Help me find a legal non-for-profit summer job.

October 30, 2006 5:19 PM

I'm searching for a 3-month law-related not-for-profit summer job outside of North America. Where should I go, and what should I do?

I'm an (almost) lawyer in Toronto, Canada. I'm currently doing a 10-month articling stint at a big Toronto firm, where I'm basically a real lawyer at half the salary. However, at the beginning of June there is a 3 month gap between where my articling ends and where my (theoretical) big firm job begins again.

So, I'm trying to find a job or something interesting to keep me busy for the few months - or give me something to do after I get fired. I was thinking about doing some work for a not-for-profit somewhere interesting - I've always wanted to go to India, but I could see myself in Africa and South America. I'm interested in any good cause (hopefully in a legal role, and bonus points if it is media or telecommunications-related or if I can take a real active role at the organization). Getting paid would be a happy bonus, but not necessary.

So, outside of speaking to my old law school and getting their suggestions, do any of you have any thoughts on where to find jobs, any previous experience of your own, or even interesting places to live for a few summer months? Any input would be appreciated.

posted by evadery to work & money (5 comments total)

I'm at Osgoode right now, and the career services people told us about a site called pslawnet.org. Also, our job site also has occassional postings for research and other overseas volunteer placements. Have you tried contacting your law school's career office?
posted by girlpublisher at 6:19 PM on October 30, 2006

I spent the summer of my first year working at the South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre, and I really enjoyed the experience. Its based in New Delhi, but there is some travel possible if you ask.
SAHRDC always has a good amount of international interns at any given point in the year - although most come during the summer. Most are from American law schools, but I also did work with a number of Europeans doing phds in South Asian studies, or political science, and some school of government folk as well. I worked with a lot of bright, interesting folks there.
Like a lot of Indian ngos, the organization is really built around the personality of its head, who in this case is Ravi Nair. Once he accepts you for an internship, they will help get you set up with housing while you are there, and generally make your move there fairly painless (as painless as India can be - its still India afterall, there are going to be hiccups).
It was a great experience and I highly recommend it.
posted by buddha9090 at 6:31 PM on October 30, 2006

One resource to check out is the Yale Law career development office; they make a number of publications available for free on their web site. In particular, check out the Guide to Opportunities with International Tribunals and Foreign Courts (pdf link) and the information about fellowships and public interest work.
posted by raf at 7:05 PM on October 30, 2006

Idealist.org?
posted by crabintheocean at 7:15 PM on October 30, 2006

Have you tried Charity Village? They have all kinds of things in Canada, as well as a fair selection of international stuff.

If you want to go to Africa or India or South America, just go and explore a little. There are groups like FIDA that you might want to touch base with, but 3 months is a pretty short commitment for a serious contribution to a place that you have never been before. A trip will let you know if you are willing to make a long term commitment, as well as help you make the connections that could lead to a paying (or at least, stipending) job.
posted by carmen at 6:39 AM on October 31, 2006