What if you could spend six months working inside a leading international law organization while gaining hands-on experience in legal research, publishing, programme design and international law advocacy?
The Gabrielle Kirk McDonald BASIL Fellowship, established under the American Society of International Law (ASIL) International Law Fellows Program, gives young legal professionals an opportunity to contribute to ASIL’s research, publications and educational programmes while supporting initiatives designed to expand opportunities for Black students and lawyers in international law.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: International Law Fellowship
- Host Organisation: American Society of International Law (ASIL)
- Fellowship: Gabrielle Kirk McDonald BASIL Fellowship
- Duration: 6 months
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Application Format: Application by email
- Degree Required: J.D. or LL.M.
- Age Limit: None
- Work Experience: Professional-environment and programme-implementation experience expected
- Nationality: International
- International Law Experience: Strongly preferred
- Application Fee: None
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
About the Fellowship
The fellowship is named after Judge Gabrielle Kirk McDonald, a distinguished jurist and former Honorary President of ASIL.
It is supported through contributions from BASIL — Blacks of the American Society of International Law, an initiative established to strengthen the long-standing tradition and professional community of Black international lawyers, jurists and academics.
The fellowship is designed to give young legal professionals practical experience within an international law nonprofit while helping them develop their own professional skills.
What Will You Work On?
The fellowship combines legal research, writing, programme development, education and event management.
International Law Research & Publications
Fellows may support:
- International legal research
- Research and editorial work for ASIL publications
- Programme design
- Syllabus and course development
- Legal education initiatives
- Public policy activities
Legal Education & Programme Management
You may also gain experience supporting:
- Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
- Public awareness programmes
- Public policy activities
- Educational programme management
Events & International Engagement
Fellows can contribute to event planning, including:
- Speaker selection
- Speaker coordination
- Outreach
- Venue logistics
Fellows also have opportunities to attend internationally themed virtual events organised by ASIL and its partners.
Supporting BASIL
A distinctive part of this fellowship is the opportunity to work directly with BASIL co-chairs and task force members.
Potential responsibilities include:
- Developing programmes for Black students and lawyers interested in international law
- Supporting initiatives that improve access to international-law employment opportunities
- Writing and reporting on issues of particular interest to Black international lawyers
- Helping develop a directory of Black professionals in international law
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for young legal professionals who want to develop their careers in international law.
Academic Requirement
Applicants must have obtained a graduate degree in law — J.D. or LL.M. — before the fellowship begins.
Professional Experience
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience working in a professional environment
- Experience with programme implementation
- Strong writing and editorial skills
- A demonstrated interest in international law
- Ability to work independently
- Initiative and sound professional judgment
International Law Background
Coursework or professional experience in international law is strongly preferred.
Experience working on a journal is also strongly preferred.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and ASIL would like the selected fellow to start as soon as possible.
Send the following to:
Use “Law Fellow” as the email subject.
You must submit:
- Cover letter
- Resume/CV
- Unedited writing sample — maximum 10 pages
- Two letters of recommendation
Your application materials should include your desired start date and current location.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is particularly relevant for J.D. or LL.M. graduates who want practical experience in international law and are interested in combining legal research with publishing, programme management and professional development.
It could be especially relevant to applicants interested in international legal organisations, legal academia, public policy or international-law advocacy.
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