The CBA Young Lawyers International Program

As a participant in the CBA’s Young Lawyers International Program (YLIP) in Pretoria, South Africa, Roger Love had an unparalleled opportunity to practise human rights law overseas. Working at Lawyers for Human Rights, Love advocated on behalf of migrants and refugees, honing key litigation skills while ultimately helping to improve South Africa’s legal system.

That he had the good fortune to meet legendary South African human rights lawyer and activist George Bizos was an added bonus.

“Meeting an advocate as committed to serving the public interest as George Bizos was a tremendous experience,” says Love, a 2009 Osgoode Hall graduate. Indeed, Bizos’ anti-apartheid work in South Africa alongside Nelson Mandela is an inspiration to many young lawyers, including participants in the CBA’s YLIP. During the span of their internship, YLIP participants advocate for the expansion of human rights in a developing nation while gaining the necessary experience to kick-start their legal careers.

Administered by the CBA through funding from the Canadian International Development Agency, the YLIP enables bright, enthusiastic young lawyers – that is, qualified lawyers who are 30 years of age or younger – to spend approximately seven months in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, or Southeast Asia, working as interns within human legal rights organizations while earning a small stipend. Young lawyers return from their placements with a long list of qualifications and achievements to add to their résumés.

University of Windsor graduate Charissa Cobbler interned at the Kenyan branch of the International Court of Jurists (ICJ) in Nairobi, where much of her work supported the implementation of Kenya’s constitution.

While Cobbler’s experience at the ICJ allowed her to develop practical legal skills such as drafting and researching, she was also given the chance to stretch her skills in areas not covered in law school, such as reporting to donors, media relations, and the legal publication process.

“I would describe the YLIP as one of the most rewarding professional and personal experiences that I have had thus far,” says Cobbler. “The YLIP allows young lawyers to use their Canadian legal training and theoretical knowledge of international law in real life settings.”

Adds Love: “The experience is simply invaluable.”

Indeed, four months after completing their placements, virtually all 2009-10 internship participants had obtained full-time employment, with most participants landing a job within one month of returning. Past participants typically move into sought-after positions within such organizations as the United Nations, the diplomatic corps, the Department of Justice’s international programs, and provincial human rights commissions. Others opt for the traditional law firm route, often working within a firm’s international department.

The calibre and success of the program dictates a competitive selection process. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a concrete interest in human rights law, generally displayed through relevant volunteer work. Flexibility and a willingness to venture beyond one’s comfort zone are also a must.

The payoff, however, can’t be beat. “The skills you develop and the network of colleagues you can build at your placement and amongst fellow YLIP interns will last a lifetime,” says Love.

The deadline to apply for the 2012-13 Young Lawyers International Program is April 16, 2012. For more information on the program, and for instructions on how to apply, visit www.cba.org/CBA/idp/yiip.