Build Expertise and Empathy
Participate in prestigious international externships, research initiatives, academic programs, and events to deeply engage with international law. Acquire practical experience and real-world skills in handling international legal issues, helping you shape your future as a lawyer.
Tackle Emerging Issues
Understand the increasingly complex arena of international law as you explore its evolving issues, including:
Access to Justice and Rule of Law
International Externships
Gain invaluable exposure to and hands-on experience in the practice of international and human rights law through a semester-long, for-credit externship with the Center for International Law and Policy.
The International Criminal Court: The Hague, Netherland
Summer and Fall Semesters
Established in 2002 through the Rome Treaty, the International Criminal Court is the first permanent international world court. This externship is a six-month commitment and usually begins the summer before the fall semester of your third year.
U.S. Department of State: Washington, DC
Fall Semester
If you’d like to pursue a career in international law or public service, consider applying for one of these highly competitive externships with the Department’s Student Internship Program. Our students have worked in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration; and the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. Other opportunities may also be available.
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute: London, England
Spring Semester
The Institute works with the global legal community to promote and protect human rights and the independence of the legal profession worldwide. It focuses on human rights issues that involve poverty, sexual orientation, and the abolition of the death penalty, and that target capacity building and advocacy projects. As a program intern, you’ll assist in these efforts, researching key legal topics, helping to write academic papers and policy documents, and assisting in implementing technical assistance programs.
The Accountability Counsel: San Francisco, California
Fall and Spring Semesters
Focused on providing legal resources, advocating for public policy, and conducting research and outreach, the Accountability Counsel helps individuals and communities defend their rights and remedy harm caused by internationally financed projects. They offer hybrid and remote fellowships to law students; as one, you would primarily support the organization’s collaboration with communities around the world in filing complaints and help develop resource materials for communities and advocates.
Center Projects
Join the effort to hold corporations accountable for actions that negatively impact human rights. Sample projects are highlighted below.
Transitional Justice in the USA
Support the growing transitional justice movement in the United States through a number of initiatives spearheaded by the Center for Law and Social Responsibility.
Operational-level Grievance Mechanism Research Project
Survey post-conflict strategies that include a focus on business accountability. Learn more >
Stories of Success
“Choosing a law school with a part-time program enabled me to pursue my dream of becoming an attorney and provided the flexibility to build my résumé through full-time internships, clinics, and employment.”
“I was able to experience what life is really like as counsel for an international corporation.”
“Our graduates stay, grow their careers, and help build our communities. We’re woven into the fabric of New England.”
“There are hundreds of law schools to choose from, but very few of them leave the impression New England Law does on its students.”
Center for International Law and Policy Faculty
Lisa J. Laplante, Director and Professor of Law
Professor Laplante is a recognized expert on transitional justice, which concerns countries transitioning from situations of violent conflict (wars, repression, apartheid etc.) to peace. She came to New England Law Boston after working as a human rights lawyer in Peru and researcher with the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She also served as a fellow with the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights in New York.
In addition to transitional justice, her scholarship delves into remedies for corporate human rights abuses, reparations in the context of economic development, and the role of the media and memory in relation to criminal trials of perpetrators of human rights abuses, among other topics. She directs the International Law concentration and teaches Business and Human Rights, Public International Law, Torts, and Transitional Justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Center for International Law & Public Policy?
We conduct research, collaborate with domestic and international legal partners, and support efforts to promote policies with international ramifications. We work on projects with such entities as the United Nations and American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative.
How does this work help me become a better international lawyer?
Our project work provides you with ample opportunities to put what you learn into action and build your resume with relevant experience.
How soon can I begin participating in center activities?
You can participate in center and pro bono projects your first year, gaining practical experience in research, writing, client advocacy, and more.
What other hands-on opportunities does the center provide?
There’s a summer fellowship program for first year students, clinics and externships in which you’ll represent real clients under supervision, as well as international opportunities.
How can I find pro bono work?
New England Law students engage in pro bono projects through our centers and student organizations, as well as through external organizations. This list of current projects is a great place to start.
Can I highlight pro bono work on my resume?
Yes. Qualifying students will receive formal recognition for their work on their school transcript and may receive other honors.
Related Clinics, Concentrations, and Experiences
Contact Us
New England Law Admissions staff is here to help you through the application process. If you have any questions, please complete the form below or contact the Office of Admissions at admit@nesl.edu or call 617-422-7210.