The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) invites applications for the Assistant Legal Counsel position. This annual recruitment targets highly qualified legal professionals seeking to contribute to international dispute resolution. The application deadline is 1 December 2026 for roles beginning in September 2027. Therefore, interested candidates should prepare their materials well in advance.
The PCA, located in The Hague, serves the international community by providing dispute resolution services. As a result, Assistant Legal Counsel play a crucial role in supporting the PCA’s mission. The selection process is competitive, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
Eligible Countries: Not specified – please see official page
Internship Location: The Hague, Netherlands
Duration: Typically one year, starting September 2027
Compensation: Not specified – please see official page
Host Organization: Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)
About the Internship
Each year, the PCA recruits a limited number of Assistant Legal Counsel. The position involves providing legal advice and services to the Secretary-General and legal staff. You will assist with arbitration matters under PCA and UNCITRAL rules, conduct legal research, and handle drafting assignments. Importantly, you may also take on other tasks as directed by senior legal officers.
Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice to the Secretary-General and legal staff.
- Assist with arbitration cases under various procedural rules.
- Draft legal documents and conduct research assignments.
- Support the PCA’s dispute resolution functions.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned by senior staff.
Eligibility Requirements
- Admission to practice law in your home jurisdiction.
- At least two years of legal practice in arbitration or public international law.
- Experience at a law firm or arbitral institution preferred.
- Fluency in English or French is essential.
- Knowledge of other languages (especially Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Skills Preferred: Strong legal research, drafting, and communication abilities; multilingual skills are an advantage.
How to Apply
- Submit your application via the official PCA recruitment form before 1 December 2026.
- Ensure your application demonstrates your qualifications and experience.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
For further details and to access the application form, please visit the official PCA recruitment page.
👉 Visit the official internship page for details
