• Demonstrated academic and research abilities (including writing skills); • Demonstrated interest in international law (e.g. courses, volunteer/professional work); • Demonstrated interest in international issues more generally; • Demonstrated initiative, commitment and ability to handle multiple tasks in a professional manner; and • Ability to speak other languages (where indicated). Once selected, the real work begins! Depending on the internship, students may be required to fill out considerable documentation for the host organization, and obtain travel visas, often at short notice.
What do I have to do to apply?
If you’re interested in the ILIP, you’ll need to do a little bit of homework to ensure that you’re ready to participate in the process. Ultimately, we’re interested in students who’ve shown a real enthusiasm for international law, and are keen to put their skills to work. So the better prepared you are, and the more research you’ve done, the greater chance you have of being selected.
Do your homework!
Before we even start calling for applications, there’s lots you can do to get informed about the process and the types of work that are available. Browsing carefully through this website is a great start, but you can also learn about the internships that interest you by:
• Checking out the ILIP binders on reserve in the Law Library. A more detailed copy (with monthly reports from participating interns) is available in the International Program Office (Room 17).
• Visit the Symplicity website. In the Document Library you will find the latest edition of the “International Internship Opportunities” booklet - a valuable treasure trove of information awaits you there! In addition to information on internships that have been supported in the past, this booklet contains all sorts of detail on different opportunities that can provide the basis of a Self-Proposed internship application.
• Attend the information seminar on the ILIP Program, normally held in October of each year. This seminar provides details on the program and includes presentations from previous participants. It’s a great place to ask questions and hear about the exciting details of the Internships.
• Talk to previous interns, who are always happy to tell you about the experience they had. Ask them about the projects and other legal work undertaken during their internships, what they gained from it and the usefulness of their internship for their future career goals.
• Visit the websites of the host organizations you are interested in. Review their mission statements, their year-end reports, and other information that is in the public domain. Use these documents to gauge your ‘fit’ and see if you would like to work there.
Application Procedure
When new internships are available, students are advised of the particular application procedure by email. Normally, a general “call” for applications occurs in January of each year. The call contains detailed information about the internship opportunities and what students need to do to apply. Please be sure to follow whatever application instructions are contained in the call. However, the following gives a general outline about what is usually required.
When a call is made, students are asked to submit applications to the International Programs Office by the deadline provided. Normally, students have two weeks to apply. (For detailed information on this year’s dates, click here).
Prior to submitting an application, students are encouraged to research each internship thoroughly, and highlight their particular strengths in relation to the internship(s) to which they are applying.
Generally the application documents that must be submitted are as follows:
1. Cover letter addressed to the ILIP co-directors: Typically these letters range from 2 to 3 pages in length. In the letter, students are asked to indicate clearly which internships they’re interested in, and address the “fit” between themselves and the internship. Students are strongly urged to highlight their strengths here, and especially mention any qualities that are relevant to particular internships. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself! There is no limit to the number of ILIP internships you can apply to. However, you will be asked to rank your preferences.
2. Current resume: Again, highlight skills that will be useful and demonstrate an interest and/or aptitude for international internships. Be sure to include any foreign language proficiencies and international travel experience.
3. Law school marks: A print-out from Lawsys, including all available grades, is fine. If, in your previous education, you have taken courses relevant to the internship, you should also attach a photocopy of the relevant transcript(s).
4. Names of two references: Ideally, you should include at least one academic reference from a professor at Western Law. Reference letters are NOT required or expected.
Selection Process
After the deadline, the Selection Committee will meet to consider all of the applications. During the selection process, the following criteria will be considered when reviewing candidates, in addition to any that may be specific to a particular internship:
Normally, a smaller group of students is “shortlisted” and selected to participate in an interview process. Students will be notified by email, if an interview is required. These usually take place during the last two weeks of January. Selection decisions are normally finalized by the start of Spring term, when selected recipients received a detailed offer by email.
Post-Selection
Students are then required to attend mandatory pre-departure sessions, regardless of whether or not they are leaving Canada. These sessions are normally held in late March and early April.
Please note: Students are only eligible to participate in one ILIP internship during their J.D. studies.
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