Established in 1999, the Judicial Fellowship Programme (previously known as the University Traineeship Programme) offered recent law graduates a special chance to obtain work experience by joining the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Through direct participation in the Court’s operations, this prestigious programme seeks to improve participants’ comprehension of public international law in practice.
What is the Programme for Judicial Fellowships?
Selected candidates have the opportunity to work full-time at the ICJ for roughly ten months, from early September to June of the following year, through the Judicial Fellowship Programme. Along with the primary legal assistant of a Member of the Court, fellows are assigned to work under their supervision. Fellows perform a variety of tasks during their tenure, such as researching, writing memoranda, attending hearings and sittings, and helping their respective judges with any other tasks that come up.
The Judicial Fellowship Program’s Trust Fund
In compliance with UN General Assembly resolution 75/129, the Secretary-General established a trust fund for the Judicial Fellowship Programme in April 2021. This trust fund’s main objective is to award fellowships to carefully chosen applicants who are citizens of developing nations and have just completed their education at a university located in one of those nations. The objective of this endeavour is to enhance and ensure the linguistic and geographic diversity of the program’s participants.
Only candidates nominated by universities located in developing nations that are unable to secure financial sponsorship are to be supported by the trust fund awards. Ensuring equitable access to the programme for people from diverse backgrounds and locations is contingent upon this crucial step.
Selection Procedure and Eligibility Standards
For the Judicial Fellowship Programme, candidates of various nationalities are sought after by the International Court of Justice. Candidates must begin their fellowship at least 31 years of age in order to be eligible, though there may be exceptions to this rule.
Through their coursework, publications, and/or professional experience, candidates should demonstrate both their outstanding academic performance in their legal studies and their strong interest in public international law. It is required to be proficient in one of the two official languages of the Court, French or English, with a working knowledge of the other language being advantageous.
It’s important to remember that candidates for the programme can only be nominated by universities. Direct applications from individuals are not accepted by the Court. Although universities are encouraged to suggest multiple nominees, it is still possible to nominate just one, as this will increase the likelihood that their students will be chosen.
Request for Applications for the Judicial Fellowship Programme, 2024–2025
Applications for the Judicial Fellowship Programme 2024–2025 are being accepted by the International Court of Justice. Internationally recognised universities are encouraged to submit their nominations by February 5th, 2024, at the latest. By this date, all applications must be finished and submitted.
By April 2024, the Court hopes to have completed the selection process and rendered a decision regarding the selected candidates. Following selection, the nominating universities for each fellow will notify them of the success of their application.
Methods for Submitting Nominations to the Judicial Fellowship Programme
Universities are required to fill out an online pre-screening questionnaire in order to start the nomination process. Universities should also appoint a designated focal point who will act as the candidates’ representative in submitting all necessary application materials.
The authorised focal point will receive a confirmation email with additional instructions and the required application forms after completing the pre-screening questionnaire. For every candidate, the following six documents must be sent to the specified email address:
- Official letter of nomination from the university
- ICJ personal history form
- Letters of reference
- Official academic records
- Writing sample
- Candidate profile summary table
It’s essential to consult the FAQ page for the Judicial Fellowship Programme and Trust Fund in case of any questions or doubts regarding the required documents.
The Judicial Fellowship Program’s Advantages
For those who are chosen, the Judicial Fellowship Programme has several advantages. First and foremost, working at the International Court of Justice gives fellows invaluable practical experience that improves their comprehension of public international law and the useful applications of it.
In addition, fellows get to collaborate closely with judges and their legal assistants, which gives them the chance to learn from seasoned experts and grow their professional network. Fellows gain special insights and perspectives from this exposure to the inner workings of the ICJ, which can influence their future careers in international law.
Furthermore, the Judicial Fellowship Programme provides a means for fellows to support the work of the Court through their memos, research, and other tasks that are assigned to them. They can use this chance to meaningfully contribute to ongoing cases and become recognised in the global legal community for their work.
In summary
For recent law graduates, the International Court of Justice’s Judicial Fellowship Programme offers a distinguished chance to expand their knowledge of public international law and obtain real-world experience. The programme provides fellows with invaluable skills and insights that can influence their future careers by actively involving them in the Court’s operations.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) hopes to guarantee the involvement of candidates from developing nations by creating the trust fund, fostering linguistic and geographic diversity within the programme. Universities nominate eligible candidates and submit the necessary paperwork on their behalf during the stringent selection process.
Fellows who take part in the Judicial Fellowship Programme gain unique experiences, opportunities for professional development, and the ability to support the Court’s vital work. Aspiring international law professionals have a fantastic opportunity to expand their horizons within the global legal community and make a positive impact on the field.
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