INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it necessary that I speak
a foreign language?
Yes. Legal work in international law practice is generally conducted
in the local language of the host country. The level of expertise
necessary may vary according to the expectation of the host law
firm. For example, some jurisdictions may function through a combination
of English and a local language, and some may use English primarily.
But in most cases, it is unrealistic to apply for an internship
in a country where an applicant has only a passing familiarity
with the language.
Can I receive academic credit
and receive monetary compensation from the host placement at the
same time?
No. The American Bar Association (ABA) prohibits the award of academic
credit for hours worked for pay. While some legal educators around
the country have challenged this restriction, it remains in effect.
(See the next question for details.)
Is an internship a paying position?
A student cannot get credit and compensation. Generally internships
are not salaried positions, but by accepting an intern, each host
undertakes to extend basic hospitality to their intern. Interns may,
however, be reimbursed for incidental out of pocket expenses and
occasionally hosts offer a small stipend to postgraduate interns.
Is housing provided?
No. Housing is the applicant's responsibility. However, Suffolk Law
and CILS will assist by providing contacts or by relying on the placement
law firm for assistance. Usually the hosts are very helpful. The
Internet is an important research tool. The earlier an applicant
commits to a placement, the easier it is to arrange accommodation.
How many internship credits can I earn?
Applicants are encouraged to ascertain the exact rules of their
home institution with regard to internships for credit and with
regard to the applicability of externship credits to the LLM program.
SULS will allow up to 3 JD credits and between 2 and 5 LLM credits
to be earned through an internship.
The ABA adopted in February 2005 a new Standard 305, concerning "Study
Outside the Classroom" which applies to your upcoming Internship.
The effect of this new standard is that you will not be able to
take an International Internship through Suffolk University Law
School for more that 3 credits. Because of the large number of
placements we offer and their geographical dispersion, we are not
able to meet that requirement of direct on-site supervision.
This maximum of a 3 credit internship as such is in addition to
the credits you will receive for the required course you have to
take at your respective law schools for internships generally.
Also, this does not mean that you may not stay longer then the
required 3 x 45 hours per week, or in effect 3 plus weeks for the
3 credits. You may stay as long as you want and your host agrees
to.
What should I say in my Personal Statement?
How detailed should it be?
You should describe what your purposes are in seeking legal experience
abroad. The statement is for the host employer, so tell them why
you want to do this and why they should find you an attractive
candidate. Your personal statement should not be longer than one
page.
Can I send the Reference and the Personal Statement
electronically?
Yes. They should be sent as an attachment to Alane De Luca, Assistant Director
of Graduate and International Programs, whose email address is adeluca@suffolk.edu. We
also encourage you to have your CV and transcripts sent directly
via email.
If I already have my internship approved by my host
do I need to complete the application process?
Yes. Your internship application and file have to be complete
to comply with ABA rules and regulations. This is the case
whether you are applying for credit or not. You may know informally
that the host is going to approve your placement, but until the
application and file is complete Suffolk University Law School
and the Center for International Legal Studies (CILS) will not
recommend you to the host for placement. Hosts depend on
Suffolk University Law School and CILS to screen, provide and certify
applicants and do not take interns informally. Suffolk University
Law School will not do this if the required formalities have not
been complied with.
What if I do not get my first
preference placement?
We will endeavor to place you in your
first choice. Presumably you have already some indication of this
possibility. Please make sure that the locations which you list
on your application are realistic and that you are willing to go
to this location if you are offered placement there. Sometimes,
dates, availability, needs or other complications supercede and
prevent placement. We assume that if you have made more than one
choice, upon notification, we may explore your other options. The
process of placement is quite fluid and interactive so you should
get feedback at every development of the likelihood of a positive
outcome.
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