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:
Business and human rights
International law
Human rights
Post conflict reconstruction
Transitional justice
Real-world Experiences
Study Abroad and International Externships
Spend a full semester doing the work of a real international lawyer in the heart of the international legal community. With offerings that include a summer study abroad program in Galway, Ireland, and for-credit externships in international law with organizations such as the U.S. State Department, the International Bar Association, the International Criminal Court, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon at The Hague, and more.
Projects with Practical Applications
Focusing on research, working with domestic and international legal partners, and promoting policies with global implications offer you the chance to apply your international law knowledge to real-world scenarios—starting as early as the first semester.
Your work may include:
- Researching legal issues and helping draft reports
- Collaborating on legal training materials
- Providing advice to domestic and international organizations
- Developing legal research databases
- Analyzing research for external organizations
Business and Human Rights Projects
Join the effort to hold corporations accountable for actions that negatively impact human rights. Sample projects are highlighted below.
Human Rights Monitoring
Develop a database of operational grievance mechanisms from corporations around the world to analyze if and how they handle human rights claims by workers and communities.
Corporate Accountability Strategy
Survey state tort law to identify avenues for holding corporations accountable for human rights violations.
Comparative Law
Conduct research of country laws that impose corporate responsibility regulations on multinational businesses.
Access to Justice, Rule of Law, and Transitional Justice Projects
Participate in our effort to assist countries transitioning from violent conflict, repression, and other human rights situations. 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.
Business and Transitional Justice
Survey post-conflict strategies that include a focus on business accountability.
Access to Remedy
Develop a briefing report to assist advocates involved in drafting a treaty on business and human rights.
Legal Support
Provide ongoing litigation support in the Inter-American Human Rights System.
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.