Voluntary Law & Human Rights Internships and Work-Experience Abroad

Law & Human Rights voluntary work placements with Projects Abroad give you the opportunity to change legislation or make a difference to other people’s lives. You can become part of a vital resource, providing legal services to businesses, community organisations or individuals.

If you’re interested in a career in the notoriously competitive legal profession, a voluntary placement with a well-respected law firm overseas could be a valuable addition to your CV.

We offer a wide variety of placements suitable for law graduates, law professionals wishing to take a career break, law students (during holidays) and people who have completed a law conversion course

In some destinations we also have some placements for pre-university students thinking of joining the legal profession and people with no formal law experience who have good communication skills and a desire to work in the field of human rights.

These overseas voluntary placements with Projects Abroad enable you to gain a unique insight into day-to-day legal practice, and the rules of law, while working in well-respected legal organisations in Africa or Asia.

Please let us know if you have any preferences so we can match you to the most appropriate placement.

Working abroad on a voluntary law internship

We offer such varied opportunities on our legal placements that each experience is truly unique. Before you embark on one of our voluntary law internships you should know that you will be entering a professional working environment. You’ll have plenty of deadlines and responsibilities. Based with a well-respected legal organisation, you’ll be expected to represent the firm in the same way that any other employee would.

Typically your work will involve several elements. Certainly we will find a placement that suits your specific areas of legal interest.

You could be attending court sessions regularly, and you may be asked to monitor and report on proceedings. You’ll probably be involved in all kinds of law-related activities, such as undertaking research, report-writing, visiting rural clients, giving presentations in schools or other community groups, or even making good use of the local media!

“In Shanghai there was a real sense of comradeship, when a new volunteer arrived we would make sure one of us was there to met him/her at the flat and then we would make sure we made them feel at ease. That is one of the best things about doing a Projects Abroad project, the chance to forge long and lasting friendships.”
Tom Henry, Law Volunteer in China

Although some of the projects are only open to people with experience of law, even if you are just a willing volunteer on one of the Ghanaian or South African programmes you’ll do much more than make the tea. All of our legal placements are demanding, and must be taken seriously. You’re likely to be working normal office hours and you will be welcomed as a valued part of the team.

Experiences on a Projects Abroad Law Placement

We will take into account your specific areas of legal interest when we find you a placement. In China, volunteers have worked in banking law, mergers, acquisitions, corporate intellectual property, taxation and insolvency.

In Ghana or South Africa we offer expanding human rights programmes. Your work might involve educating abused women or taxi drivers about their rights, monitoring an election procedure or looking at police reform.

Although your experiences will be unique, sometimes there’s nothing better than to read how other people have benefited from their voluntary work placement in law overseas, so here are some more testimonials:

“China is an exciting and amazing place. The people, the culture, everything. Projects Abroad is the only way to do what I have done. I really appreciated the support of your team in Shanghai.”
Juliet Raine, Law Volunteer in China

“My accommodation was brilliant - much better than expected, and Shanghai was as brilliant. Projects Abroad was excellent for me. You sorted out any problems, proved to be flexible and understanding and brought the volunteers together. I would definitely recommend Projects Abroad!

“The time I had in China really opened my mind to other cultures and other ways of life. But it was not all about this, it was also about making friends and having a completely awesome time!”
Tom Henry, Law Volunteer in China

Read full testimonials from others who have joined overseas voluntary work placements with Projects Abroad.

Volunteering on a human rights project as a qualified lawyer

There is also scope to volunteer as a professional and put your skills to use. Projects Abroad has a skilled and qualified arm called Projects Abroad PRO. Our main focus is to match your skills with our partner organisation’s needs. Please visit our specialist website for professionals to find out more.