How to get a Legal Internship at the Court of Justice

If you are a law graduate looking for an interesting and challenging traineeship, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) might be just what you are looking for. With its headquarters in Luxembourg, the CJEU is the ultimate authority on EU law. As a trainee at the CJEU, you will have the opportunity to assist the work of the Court on important legal cases that will have a direct impact on the lives of citizens across Europe.

In this article, we will examine what it takes to get a traineeship at the CJEU, what the selection process is like, and what you can expect from the experience. But first, let’s take a look at what the Court of Justice actually does.

Court of Justice of the European Union: What does it do?

The Court of Justice of the European Union is the judicial branch of the European Union (EU). It is tasked with interpreting EU law and ensuring that it is uniformly applied across all member states. The Court is made up of two other Courts: the General Court and the Court of Justice.

The General Court hears cases brought by individuals, companies, or member states against the EU. It has a Registry, but uses the administrative and linguistic services of the institution for all its other requirements. It is comprised by two Judges from each member state.  The Court of Justice, on the other hand, is the highest court in the EU and its rulings are binding on all lower courts.The Court of Justice is made up of 27 judges, one from each member state. These judges are appointed by the Council of the European Union, after being nominated by their respective governments. The Court also has eleven Advocates General, who are responsible for giving non-binding opinions on cases before the Court. The CJEU hears cases in all official languages of the European Union and is based in Luxembourg.

Why should you complete a traineeship at the Court of Justice of the European Union?

A traineeship at the Court of Justice of the European Union is an opportunity to gain first-hand experience of working in a European institution. Traineeships are open to law graduates who have specialised in EU law, and they offer a unique insight into the workings of the Court.As a trainee at the Court, you will be assigned to one of the Court’s administrative departments or in the Members’ chambers (Judges and Advocates General). You will have the chance to meet and learn from some of the world’s leading experts on EU law.A traineeship at the Court of Justice is an excellent way to start your career in European institutions, and many trainees go on to find employment at the Court or in other EU institutions. Of course, this depends on the individual circumstances of each trainee and just because you complete your traineeship there, it does not mean you are going to be recruited as staff in the future. The selection process for a traineeship at the Court of Justice of the EU is very competitive, and there are only a limited number of places available each year. The Court receives thousands of applications for around 120 traineeships, so your application will need to be outstanding to be successful.

What are the eligibility criteria?

To be eligible for a traineeship at the Court of Justice of the European Union, you must:

• be a national of an EU member state;
• have completed a law, politics or economics degree or a degree in a related field;
• have a good working knowledge of one of the official languages of the EU and a good knowledge of another one. French is desirable;
• be available to work full time; and
• not have already undertaken a traineeship in any other institution or body of the European Union.

What skills do you need to be successful?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the skills you need to be successful in a legal career will vary depending on the specific area of law you practice. However, there are some core skills that all lawyers need, regardless of their specialty. These include:

Strong research and writing skills:

Lawyers must be able to find the relevant information they need to build their case, and then communicate that information clearly and persuasively, both in writing and in person.

Critical thinking and analytical skills:

Lawyers need to be able to analyze complex problems and identify the key issues. They also need to be able to think creatively to develop innovative solutions

to legal problems.

Oral advocacy skills:

Lawyers need to be able to articulate their arguments clearly and persuasively in court. They also need to be able to listen carefully to what others are saying and ask probing questions.

Interpersonal skills:

Lawyers need to be able to build relationships with clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel. They also need to be able to effectively communicate with people from all walks of life.

Time management and organizational skills:

Lawyers need to be able to manage their time effectively in order to meet deadlines and keep track of complex cases. They also need to be able to keep organized files and records.

Negotiation skills:

Lawyers need to be able to negotiate settlements and contracts. They also need to be able to persuade others to see their point of view.

Business skills:

Lawyers need to be able to understand and apply business concepts. This is especially important for corporate lawyers and those in private practice.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what skills you need to be successful in a legal career, the above skills are essential for all lawyers. If you have these skills, you will be well on your way to a successful traineeship at the CJEU.

What can you expect?

Traineeships at the chambers of the Members of the Court of Justice and the General Court last a minimum of three months and a maximum of five months. Traineeships in the administrative departments of the Court last for five months. There are two traineeship periods  each year, one from 1st March to 31st July (with applications to be made between 1st July and 15th September each year) and the other from 16th September to the end of February for traineeships in Members’ chambers and 1st October to the end of February for traineeships in the administrative departments of the Court (with applications to be submitted between 1st February and 15th April every year). The grant paid every month is 1372 euros. Trainees whose place of residence is located 200 kilometers or more from the seat of the Court of Justice of the European Union receive a €150 contribution to travel costs.

What happens if I fail the first time I apply?

If you fail the first time you apply to the Court of Justice, you may reapply the following year. There is no limit on the number of times you can reapply. However, each time you apply, you must meet the eligibility requirements in place at the time of your application. Additionally, competition for positions at the Court of Justice is intense, so it is important to be prepared and to put your best foot forward when applying.

What are the working conditions for trainees at the Court of Justice?

The working conditions for trainees at the Court of Justice are very good. The pay is high, the hours are reasonable, and the work is interesting and varied.However, there are a few downsides to working at the Court of Justice. First, the workload can be very heavy at times, especially during peak periods. Second, because the Court of Justice is located in Luxembourg, some trainees may find it difficult to get used to living in a small country with a different language and culture. Finally, because the work of the Court of Justice can be very technical, some trainees may find it challenging to keep up with all the legal jargon.

Conclusion

The Court of Justice of the European Union is an important institution for law graduates who wish to work in the European Union. The court is responsible for ensuring that EU law is interpreted and applied correctly in all member states. It also plays a vital role in ensuring that EU citizens have their rights protected.For law graduates who are interested in a career in the European Union, the Court of Justice of the European Union is an excellent place to start. The court offers many opportunities for legal careers, and it is a great way to learn about EU law. There are also many other benefits to working at the court, such as the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading legal minds. If you are interested in a career in the European Union, the Court of Justice of the European Union is a great place to start.

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Minoas graduated with a Merit upon studying the full-time MPA Public Administration – International Development degree (MPA-ID) at the University of York. He is currently working as a freelance EU affairs consultant in Belgium.
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