Legal Resources Centre
Outline of the organisation
The Legal Resources Centre (LRC) is a human rights organisation in South Africa. The LRC uses the law as an instrument of justice for the vulnerable and marginalised, including poor, homeless, and landless people and communities that suffer discrimination by reason of race, class, gender, disability or by reason of social, economic, and historical circumstances.
The LRC seeks to implement creative and effective solutions by using a range of strategies. These include impact litigation, law reform, participation in partnerships and development processes, education, and networking within South Africa, the African continent and at the international level.
The LRC has offices in Johannesburg, Durban, Grahamstown and Cape Town. Its work takes the LRC from the heart of urban cities to the most remote rural areas in South Africa. It also participates in networks that involve the Southern African region and the African continent.
Positions available
Since 1979, the LRC has welcomed visiting interns from all over the world. Over the years, interns have contributed to the growth of the LRC and to the achievement of the LRC’s goals and successes.
Interns who apply for and are granted an internship from outside South Africa are considered to be volunteers. The LRC does not pay a stipend or remunerate interns in any way. Medical insurance and/or travel insurance should be obtained prior to the intern’s departure for South Africa. The LRC does not provide any medical benefits or insurance to interns.
The work that an intern is typically involved in during their time at the LRC ranges from legal research, drafting legal memoranda, providing legal opinions, interviewing clients and assisting the LRC in preparing applications and actions.
Duration
The duration of an internship will typically be a minimum of eight weeks and not exceed six months in duration. To the extent possible, applications are strongly encouraged to be submitted at least six months in advance of the date on which you would like to start the internship.
Requirements
The LRC accepts applications from:
- students who have completed at least one year (though preferably two years) of their studies;
- lawyers; and
- other suitably qualified professionals (including non-legal professionals).
Application process
To apply for an internship at one of the LRC offices, please send the following to interninfo@lrc.org.za:
- A CV no longer than three pages;
- A cover letter/letter of motivation—the cover letter should include a) the regional office you would like to intern in, b) your available dates (indicating start and end dates) and c) what citizenship status you hold; and
Any other supporting documents.
Further information is available here.