Commissions, regulators and tribunals are an interesting and often under-explored option for law students. Bodies dealing with competition, securities, human rights, consumer protection and various sectors sit at the intersection of law, regulation and specialised decision-making.
An internship with one of these bodies can give you a perspective that is different from working at a law firm or chamber. These organisations may seem formal or difficult to approach, but many have internship schemes.
Here is what the work can involve, how to apply and who these internships can suit. Since each organisation has its own rules and procedures, always verify the current details through its official source.
Quick Answer
Commission and tribunal internships typically involve legal and regulatory research, preparing notes and analysis, and observing how the relevant body functions.
Many commissions, regulators and tribunals have their own internship schemes with specific eligibility requirements and application processes. These vary between organisations and can change over time, so always check the specific body’s current official information.
These internships can suit students interested in regulatory, competition, securities, sectoral or public-law work and can provide a distinctive view of specialised regulation and adjudication.
What Will You Actually Do?
The work depends on the organisation, but may include:
- Conducting legal and regulatory research.
- Preparing research notes and analysis.
- Studying matters before the commission or tribunal.
- Researching the relevant statutory and regulatory framework.
- Observing hearings or proceedings, where permitted.
- Gaining exposure to how the organisation approaches specialised legal and regulatory issues.
The experience can help you understand how a particular area of regulation works in practice. Whether you are interested in competition, securities, human rights, consumer protection or a specific sector, working within the relevant institution can give you a useful perspective on the field.
It is focused and specialised exposure, particularly valuable if you are considering a career in that area.
How to Apply
The most important thing to understand is that each commission, regulator or tribunal has its own internship scheme, eligibility requirements and application process.
Your first step should be to identify the specific organisation you are interested in and check its current official information.
In general:
- Identify the commissions, regulators or tribunals whose subject areas interest you.
- Find the current internship scheme on each organisation’s official website.
- Check the eligibility requirements and application process carefully.
- Prepare the documents and information requested.
- Highlight any relevant coursework, research, writing or demonstrated interest in the relevant field.
- Follow the specified application process and deadlines precisely.
Some organisations may have formal internship schemes, while others may have different application routes. Do not assume that the process used by one body will apply to another.
YLCC ACTION STEP: Pick two commissions, regulators or tribunals whose subject areas genuinely interest you. Visit each organisation’s official website, find its current internship scheme and note the eligibility requirements and application process. Treat each organisation separately rather than relying on a general internship template.
PLEASE DON’T DO THIS: Please don’t assume that one commission, regulator or tribunal follows the same internship process as another. Each organisation can have different requirements and procedures. Don’t rely on outdated information either. Always verify the current scheme and application process through the specific organisation’s official source.
Who Are These Internships Suited For?
Commission and tribunal internships can suit students interested in:
- Regulatory law
- Competition law
- Securities and capital markets
- Sector-specific regulation
- Public law
- Human rights
- Consumer protection
- Specialised adjudication
They can also suit students who are curious about how regulatory and adjudicatory institutions function from the inside.
If a particular area of regulation interests you, interning with the relevant institution can be one of the best ways to understand the field before deciding whether to pursue it professionally.
FAQs
- Can law students intern at commissions and tribunals? Yes. Many regulatory and adjudicatory bodies offer internship opportunities, although eligibility requirements and application processes vary between organisations.
- What do you do at a commission or tribunal internship? Depending on the organisation, you may conduct legal and regulatory research, prepare notes and analysis, study matters before the body and observe relevant proceedings.
- How do I apply? Identify the specific commission, regulator or tribunal and check its current official internship information. Follow the eligibility requirements and application process applicable to that organisation.
- Who should do these internships? They can suit students interested in regulatory, competition, securities, sectoral or public-law work, as well as students curious about specialised regulation and adjudication.
- Where do I find reliable application details? Check the specific commission, regulator or tribunal’s official website for the current internship cycle. Do not assume that information from another organisation or an earlier cycle still applies.
Thank you for reading!
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