Legal Intern

Next available volunteering role: September 2026. Deadline for applications.

Voluntary position, based at our office in Clerkenwell, London
Full-time or part-time (3-4 days per week for a minimum of three months)
Closing date and interviews: recruitment on rolling basis
Suitable for: Legal researchers or Lawyers qualified in any jurisdiction (there is no minimum PQE requirement) with expertise in international human rights and humanitarian law
Fluency in English is essential. Fluency in Turkish and/or French would be highly desirable

The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is seeking to appoint several legal volunteers with an interest in our work relating to conflict resolution. We are offering a number of internships to outstanding candidates. Admission to our internship program is on a rolling-basis, lasting at least three months, and is unpaid. The successful candidates will be current or recent postgraduates or at post-doctoral level.

Volunteers recruited to DPI’s International Law Department will assist with all areas of its work, in particular, current projects relating to the implementation of ECtHR judgments in Turkey and legal analysis on matters related to international humanitarian law. Other work could include legal research, monitoring and analysis of human rights issues, documentation/organisation of legal materials, analysis of ECtHR judgments, preparing and drafting communications to United Nations bodies, contributing to casework, preparing papers for submission to the Human Dimension of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, editing reports, and providing general support to the legal team. In return, we will provide experience of and insight into the world of international human rights litigation and exposure to legal research at the forefront of conflict-resolution and peace-building.

The suitable candidate will be available ideally full time (Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 17.30) but other arrangements can be made. You will have the opportunity to assist with the general work of the legal department for a period of three to six months, with a particular focus on our legal case-work and on the implementation of ECtHR judgments in Turkey. Candidates are expected to have excellent verbal and written English skills, a strong visual eye, good attention to detail and strong organisational skills. Working well either alone or as part of a team, you will have experience of working with a diverse range of people.

DPI SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

DPI maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All employment offers are conditional upon the receipt of satisfactory references and the signing of our code of conduct, Safeguarding Policy with a particular focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding. This position will also be subject to robust reference and background screening checks.