Law traineeship an Australian first

An ANU law graduate has become the first person chosen directly from an Australian law school for a traineeship at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague in the Netherlands.

The ANU College of Law was the only Australian law school invited to participate in the ICJ Student Traineeship Program, which is based at the principal United Nations court for resolving disputes between nation states.

Rebecca Jenkin, who graduated from the ANU College of Law in 2002, will take up the nine-month traineeship as an assistant to an ICJ judge in September. She said it will be a chance to pursue her ongoing interest in international affairs at the highest level.

“I’m very excited. It will be an amazing opportunity to work with international lawyers at the top of their field in an international court,” she said.

“One of the things that attracted me to study at ANU was its strong international law program. Having worked with graduates from other universities, I know that the opportunities to study with such fantastic international law experts are not available everywhere.”

The Dean of the ANU College of Law, Professor Michael Coper, extended his warm congratulations to Ms Jenkin. 

“Rebecca has an outstanding record of commitment to international law, having been National President of the United Nations Youth Association in 1999, a member of the ANU Jessup International Law Moot Court team in 2001, Australian Youth Representative to the UN General Assembly in 2002, and winner of the UNHCR Prize for International Human Rights Law,” Professor Coper said.

“The selection also reflects well on the University. ANU is the only Australian university to have been invited to participate in the ICJ Student Traineeship Program. This is a mark not only of our high reputation generally in international law, but of international recognition at the highest level.”

Ms Jenkin, who grew up in Canberra, is currently working as an associate to Justice Mark Weinberg of the Federal Court in Melbourne. She has been a member of the Mallesons Human Rights Law Group, through which she did pro bono work for the Red Cross. Her role at the ICJ will entail supporting a judge by conducting research, preparing memos, and assisting in court.

On Campus April 2006:

Funding boost for Medical School

Dutch PM speaks to ANU students

Harmony Day strikes cultural accord

Breaking down barriers, building communities

Swell of students predicted for migration course

Eye camera donation sees the light

Curtin Medal winner in good company

Opposition leader tours solar facilities

ANU first university in mobile recycling program

Briefs

Meet Paul Kelly in People@ANU