鈥淭he Center鈥檚 work in impact litigation embodies the law school鈥檚 commitment to advancing human rights and dignity.鈥
Robert Goldman, faculty advisor
Geneva: International Law Commission Experiential Opportunity
A Unique Opportunity for Selected Students
Notice Regarding the Suspension of the 2025 ILC Summer Seminar
The Washington College of Law聽wants聽to inform our community聽that the International Law Commission (ILC) Summer Seminar, traditionally held in Geneva, Switzerland,聽each July, will not occur聽in 2025.
This decision follows the recent announcement by the United Nations regarding the cancellation of the ILC鈥檚 July session due to ongoing financial constraints. As a result, the Commission will meet only during its May session this year, making it unfeasible to offer the seminar as scheduled.
We encourage students interested in international law to consider applying to the ILC Seminar in future years. In the meantime, we invite you to explore , which continue to provide exceptional academic and professional development opportunities.聽
We appreciate your understanding and continued interest in our international programs.
This unique summer course is part immersive seminar in DC on the role of the International Law Commission (ILC) in shaping international law, and part practical course with two weeks of intensive in-person instruction at the ILC in Geneva, Switzerland.
In Geneva, students will experience working in a multicultural legal environment with team members from different backgrounds and legal traditions. Under the guidance of member of the , students will dive deep into the work and challenges of the ILC and contribute to its work by helping to draft interventions on current ILC topics.
Students will attend in person meetings of the United Nations International Law Seminar, have the opportunity to visit other international law institutions in Geneva, and be afforded ample networking with WCL alumni and international law practitioners in Geneva.
鈥淭aking the UN-ILC practicum opened my eyes to a whole new world of practice opportunities and community impact. Also, working on the International and Constitutional Law project has been a fantastic way of learning the interaction of international law principles in domestic legislation.鈥 鈥 Marta Trevi帽o 鈥23
Details
Credits: 2 credits summer course (with option to add credits as an independent study to complete an Upper-Level Writing Requirement.)
Time Commitment: 2 class sessions taken in DC, 2 weeks in Geneva, and 1 follow-up class.
Tuition and Payment Info: pay per credit hour | tuition covers flight and hotel | students pay for meals and any other expenses.
How to Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, and transcript to grossman@wcl.american.edu. Please note applications are not being accepted for summer 2025 due to the cancellation of the ILC鈥檚 July 2025 session.
For more information on the ILC Experiential Law Opportunity, please reach out to Adjunct Professor Victoria Ernst at vernst@american.edu.