Student Summer Internship Program

Every year CLA-ACE offers a number of passionate and talented law students the opportunity to spend their summer working at NGOs overseas and in Canada on important and, in many cases, groundbreaking legal issues. This experience not only provides invaluable assistance to our partner NGOs, but allows a number of young Canadians to improve their legal skills and to participate in an inspiring and often life-altering experience. These students return to Canada with a new and enriched perspective to share with others and build upon in their careers.

Thank you for your interest in our internship program.

This year's application deadline has now passed.

We will be contacting successful applicants for phone interviews in February, 2010.

We recognize that while many students would like to participate in interesting and challenging internships during the summer months, opportunities and projects are not always readily identifiable or available. CLA-ACE seeks out and establishes opportunities that focus on good governance, the rule of law and human rights, in Canada and abroad. We then identify suitable candidates for the placements based on an online application.

Our summer internships are typically funded independently, and occasionally by participating firms. Those that are independently funded are currently financed by the interns themselves (possibly with a stipend from the hosting organization) and last from 12-16 weeks, depending on the organization's requirements.

Those that are firm-funded last about 2 months. The participating firm pays the student's salary for the entire summer (May-August), and the student splits his or her time between the firm (usually May-June) and the internship position (usually July and August.)

The Toronto firms that participate in our internship program include:

Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP
Fasken Martineau
Goodmans LLP
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Stikeman Elliott LLP
Torys LLP

What are we looking for?

When selecting a candidate for a particular internship, the qualities that we look for include a demonstrated interest in international human rights, good governance and rule of law issues, a respect for diversity and an ability to perform in new and often challenging environments. Previous overseas experience is preferred but is not required

Some of the criteria that we consider when selecting candidates:

Previous volunteer or work experience in Canada or abroad
Demonstrated interest in human rights, good governance and the rule of law
Relevant educational and work background
Strong communication skills
Self-sufficient and self-motivated
Problem-solving skills and able to work with limited resources
Respectful, highly adaptable and open to change
Previous overseas experience preferred but not essential

Tips & Tricks for your Application

GENERAL ADVICE

Start early. Previous interns have asked us to remind you not to leave your application to the last minute! The application requires some thought and effort.
Be specific. Answer the questions that are asked. Describe your experience in a clear and concise manner.
Be careful. Sloppiness in the form of typographical errors, grammar mistakes, and incomplete applications are some of the first impressions that are considered when we eliminate candidates. Proofread your application before submitting it!
Be concise. The application form is limited in space and word count. Respect these requirements.
Be professional. This is not the place for casual or colloquial writing.