LEGAL INTERNSHIP

HONG KONG, SUMMER 2024

ABOUT PILNET

PILnet is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that partners with legal professionals and civil society organizations (CSOs) globally to protect civic space, address global challenges, and work to build just, equitable, and sustainable societies. PILnet does this by supporting civil society, engaging legal professionals, and nurturing the next generation of legal professionals in three strategic priority areas: civic space, climate justice, and refugees and people on the move. PILnet currently has offices in New York, Budapest, and Hong Kong.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We are looking for an enthusiastic intern to join our Hong Kong office in person during the summer. During this internship, you will get a chance to learn more about pro bono and public interest law in Hong Kong, understand how law firms do pro bono work, develop your legal writing and project management skills, and get a better understanding of how NGOs operate. You will work alongside a small multicultural team of six staff members from nonprofit management and legal backgrounds, providing you with a supportive working environment. 

You will support our Hong Kong Pro Bono Clearinghouse, Legal Health Check program, and tentatively the Public Interest Law Mentorship Program.

The Clearinghouse matches NGOs that have legal needs with lawyers who are willing to provide pro bono legal assistance. Typical tasks include joining intake calls alongside staff, conducting background research, and drafting matter descriptions for lawyers. Where possible, you will also be asked to join calls with law firms that are aimed at getting more involved in pro bono work. For the Legal Health Check program, you will help compile assessment reports for NGOs.

PILnet also plans to organize the third batch of our Public Interest Law Mentorship Program for law students and young legal professionals in Hong Kong. Tasks will include drafting/compiling publicity materials, preparing event logistics, and drafting surveys for program evaluation purposes, among others. 

There will also be opportunities to gain exposure to PILnet’s regional work in Asia and Europe for students who are interested.

QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES

  • Current undergraduate or postgraduate student in law. Students from other disciplines who are interested in studying law in the future are also welcome;
  • Some work experience, preferably in a legal nonprofit;
  • Fluency in written and spoken English and Chinese (Cantonese); proficiency in other languages is a plus;
  • Enthusiasm in using the law for the public interest;
  • Good organizational and communications skills; and
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, Access, etc.) and Google Apps. Knowledge in graphic design and video-editing is a plus.

You should be based in Hong Kong and interested in serving the Hong Kong community with the knowledge and skills acquired in this internship after graduation. You should also have the right to work in Hong Kong. 

The internship will last six weeks and an allowance of HKD10,000 will be provided for the internship subject to the availability of funding. Shorter timeframes can also be considered and the allowance (if available) will then be paid on a prorated basis. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE          

Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae with a cover letter stating their motivation and availability to [email protected] by 24 March 2024. Interviews will be conducted in April 2024.

Personal data provided by applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.