{"id":1405,"date":"2026-04-12T13:54:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T13:54:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/netherlands\/1405\/"},"modified":"2026-04-12T13:54:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T13:54:07","slug":"ucla-law-in-the-hague-hands-on-legal-experience-for-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/netherlands\/1405\/","title":{"rendered":"UCLA Law in The Hague: Hands-on legal experience for students"},"content":{"rendered":"

For UCLA law students Ellen Park and Aniq Chunara, spending a semester in The Hague, Netherlands, was more than an ordinary academic experience; it was a transformative immersion into the hub of international justice.<\/p>\n

The pair, both of whom will graduate in 2026, participated this spring in\u00a0UCLA Law in The Hague,<\/a> a semester-long externship program through\u00a0The Promise Institute Europe,<\/a> that places students in full-time positions at prestigious international organizations in The Hague. <\/p>\n

During these externships, students also complete a two-credit course taught by\u00a0Kate Mackintosh<\/a>, executive director of The Promise Institute Europe, who has worked in human rights, international criminal justice and civilian protection for three decades. <\/p>\n

\u201cI love teaching this class and seeing the huge impact it has on our students,\u201d said Mackintosh. \u201cTheir experience in The Hague, combined with our study trip to Geneva, introduces them to a world of international legal practice that broadens their sense of what\u2019s possible in their future careers.\u201d<\/p>\n

World Warrior: How UCLA\u2019s Kate Mackintosh is rethinking the frontiers of international criminal law and finding new ways to bring war criminals to justice. Read more in UCLA Magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The three-day Geneva study trip, a highlight of the program, offers students a unique opportunity to visit the United Nations and other international organizations. During the trip, they meet legal professionals from various international institutions and observe the U.N. Human Rights Council and other bodies in action.<\/p>\n

While the Geneva trip provides valuable exposure to international law in practice, externships give students first-hand professional experience.<\/p>\n

For her externship, Park, a double Bruin, worked at the registry of an International Tribunal, serving as in-house counsel for the court.<\/p>\n

\u201cI joined The Hague program because I believe it\u2019s important for us to stay engaged with the international legal community,\u201d Park said. \u201cInternational law can promote accountability and greater justice and, as legal scholars, we have a duty to learn from the wealth of history and information available to guide our future as a nation. The Hague program is a unique opportunity to join before students even graduate, and to gain hands-on experience with the support of UCLA.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chunara spent his externship at the International Court of Justice,<\/a> where he supported research on international sovereignty issues and assisted with hearing preparations for high-profile proceedings.<\/p>\n

\u201cI joined the program because I wanted to witness firsthand how international courts function, contribute to meaningful legal work and explore how different legal traditions collaborate and clash on the world stage,\u201d Chunara said.<\/p>\n

As global challenges increasingly require international legal solutions, the UCLA Law in The Hague program represents more than a study abroad opportunity; it\u2019s a gateway for the next generation of leaders to help shape the future of international justice while still in law school.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe UCLA Law in The Hague program is a rare and transformative opportunity that offers students unparalleled exposure to international law in action,\u201d Chunara said. \u201cIf you\u2019re curious about how international law is shaped and applied or want to grow as a lawyer beyond the borders of the U.S., I can\u2019t imagine a better opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

A focus on Kosovo: Hear about one student\u2019s experience in the Special Prosecutor\u2019s Office<\/p>\n

\"UCLA<\/p>\n

Courtesy of Holly Duffy<\/p>\n

From conducting legal research to preparing trial briefs on high-profile cases, visiting law student Holly Duffy gained valuable experience prosecuting crimes against humanity as part of the UCLA Law externship program in the Hague.<\/p>\n

Tell us about your work and experience while in the UCLA Law in The Hague program. What did your work focus on?<\/p>\n

I worked with the Specialist Prosecutor\u2019s Office in the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, which focuses on prosecuting crimes against humanity and war crimes. My work ranged from legal research and observing court proceedings to working with witness statements and other facts to help develop the final trial brief in the court\u2019s most high-profile case.<\/p>\n

What is your favorite memory from your time working in The Hague?<\/p>\n

One of my favorite memories was from just recently, when the Specialist Prosecutor, Kimberly West, gave a short speech about how proud she was of all the work the office had done, and most of all, how proud she was of how that work had been carried out \u2014 as advocates seeking truth. I also have a very special memory of getting engaged this semester when my partner came to visit.<\/p>\n

What would you say to other students who might be interested in this externship opportunity?<\/p>\n

For anyone even remotely interested in international law, I would 100% recommend this program. If you decide to work in international law, the experience you gain and the connections you make will be invaluable. For everyone else, this program is an incredible opportunity to broaden your perspective on law and advocacy and will help you stand out in any other area of law.<\/p>\n

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