 Ben Smith, Legal Research
Intern at the Equal Rights Trust
I expected competition for jobs in human rights to be tough
but it was only when I graduated that I realised quite how difficult it was
to break into the sector. I had gained a lot academically – I had an
undergraduate degree in Law from Oxford University and a Master of Laws
from University College London - but this didn’t seem to be enough when
applying for jobs with human rights NGOs. I tried to stay positive and kept
putting in applications but the feedback I got again and again was that
while I was well qualified, there was always someone with more experience.
Though I had lots of pro bono experience and legal experience in other
sectors, the organisations I was applying to wanted direct experience in
the field.
The only options I saw to gain that experience were
internships, which were generally unpaid. It was frustrating to devote so
much time academically to human rights only to find that a career is out of
reach unless you have the financial means to work in unpaid lengthy internships.
Like many other graduates, and particularly as I didn’t have roots in
London, this wasn’t an option for me.
In August 2015 I saw the position advertised for Legal
Research Interns with the Equal Rights Trust which offered a
needs-based grant for applicants. The Trust is an international
organisation which focuses on advancing equality and non-discrimination
worldwide – an area I had looked at extensively during my studies and a
keen interest of mine. I jumped at the chance to apply as the internship
seemed like the perfect next step - and one that was accessible to me. I
was offered the post in August, after which I submitted an application for
the grant (which was accepted) and I started working with the Trust in
September.
What sets this internship apart from others is that the
tasks I’ve carried out have been incredibly varied and I’ve had the
opportunity to work across the full range of work the Trust does, including
advocacy, litigation and fundraising. I’ve lost
track of the number of countries I’ve been involved with, I think it must
be over 20 already, which is testament to the breadth of work the Trust does. It has
been an incredible chance to broaden my horizons and expand my knowledge of
equality and non-discrimination law.
I’ve had the opportunity to take on genuine responsibility
in my position and develop important skills – you’re not just making tea
and doing photocopying, but carrying out work that has a real impact.
Recently, I researched and prepared a first draft of the Trust’s
submissions in a case we are intervening in before the European Court of
Human Rights. This was a huge task and it was a privilege to be trusted
with it.
I think the level of responsibility we are given is due in
part to the Trust’s paid internship scheme – a lot of NGOs are keen to take
on interns who will work for free but who aren’t always best placed to take
on a high level of responsibility or work on technical outputs. This can
also be problematic as interns will often leave before their placement
ends. In this sense I think the scheme is a “win-win” for the Trust and for
the interns.
It will be sad to leave the Trust in spring as my internship
comes to an end, but I know that if my legal career takes me away from
human rights work, I will be able to put the skills I’ve developed as an
intern to good use.
On 23 February the Trust launched a campaign – the Bob Hepple Memorial Fund – to help
others like me who would be struggling to enter the sector were it not for
paid internship and fellowship placements. Through the campaign the Trust
has set itself a minimum target to raise of £1,000 which could support a
needs based grant for an intern for approximately six weeks. If it meets its
desired target of £10,000 it could support four interns and a fellow for
three months.
I’ve learned an enormous amount as an intern and it has
given me a real career boost, so I hope the campaign is not only a great
success but that it will be replicated elsewhere in the sector to help more
people pursue their ambition.
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