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Departments

OPIA

  • Non-Legal Work Types

    August 8, 2022

    Use of non-legal strategies to advocate for clients or a cause. Can also refer to high-level administration or management duties.

  • Narratives About Working in NGO Settings

    August 8, 2022

    Maame A.F. Ewusi-Mensah, YLS ’01 International Human Rights and Private Practice I knew when I came to law school that international human rights law was…

  • Narratives About Working in Intergovernmental Settings

    August 8, 2022

    Chi Mgbako, HLS ’05 International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Office of the Prosecutor The following is an excerpt taken from two letters Ms. Mgbako wrote…

  • Narratives about Working in Governmental Settings

    August 8, 2022

    Antonio L. Cortes, YLS ’89 Koror State Government, Republic of Palau Beginning three years after graduating from Yale Law School, I was fortunate to spend…

  • Narratives about Working in Entrepreneurial Settings

    August 8, 2022

    Julia Harrington, HLS ’95 Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa I decided to go to law school after working for a year in…

  • Lobbying

    August 8, 2022

    A lobbyist is paid by an organization to promote the organization’s positions to federal and state legislatures and, less frequently, to administrative agencies. Lobbyists may…

  • Lifestyles and International Work

    August 8, 2022

    There is no question that international positions can alter one’s lifestyle more so than domestic government positions. International work can require long hours, and several…

  • Legislative

    August 8, 2022

    Lawyers often play a major role in the development, negotiation, and drafting of new legislation or amendments to existing legislation. Both legislative staffers and elected…

  • Legal Research and Writing

    August 8, 2022

    Legal writing refers generally to the analysis of fact patterns and presentation of arguments in legal memos and briefs. The vast majority of legal internships…

  • Learn More About NGOs

    August 8, 2022

    What types of NGOs exist? NGOs generally fall under one of two categories: international NGOs (INGOs) and “local” NGOs. In the former category are large…

  • International Public Interest Work in U.S. and Foreign Governments

    August 8, 2022

    International Public Interest Work in U.S. Governments The opportunities in government for international work are very diverse, as global issues span many different types of…

  • International Public Interest Resources at HLS

    August 5, 2022

    HLS Programs and Offices OPIA offers many resources for students interested in international public service work. Many of our advisers have expertise in international work, including: international…

  • 2025 Fall V-PIIP Virtual Interviews Bidding Deadline

    August 4, 2022

    The bidding period for the 2025 Fall V-PIIP Virtual Interviews closes on August 18th at noon.

  • 2025 Fall V-PIIP Resume Collection Bidding Deadline

    August 4, 2022

    The 2025 Fall V-PIIP Resume Collection bidding deadline is September 16 at noon. Review the  Step-by-Step Guide to V-PIIP Bidding in Symplicity CSM for instructions on how to upload your materials and bid through the V-PIIP Resume Collection program.

  • Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

    July 27, 2022

    The term intergovernmental organization (IGO) refers to an entity created by treaty, involving two or more nations, to work in good faith, on issues of…

  • International Entrepreneurial Settings

    July 27, 2022

    An exciting way to practice international law is to create your own practice concerning an issue of your choice. An entrepreneur in any profession, whether…

  • Intake and Referral

    July 27, 2022

    In-person or phone intake interviews and screenings of clients with legal problems. Identification of key issues and referrals to appropriate lawyers and other service providers…

  • Litigation: Impact

    July 27, 2022

    Planning, preparing, and filing or defending law suits focused on changing laws or on the rights of specific groups of people. Impact litigation is brought…

  • What Is Public Interest Law?

    July 27, 2022

    Either start or deepen your exploration of the breadth and depth of public interest careers. Also explore public service in the private sector.

  • How to Break into the International NGO Field

    July 27, 2022

    The NGO world is vast and the work varied. Like any job search, you first need to figure out where you want to work through…

  • International U.S. Government Work

    July 27, 2022

    In recent years, interest in international government service has increased dramatically with applicants seeking opportunities in greater numbers than ever before, both at home and…