Period: 1 September 2026 – 31 January 2027 (5 months)
Hours: 32 hours per week
Location: Office (Amsterdam area)
Remuneration: EUR 500 per month (based on a 40-hour week)
Are you passionate about human rights and eager to gain hands on experience in an international context? Lawyers for Lawyers is looking for a committed and proactive intern to support our Shelter City guest this autumn. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the protection and support of lawyers at risk.
About Lawyers for Lawyers
Lawyers for Lawyers is committed to protecting and supporting lawyers who are threatened, hindered, or prosecuted because of their work. We help ensure that lawyers can perform their essential role as defenders of the rule of law freely and independently. Lawyers for Lawyers consists of a strong board, a small office team, and a broad network of lawyers and law firms (in the Netherlands) who support colleagues worldwide.
About Shelter City
Shelter City is a global movement of cities, organisations, and individuals who stand in solidarity with human rights defenders. In 2025, Shelter City Amstelveen joined this network through a collaboration between the Municipality of Amstelveen, Lawyers for Lawyers, and Justice and Peace Netherlands.
The programme provides a three month safe haven in the Netherlands for lawyers who face threats as a result of their professional work. During their stay, guest lawyers receive tailored support, training, and opportunities to strengthen their work, while also focusing on wellbeing and personal development.
From mid September 2026, Lawyers for Lawyers and the Municipality of Amstelveen will host a lawyer under this programme in the Netherlands.
What will you do?
As an intern, you will play a key role in supporting the Shelter City guest lawyer and contributing to the successful implementation of the programme. You will act as a primary point of contact for the guest and provide practical, logistical, and substantive support throughout their stay.
Your tasks will include:
- Organising activities for knowledge exchange, cultural engagement, and professional development, including logistics and communication;
- Supporting the guest lawyer by liaising with stakeholders, accompanying them to meetings and events, and providing general assistance;
- Contributing to advocacy and outreach efforts, including support with public speaking engagements;
- Conducting research and drafting content related to the guest lawyer’s work, the Shelter City programme, and the broader work of Lawyers for Lawyers;
- Providing general support to the team and contributing to the day to day activities of Lawyers for Lawyers where needed.
What are we looking for?
- You are strongly motivated by human rights and support the mission of Lawyers for Lawyers;
- You are proactive, hands-on, and eager to learn, with a flexible and independent working style;
- You have strong organisational skills and are able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, combining practical/logistical work with research and writing;
- You have an excellent command of English (spoken and written); knowledge of additional languages (e.g. Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, or Arabic) is an asset;
- You are pursuing or have completed relevant studies in (international) public law, human rights, social work, public policy, or a related field; a legal background is an advantage but not required;
- Prior knowledge of the Shelter City programme or specific country contexts is not required – genuine interest is essential;
- Given the nature of the role, we have a strong preference for candidates who are based in, or able to work regularly from, the Amsterdam area.
What do we offer?
- Meaningful impact: the opportunity to contribute directly to the protection of a human rights lawyer at risk;
- Hands on NGO experience: practical exposure to human rights advocacy and nonprofit operations;
- Professional development: experience in research, drafting, event organisation, advocacy support, and coordination;
- Networking opportunities: engagement with local and international lawyers, policymakers, and human rights defenders;
- Internship allowance: a modest stipend is provided.
Interested?
Does this internship sound like a great fit for you? You can join us from 1 September 2026 for a period of five months, working 32 hours per week. Please note that candidates must be based in the Netherlands for the duration of the internship.
Please send your cover letter, CV, and the contact details of two referees to n.seguradiez@lawyersforlawyers.nl before 8 June 2026.
If you have any questions about the internship, feel free to get in touch – we are happy to tell you more.
