is safe to assume that another candidate has been selected. If you have been selected for the position you will be contacted directly by Program Staff prior to the start of the position.
Internship Experience
"Interning at ABA ROLI really did help me get my foot in the door in more ways than one."
Brian Bachor Undergraduate Intern, Summer 2005
Read about one of our former international interns:
William and Mary Law School Names Brian Soiset 2006 Drapers' Scholar
Internship Position Descriptions
Washington, D.C. Internship Program
Africa Division Intern (unpaid)
The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is currently seeking an intern for its Africa Division. The internship would suit a current undergraduate/graduate student or a recent graduate with a degree in African studies, political science, international relations/development, or a related field. The intern’s duties include: providing research on human rights issues in regions relevant to the division; assisting in grant proposal development; corresponding with and handling requests of ABA ROLI representatives overseas and providing administrative support to the division.
The ideal candidate will have excellent writing, research and communication skills, and a great work ethic. A background in international relations and legal development and knowledge of the region’s human rights issues are highly desirable.
ABA ROLI internships are offered throughout the year (fall, spring and summer semesters) allowing for complete applications to be accepted on a rolling basis. When applying, please indicate, in the subject line, your availability and which semester you are applying for. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@staff.abanet.org. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. No phone calls, please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Asia Division Intern (unpaid)
The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is currently seeking an intern for its Asia Division. The intern will assist staff in all aspects of project work, including legal research and writing (particularly pertaining to Asian legal systems); assisting in developing training programs; corresponding with and handling requests of ABA ROLI representatives overseas; assisting in grant proposal development; and providing administrative support to the division.
The ideal candidate has excellent writing, research and interpersonal skills. A background in international relations and legal development is highly desirable. Some knowledge of Asian history, geography, politics and languages spoken in the region is helpful.
ABA ROLI internships are offered throughout the year (fall, spring and summer semesters) allowing for complete applications to be accepted on a rolling basis. When applying, please indicate, in the subject line, your availability and which semester you are applying for. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@staff.abanet.org. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. No phone calls, please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Europe and Eurasia Division Intern (unpaid)
The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is currently seeking an intern for its Europe and Eurasia Division. The internship is best suited for recent graduates, though students currently enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s or law programs with the appropriate experience will be considered. Candidates should have a proven background in international relations, should have recently completed or be currently pursuing a degree in political science, law or economics. The intern will be a key member of the Europe and Eurasia team and will assist in core responsibilities such as maintaining program records, processing data, and monitoring current events pertaining to ABA ROLI programming in Central Asia. The intern will also be involved in substantive tasks such as the management of, and reporting on, current projects as well as developing new programmatic opportunities in criminal defense, judicial reform, legal education reform and anti-human trafficking in the region.
The Central Asia internship is a great opportunity to acquire the needed skill set for a career in international development. In particular, selected candidates will, under direct supervision of ABA ROLI staff, contribute to daily activities of program implementation including:
- writing concept papers, proposals, newsletters, updates, work plans, and reports
- conducting related research
- editing, proofreading and writing program documents
- providing administrative and logistical support to DC program staff
- assisting with the financial monitoring of grants through analyzing pipelines, monthly financial reports and expense reports.
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications, skills and attributes:
- currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a bachelor’s, master’s or law program
- highly motivated to and proactive in engaging program goals and initiatives
- excellent written and oral communication skills
- working knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Outlook
- knowledge of the political, historical and cultural elements of Central Asia
- organized, analytical, priority-minded and detail-oriented
- flexibility to work as a group member as well as independently
- familiarity with the region and/or proficiency in Russian is preferred but not required.
ABA ROLI internships are offered throughout the year (fall, spring and summer semesters) allowing for complete applications to be accepted on a rolling basis. They provide interns with an excellent opportunity to learn about the rule of law, the international system, human rights and the technical skills required to support international initiatives. When applying, please indicate, in the subject line, your availability and which semester you are applying for. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@staff.abanet.org with the subject “Central Asia Intern 2009.” Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. No phone calls, please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Europe and Eurasia Division Intern, Ukraine (unpaid)
The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is currently seeking an intern for its Europe and Eurasia Division to work primarily on our program in Ukraine. The internship is well suited for recent graduates or students currently enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, or law programs. Candidates should have a proven background in international relations and international affairs, and have excellent written communication skills.
ABA ROLI’s program in Ukraine currently focuses on implementing legal education reform, assisting in anti-corruption coordination efforts, and conducting an expansive program of small grants to local legal advocacy organizations. The intern will be a key member of the Europe and Eurasia team and will assist in core responsibilities such as maintaining program records, writing reports, using evaluation tools to assess program progress, organizing administrative functions, conducting background research for the proposal writing process, and monitoring current events pertaining to ABA ROLI programming in the region.
The Ukraine internship will provide the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the U.S. Government assistance process, legal reform initiatives and priorities for democratization in the region, and international development in general. The intern will be exposed to a wide range of tasks in implementing international development projects, including the financial, grant, and programmatic skills necessary to support international initiatives. The intern will be under direct supervision of ABA ROLI staff, and will attend meetings and events with members of staff and other interns.
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications, skills and attributes:
- currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a bachelor’s, master’s or law program
- highly motivated and proactive in engaging program goals and initiatives
- excellent written and oral communication skills
- working knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Outlook
- knowledge and interest in political developments in Eastern Europe
- organized, analytical, priority-minded, and detail-oriented
- flexibility to work as a group member as well as independently
- familiarity with Ukraine and surrounding countries, including Belarus and Moldova preferred
This internship will be offered for a minimum of 10 weeks during the summer term, and interns should be able to commit to at least 25 hours per week. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@staff.abanet.org with the subject “Ukraine Intern 2009.” Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. No phone calls, please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Latin America and Caribbean Division Intern (unpaid)
The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is currently seeking an intern for its Latin America and Caribbean Division. The intern will assist the division with several tasks associated with the management of current programs and development of new ones in judicial reform, legal education reform and anti-human trafficking. The intern will also assist with monitoring the political and economic developments in the region, producing outreach materials, researching areas of interest and working with program and in-country staff with day-to-day support tasks.
The internship provides an excellent opportunity to learn about ABA ROLI and the workings of an international non-governmental organization. Undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in, and knowledgeable about, international development and/or legal issues in Latin America and the Caribbean are welcome to apply. Required skills include: strong writing and research skills, computer skills in MS Word and Outlook and a proactive work style. Proficiency in Spanish is desirable.
ABA ROLI internships are offered throughout the year (fall, spring and summer semesters) allowing for complete applications to be accepted on a rolling basis. When applying, please indicate, in the subject line, your availability and which semester you are applying for. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@staff.abanet.org with the subject “Latin America and Caribbean Intern.”
Middle East and North Africa Division Intern (unpaid)
The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is currently seeking an intern for its Middle East and North Africa Division. The intern will assist the division with several tasks associated with the management of our programs that focus on judicial independence, legal education and legal professional development. The interns will also assist with monitoring the political and economic developments in the region, researching areas of interest, and corresponding and working with program and in-country staff with day-to-day support tasks.
The internship provides an excellent opportunity to learn about ABA ROLI and the workings of an international non-governmental organization. Undergraduate students are preferred, but graduate students are welcome to apply. ABA ROLI internships are offered throughout the year (fall, spring and summer semesters) allowing for complete applications to be accepted on a rolling basis. When applying, please indicate, in the subject line, your availability and which semester you are applying for. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@staff.abanet.org with the subject “Middle East and North Africa Intern.”
Research and Assessments Office – Legal Intern (Fall 2009)
The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is seeking an unpaid legal intern for its Research and Assessments Office based in Washington, D.C. The intern will work supporting a variety of short- and long-term research projects related to rule of law reform in ABA ROLI's Focal Areas, which include: access to justice and human rights, anti-corruption and public integrity, criminal law reform and anti-human trafficking, judicial reform, legal education reform and civic education, legal profession reform, and women’s rights. For example, current projects include development of a technical assistance guide on judicial integrity reform for the UN, analyses of draft legislation, the review and revision of our International Convention on Civil and Political Rights assessment methodology and implementation of ABA ROLI's various assessment tools.
The legal internship position is open to current law students or recent graduates interested in promoting the rule of law abroad. Requirements include: excellent research, writing and analytical skills; familiarity with MS Office; and strong commitment to public interest law. Legal interns should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable. Regional experience and relevant coursework are highly desirable but not required. Knowledge of foreign languages is a plus. Legal interns are expected to work a minimum of 16 hours per week during fall and spring semesters, and full time during the summer semester. This internship is unpaid, but ABA ROLI will assist in obtaining academic credit if allowed by the intern's university.
To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and a writing sample of no more than three pages (double-spaced) to jobs@staff.abanet.org. ABA ROLI internships are offered throughout the year (fall, spring and summer semesters) allowing for complete applications to be accepted on a rolling basis. When applying, please indicate, in the subject line, your availability and which semester you are applying for. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@staff.abanet.org with the subject “Research and Assessments Intern.” Early submissions are strongly encouraged. Internships will commence near the beginning of each semester and last the duration of that semester. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

