FAQ

HCCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
FAQ

1. What type of academic writing sample is required?

Any essay or paper in English, French, or Spanish, including pieces written as part of an examination, will be considered. If a writing sample is not available in these languages, applicants may submit a translation of their work.

2. What length of writing sample is required?

The writing sample should be at least 500 words. There is no maximum.

3. On what topic must the academic writing sample be written?

The writing sample can be on any subject. It can be on a specific topic or be general research.

4. Can a position paper be submitted as an academic writing sample?

Yes, you can submit a position paper as a writing sample.

5. What is a transcript of academic records?

A transcript of academic records refers to documentation of a student's permanent academic record, which usually means all courses taken, all grades received, all honours received, and degrees conferred to a student.

6. What are the academic eligibility criteria required in order to be able to apply for an internship?

The HCCH internship programme is open to those currently studying law at the Bachelor, Masters, J.D., or Ph.D. level and to those who have recently completed a law degree.

7. Is legal experience required?

No, candidates are not required to have prior legal experience. However, if they do, they are invited to describe the details of their legal experience in the application.

8. What is the age criterion?

The HCCH internship programme is open to candidates of all ages. However, given the type of work involved, the internship programme is primarily targeted towards current law students and recent law graduates.

9. Is there a nationality criterion?

The HCCH internship programme is open to candidates of all nationalities. It is not required that applicants be a national of an HCCH Member.

10. Is there a possibility of being employed at the HCCH after completion of an internship?

Generally, there is not a possibility of being employed at the HCCH after completion of an internship. Any vacancies will be posted on the HCCH website and all those interested, including former or current interns, may apply.

11. In what language should the supporting documents (i.e., letter of motivation, curriculum vitae (CV), academic writing sample, letter of recommendation(s)) be?

All documentation should be submitted in English, French, or Spanish (with the exception of the transcript of academic records which can be in its original language).

12. From whom should the letter of recommendation come?

Applicants may provide a letter of recommendation from a Professor of a current or former university or from a current or former employer or professional contact.

13. Can I submit more than one letter of recommendation?

Yes, more than one letter of recommendation may be submitted.

14. Should I submit the letter of recommendation or should it be submitted by my referee?

The letter of recommendation can be submitted by the candidate at the time of application or separately by the referee. If sent separately, candidates can indicate this on their applications.

15. To whom should the letter of motivation be addressed?

The letter of motivation can commence with “Dear Sir / Madam”, “Dear members of the Internship Committee” or “To whom it may concern”.

16. To which e-mail address should the letter of recommendation be sent if not submitted at the time of application?

The letter of recommendation should be sent to the following e-mail address: internships@hcch.net.

17. Should the letter of motivation be a general one or can it be one that is more relevant to the particular field(s) / area(s) of the HCCH’s work in which I am interested?

The letter of motivation can be either a general letter of motivation or one that is more relevant to the particular field(s) / area(s) of the HCCH’s work in which you are interested.

18. When will the outcome of the applications be made known?

All candidates will receive an e-mail informing them of the outcome of their application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a short video interview to assess their qualifications and discuss their availability.

19. Will candidates with a public international law background be considered for a legal internship?

The Internship Committee will consider applicants with a public international law background as well as applicants with a private international law background. Completion of specific coursework in private international law may be an advantage.

20. To how many days of leave is an HCCH intern entitled?

Interns accumulate 2.5 days of leave for each month worked.

21. Do HCCH interns receive a financial contribution?

Depending on the funds available, interns may, if they meet certain criteria, be eligible to receive a financial contribution (please see the current cycle’s vacancy posting for further information). 

22. Does the HCCH assist interns with visa applications?

The HCCH is not authorised to deal with visa requirements and those interns requiring a visa are responsible for making their own arrangements. However, the HCCH can draw up a letter confirming the internship which can be presented to the relevant authorities in support of any visa application.