The ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme by the International Court of Justice presents a chance for law students and young lawyers to collaborate with the judges of the International Court.
Designed to enhance participants’ practical comprehension of public international law and the Court’s procedures, the program actively engages them in the Court’s activities.
Under the guidance of a Court Member, Judicial Fellows work full-time alongside the Member’s primary legal assistant. This article provides details on how you can apply for this valuable opportunity.
ICJ Judicial Fellowship Summary
ICJ Judicial Fellowship Details:
The ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme, previously known as the University Traineeship Programme, was established in 1999 to provide recent law graduates with the opportunity to gain professional experience at the International Court of Justice.
During the fellowship, participants can anticipate engaging in tasks such as researching and drafting memorandums on legal or factual questions related to ongoing Court cases. They may also attend hearings and sittings, in addition to performing other duties assigned by their respective judges.
The fellowship spans approximately ten months, commencing in early September and concluding in June of the following year. The Court typically selects 15 participants who are nominated by universities worldwide.
Eligibility Requirements for ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme
To be considered for the ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme, you must:
- To be eligible, candidates should be 31 years old or younger at the start of their fellowship. This requirement may be waived only in special circumstances.
- Candidates must demonstrate excellent results in their legal studies, and an interest in public international law through their studies, publications and/or work experience.
- Candidates must have an excellent command, both written and orally, of at least one of the two official languages of the Court (English and French); a working knowledge of the other language is considered an asset.
Benefits of the ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme 2024
- Judicial Fellows work on a full-time basis under the supervision of a Member of the Court, alongside the Member’s primary legal assistant.
- Fellows can expect to conduct research and draft memorandums on questions of law or fact relating to cases pending before the Court, attend hearings and sittings, and perform any other duties that may be assigned to them by their respective judges.
- Trust fund awards are exclusively intended to benefit candidates nominated by universities based in developing countries, which do not have the means to provide financial sponsorship.
- Salary for the ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme is not disclosed but expected to be covered by the sponsors
Required Documents for ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents
How to Apply for the ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme (Step by Step)
Intrested in applying for the 2024 ICJ Judicial Fellowship, here the step to follow;
- The Programme expects universities to nominate candidates.
- The Court does not accept applications from individuals. While it is possible to nominate a single candidate, the Court encourages universities to propose more than one nominee.
- The deadline for the submission of applications is 5 February 2024. All applications must be completed by this deadline.
- The Court expects to make its final decision on the selection of candidates by April 2024.
- Use the link below to start you application
Deadline: February 5, 2024
