Legal Affairs Intern (Unpaid), New York, USA
About the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA)
The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) is currently recruiting highly motivated Legal Affairs Interns to join its six divisions in New York. Ultimately, this internship offers a unique opportunity for you to gain professional experience in the legal field within a multicultural, intergovernmental organization. You will apply and further develop your legal knowledge and skills by working on projects and tasks under the guidance of experienced staff.
The six divisions and offices of OLA are:
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Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG)
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Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC)
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Codification Division (COD)
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Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS)
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General Legal Division (GLD)
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Treaty Section (TS)
You should familiarize yourself with the specific functions of these divisions to make an informed decision on which best suits your interests.
Internship Details
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Duration: This internship lasts for a minimum of two months, with a possibility of extension up to a maximum of six months.
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Start Date: Internships can begin between October 1, 2025, and March 2, 2026.
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Work Arrangement: This is a full-time, in-person internship. However, you can request that we consider a hybrid or remote arrangement based on the needs of the division.
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Compensation: This is an unpaid internship. Therefore, you are responsible for all costs, including travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses.

Remote Legal Affairs Intern
Key Responsibilities for a Legal Intern
As a Legal Affairs Intern, you will have various responsibilities, which may include:
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Assisting with legal research on international law, ocean affairs, and other specialized areas.
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In addition, reviewing and preparing legal documents, instruments, or other materials.
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Moreover, drafting and preparing official and legal documents.
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Attending and taking notes at conferences and meetings.
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Assisting in servicing conferences and working on websites or presentations.
Apply now:Â https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1754157865695
FAQs
Q: Is this a paid internship? A: No, this is an unpaid internship. Furthermore, you are responsible for all costs associated with the internship, including travel and living expenses.
Q: Can I work remotely? A: This is primarily a full-time, in-person internship. However, we may consider a hybrid or remote arrangement based on the needs of the division and your request.
Q: How long does the internship last? A: The internship is a minimum of two months and can be extended up to a maximum of six months.
Q: Can I apply for a job at the UN after my internship? A: You are not eligible to apply for professional positions at the UN Secretariat for six months after your internship ends.
Important Notes
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The UN Secretariat is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance. For this reason, we strongly encourage female candidates to apply.