Fellowship Program

The PCA Fellowship Program offers recent law graduates and young legal professionals the opportunity to work at an an intergovernmental organization and international arbitration institution for one full year. Over the course of the year, Fellows will gain experience in the operations of the PCA’s International Bureau, with an emphasis on both the practical and legal aspects of international arbitration. Fellows hold the title of Assistant Legal Counsel for the period of the Fellowship.

Qualifications

• A law degree that qualifies the applicant to apply for bar admission in their home jurisdiction (through examination, traineeship, or otherwise) is a minimum requirement. The program is open to applicants whose qualifications exceed this minimum requirement (e.g., advanced law degree candidates and holders, practicing lawyers, and other legal professionals).
• Fluency in either English or French is essential. Additional language skills are a strong advantage, especially Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish.
• Specialization in international dispute resolution or public international law is an asset.

Dates

Fellowships run for twelve months and start either at the beginning of September or January. Applications must be submitted by 1 May for fellowships starting in September or by 1 September for fellowships starting in January.

How to Apply

Send an email to [email protected] indicating the desired start date in the subject line and attaching a single PDF comprising an application package with the following documents:

1. A carefully written cover letter that indicates
   (a) how you expect to benefit from the program;
   (b) how you can contribute to the PCA; and
   (c) a brief description of areas of interest and knowledge of law.
2. A curriculum vitae;
3. A letter of recommendation from a professor or senior professional;
4. Copies of academic transcripts (scans or photos are sufficient);
5. Proof of proficiency in English or French (for non-native speakers).

Language Proficiency

The PCA accepts the following as proof of proficiency in English or French:

English

• A score of 7 or above on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• 600 or higher on the Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For computer-based tests, a score above 250 will be considered, and for internet-based tests 100 is the minimum score.

French

• A score above 850 on the Test de français international (TFI).
• A certificate in Business French B2.4 from the Alliance Française.

Admissions

The PCA is selective about admissions. There are a limited number of places each year, meaning that not all qualified applicants can be offered Fellowships. The PCA will inform successful applicants about the outcome of their applications three months in advance of the fellowship.

Further Information

Fellowships are awarded to individuals with outstanding academic and/or professional records who meet the qualifications outlined above, and who seek work experience in the field of international arbitration. Although there is no formal interview process, an official of the PCA may contact an applicant by telephone or e-mail if further information or clarification is required with regard to the application.

Fellowships are self-funded. A fellow must have adequate financial resources and health insurance for the year to be eligible.

If you are selected and you require a travel visa to take up the fellowship, the PCA will provide documentation in support of your application.

Although Fellows are not formally considered staff members of the PCA, they participate in the PCA’s activities as members of the International Bureau.