2015 CLA Internship Application Guide

“Being able to write about and analyze international law was a unique opportunity for me, and gave me interesting insight into the legal framework of Canada as well.” - Vivian Tran, 2014 CLA Intern

For 2015, CLA will continue partnerships with the following amazing human rights organizations:

The Federation of Women Lawyers-Kenya in Nairobi, is the oldest women’s rights organization in Eastern Africa, and has carved a niche as a fearless defender of women’s rights at the international, national and local level.

Beyond Borders in Ottawa is a national, bilingual, volunteer organization advancing the rights of children everywhere to be free from sexual abuse and exploitation.

Avocats Sans Frontiers in Quebec City is a non-governmental organization whose mission is to uphold the defence of human rights of vulnerable groups or individuals through the reinforcement of access to justice and legal representation.

Centre for Democratic Development-Ghana in Accra is dedicated to the promotion of democracy, good governance and the development of a liberal political and economic environment in Ghana in particular and Africa in general.

Mikisew Cree First Nation in Fort McMurray serves an important advocacy role on behalf of the members’ treaty rights and entitlements, and an environmental stewardship role in protection of the lands and resources owned by the membership.

Yukon River Intertribal Watershed Council in Alaska works to restore the Yukon River watershed and to protect it from further contamination for the health and wellbeing of the community.

Yukon Human Rights Commission in Whitehorse is a statutory agency whose mandate is to promote the principle that every individual is free and equal in dignity and rights.

International Commission of Jurists-Kenya in Nairobi is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights, the rule of law and democracy in Kenya.

Chiefs of Ontario in Toronto is a political forum and secretariat established as a coordinating body to assist 133 First Nations in Ontario in advancing their rights through advocacy, lobbying, collective decision-making, and action.

NEW CLA internship partnerships include:

The Legal Assistance Centre in Namibia works to “collectively strive to make the law accessible to those with the least access, through education, law reform, research, litigation, legal advice, representation and lobbying, with the ultimate aim of creating and maintaining a human rights culture in Namibia.”

The Center for Justice and International Law in Washington, DC is one of the leading organizations working to protect and promote human rights in the Americas due to the use of creative and comprehensive intervention strategies.

Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust in Dhaka provides advice, mediation and litigation services across a range of areas, including civil, criminal, family, labour and land law, as well as on constitutional rights and remedies.

The Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women in Bangkok is committed to work for change in the political, economic, social and legal systems and structures that contribute to the persistence of trafficking in persons and other human rights violations.

The Yukon Conservation Society in Whitehorse has a mandate is to pursue ecosystem well-being throughout the Yukon and beyond, recognizing that human well-being is ultimately dependent upon fully functioning healthy ecosystems.

“The highlight of my internship was getting to know a completely different landscape: legally, politically, historically, and geographically.” - Dana Martin, 2013 CLA Intern

You can learn more about students’ experiences in Canada and abroad by checking out our ‘Reflections from the Field’ document.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR APPLYING FOR CLA INTERNSHIPS

General Advice                                                                                                                     

• Start early. Previous interns have asked us to remind you not to leave your application to the last minute! The application requires thought and effort.

• Be specific. Answer the questions that are asked. Describe your experience in a clear and concise manner. 

• Be careful. Sloppiness in the form of typographical errors, grammar mistakes, and incomplete applications are some of the first impressions that are considered when we eliminate candidates. Proofread your application before submitting it! 

• Be concise. The application form is limited in space and word count. Respect these requirements.

• Be professional. This is not the place for casual or colloquial writing.

• Ideal candidates have a demonstrated interest in international human rights, good governance and rule of law issues, a respect for diversity, and an ability to perform in new and often challenging environments. They are flexible, understand the importance of cultural awareness, and have a strong work ethic. Previous overseas experience is preferred but is not required. Note that your previous volunteer work may be more relevant to this application than formal work experience.

Some of the criteria that we consider when selecting candidates includes:

• Previous volunteer or work experience in Canada or abroad
• Demonstrated interest in human rights, good governance and the rule of law
• Relevant educational and work background
• Strong communication skills
• Strong legal research skills
• Self-sufficient and self-motivated
• Problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to work with limited resources
• Respectful, highly adaptable, and open to change

Specific Pointers                                                                                                                

1. Section: Application Details, Personal Information, Education, Languages

In this section, list the details of your application as indicated on the form. Take care to ensure we have accurate information, especially with regards to your phone number and email address. That is how we will reach you if you are short-listed for a telephone interview

2. Section: Relevant Employment and/or Extracurricular Background

You are limited to three employment and/or extracurricular activities you believe will most accurately demonstrate your experience, so choose wisely! Volunteer experience can be more valuable than unrelated paid employment.

Under “key responsibilities,” try and think of what your internship might entail, and draw on your previous experience to show us how you can transfer your skills.

Example: If you were a research assistant to a professor working on international issues, highlight your research skills, ability to identify key information, synthesize this information, and present it well. The resources available to you at some of our host organizations will not be the same as those you have access to in Canada. Demonstrate that your research skills will transfer to situations where the resources might be reduced.

Under “reason for change”, if the position was short-term or ended because it was a set contract, just write that. Don’t get too wordy where you don’t need to be

3. Section: Experience and Qualifications

This is your opportunity to show us what you’re made of. Read the question and make sure you’ve answered it. These questions are where you need to distinguish yourself from your peers.

Q1:      Indicate your interest in the rule of law, good governance, and human rights. Describe where your interest stems from, as well as any experience you may have had in these areas.

Are you interested in a career in the areas of rule of law, good governance and human rights? Describe how the experience of an internship might relate to your professional and personal goals. Is there a specific issue or subject that you are passionate about?

Q2:      Have you ever lived and/or worked in a developing country? If yes, explain your experience.

Note: If you have only travelled for pleasure, refer to that if it is relevant. Just be sure to explain how your travel experiences have lead to your understanding of different cultures and ability to thrive in a challenging environment.

Q3.      Describe a situation where, in the face of challenging circumstances, you demonstrated cultural sensitivity, initiative, flexibility, and adaptability.

Internships often present challenging situations due to a variety of factors, such as being in a new, sometimes isolated, environment with different customs, and being far from home and family. Show us that you can cope with such situations if they arise by demonstrating your initiative, your flexibility, your adaptability, and cultural awareness.

Q4.      What will you contribute to the organization that will be hosting the internship? 

What skills can you share? What are your strengths? Is there a particular skill you are working on refining? Be sure to communicate your skill set to us.

NOTES ABOUT FUNDRAISING FOR CLA INTERNSHIPS:

CLA requires that you seek out and apply for funding opportunities early! Please note that there is now a question on the application form that specifically asks whether you have applied for bursaries from your respective law school - so start thinking about funding opportunities now! 

We can confirm that the following law schools have either social justice funding opportunities or can offer academic credit to students participating in CLA internships:

University of British Columbia Law: there are public interest bursaries available for successful candidates

University of Saskatchewan Law: students may apply to the Associate Dean Academic’s office for financial support

Windsor Law: there is a Social Justice Fellowship Program that offers up to $5000 dollars to successful candidates. There may be a possibility of applying for academic credit.

University of Victoria Law: there are funding opportunities available. Please visit: http://www.uvic.ca/international/faculty-staff/home/funding-faculty-and-staff/funding-students-abroad/index.php for more information.

University of Ottawa Law: students may apply for social justice and public interest awards that are up to $5000 before securing an internship position with CLA. It is possible to apply for academic credit for CLA internship positions.

University of Alberta Law: there are multiple awards available to students interested in pursuing social justice positions. 

University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law: students may apply for public interest/social justice funding. UNB also has a mechanism to grant academic credit for legal internships with social justice/public interest organizations. 

REMEMBER: Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm January 30th, 2015

Best of luck!