British Institute of International and Comparative Law Internship

About the British Institute of International and Comparative Law

The British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) is one of the leading independent research centres for international and comparative law in the world. Its research, events, and publications are based on deep scholarly knowledge and strong practical experience that can be applied to many situations. It seeks to make an impact around the world through applied research on international and comparative law and the rule of law. Some of the subject areas covered by BIICL include migration, modern slavery, labour rights, law of the sea, energy law, climate change, state responsibility, cultural heritage law, investment law, trade law, human rights, access to justice, business and human rights, artificial intelligence and investor-state arbitration, amongst many others.

Internship opportunity

Interns will work primarily under the supervision of Dr Jean-Pierre Gauci (Arthur Watts Senior Research Fellow in Public International Law and Director of Teaching and Training) and Georgia Greville (Researcher in Labour Exploitation and Human Rights), as well as assisting other researchers on one or more of BIICL’s research projects or proposals. By way of example of the kinds of projects on which an intern might assist, previous interns have supported research on labour rights and workers’ empowerment in South and Southeast Asian countries, state and corporate responsibility for labour exploitation in the Cuban tourism sector, regulations and practice regarding legal advice to survivors of modern slavery, vulnerability in international law, inter-state disputes (before human rights bodies), territorial disputes, and law of the sea. The assigned projects will be discussed with the intern in question and efforts will be made to ensure that the intern’s interests are reflected in the work undertaken during the internship.

These internships can be conducted either in person (in London) or remotely, subject to arrangements with BIICL. Dates and working hours are also subject to arrangement with BIICL. Details of the internship (including precise timing and duration) will be negotiated to suit the needs of BIICL and of successful applicants. Generally speaking, it is anticipated that the internship will be 1-2 days a week during the semester, or a full-time block placement during a non-teaching period.

Eligibility

All MLS students enrolled in the Melbourne JD, Melbourne Law Masters (MLM) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) courses are eligible to apply.

JD or MLM applicants must remain enrolled in their course for the entire duration of their BIICL internship. This will generally mean that they have at least 12.5 credit points of study remaining to complete their course upon return from BIICL. Students are no longer considered ‘enrolled’ and are therefore ineligible if they have completed all assessments for their course and are awaiting graduation.

PhD applicants must demonstrate that their thesis is due after their return from BIICL.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

  • A strong academic record
  • Knowledge of, and interest in, international law
  • Excellent legal research and analytical skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Practical legal experience will be considered an advantage.

Subject credit

Successful Melbourne JD and MLM applicants may be eligible to obtain subject credit for the BIICL internship by separately applying, enrolling and completing either Legal Internship (LAWS50059) (JD only) or International Legal Internship (LAWS70067) (select MLM courses only).

Legal Internship (LAWS50059) and International Legal Internship (LAWS70067) can only be completed once.

Application process

Applications open once a year, usually in September of the previous year. Detailed application instructions will be shared through Canvas LMS community announcements. If you have any further queries, please email law wil@unimelb.edu.au.

Applicants must provide the following:

  1. Cover letter (under two pages), addressing the following:
    1. Why you are applying for an internship with BIICL
    2. Your knowledge of, and interest in, international law
    3. Specific areas or topics of interest within international law
    4. Any practical legal experience
  2. CV/Resume
  3. University of Melbourne Academic Transcript - An Official Transcript is fine but unnecessary. For your University of Melbourne results, you can use your Statement of Results from my.unimelb.
  4. Other academic transcripts (optional)
  5. A nominated MLS academic referee (a reference check may be conducted by phone or email, so applicants are advised to supply all contact details in the application)
  6. Your proposed internship dates (must be over at least two months (full-time), however, longer part-time internships may be considered)
  7. PhD applicants must also provide an Evidence of Enrolment (which displays their expected thesis submission date).

Scholarships and funding

Opportunities may be available from the following: