Internship Programme

The HKIAC offers internships to motivated students or other individuals in the early stages of their legal careers who wish to learn more about arbitration and alternate dispute resolution in Hong Kong and generally.

Any internship is a practical educational experience and, during their time with the HKIAC, interns will principally assist the staff of the Secretariat in discharging their day-to-day duties. Under supervision, interns will be assigned tasks and projects which, to the extent possible, are relevant to their educational background and interests and provide the opportunity to put into practice and further develop their theoretical knowledge. Where appropriate, the HKIAC encourages its interns to exercise initiative and engage in independent thinking.

In particular interns may be asked to:

• read, comment on and draft documents or correspondence related to current cases;
• research materials and draft documents for use at lectures, seminars, workshops, public presentations, facilitations and special visits;
• assist with the planning and attendance at the abovementioned events;
• undertake individual research projects, to the extent possible designed to suit their individual interests and abilities; and
• interact with the HKIAC's international network of thinkers, researchers, facilitators, mediators and arbitrators, as well as members of the Secretariat and other interns of different nationalities.

The aim of the HKIAC internship programme is to challenge interns intellectually, to give them a sense of what arbitration and alternative dispute resolution is in practical terms and to better equip them for the next stages in their careers.

Internships are generally offered for periods of between six weeks to three months. Internships of other durations may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

In order to maintain the highest standards for our interns, despite the strong interest shown, we limit our intake to a small number of interns annually. The internship programme operates year round. In order to facilitate the processing of applications, the HKIAC divides its internship programme into four terms. The term schedule is as follows:

Term 1: 1 December to 28 February – Winter Programme

Due to the level of interest in our Winter Programme, applications must be submitted before 31 July. We will not accept any applications for the Winter Programme after 31 July. All applications for the Winter Programme will be reviewed by 31 August. Candidates accepted will be informed by the 1st week of September.

Term 2: 1 March to 30 April

Term 3: 1 May to 30 September – Summer Programme

Due to the level of interest in our Summer Programme, applications must be submitted before 31 January. We will not accept any applications for the Summer Programme after 31 January. All applications for the Summer Programme will be reviewed by the end of February. Candidates accepted will be informed by the 1st week of March.

Term 4: 1 October – 30 November

In order to apply for an internship, candidates must meet the general eligibility requirements set out below.

Eligibility Requirements

All candidates who proceed to complete the Application Form must:

• be highly motivated and able to work well in an international, multicultural environment; • have excellent academic qualifications; • hold a degree or be in the final stages of their studies, or be in the early stages of their work in their chosen profession;
• be able to demonstrate good oral communication and drafting skills;
• work effectively in a team as well as independently;
• have a good standard of computer literacy (especially Microsoft Office applications); and
• be available to work on a full-time basis for the period of the internship.

Applicants from Hong Kong and abroad will be considered.

As the HKIAC Internship Programme is aimed at candidates in the final stages of their studies and the early stages of their professional careers, practical experience is not an essential prerequisite for selection. Relevant practical experience may however be considered as an advantage.

Remuneration

HKIAC internships are not remunerated and overseas applicants should note that the HKIAC are unable to cover the cost of travel or accommodation associated with any internship.

The HKIAC will reimburse interns for any out of pocket expenses incurred directly as a result of research work, such as the purchase of research materials.

The HKIAC will also seek to assist applicants to find reasonably priced accommodation in Hong Kong to the extent that this is possible.

Application Procedures

Applicants who meet the Eligibility Requirements set out above should complete the Application Form Form IP1.

Completed Application Forms should be sent by email only to Ms Primrose Law at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The following information must also be provided:

• A short Curriculum Vitae including, where possible, high school equivalent and university transcripts as well as a recent photograph;
• A statement of interest describing your objectives in seeking an internship with the HKIAC not exceeding one A4 page in length;
• Indication of your availability to complete the internship, including the applicable Term and requested duration*;
• Areas of particular research interest; and
• An indication of your language abilities, both spoken and written.

Applications for Summer Programme internships between 1 May and 30 September must be submitted no later than January 31.

Applications for Winter Programme internships between 1 December to 28 February must be submitted no later than July 31.

* Applications for internships during periods which do not fall strictly within the Terms set out above will be considered, however it may not always be possible for the HKIAC to accommodate such requests.