Internships at German law firms: IRZ is accepting applications from Ukrainians
In 2026, the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ) plans to organize a multilateral internship program for young advocates from partner countries. Participants will attend an introductory seminar in Bonn and complete internships at law firms in Germany.
The program is being implemented by the IRZ in cooperation with the German Federal Bar Association and the German Bar Association. It is designed for advocates working in the fields of civil, commercial, or business law who are proficient in German, including legal terminology.
The internship will run from September 27 to October 31, 2026. From September 28 to October 2, an introductory seminar will be held in Bonn on German and European civil, commercial, and economic law, as well as the procedure for filing complaints with the European Court of Human Rights. From October 5 to 28, participants will complete an internship at German law firms, followed by a concluding seminar in Bonn on October 30.
Young advocates, as well as candidates who are at least in their final year of practical training to become an advocate, are eligible to apply. If necessary, the IRZ may require a language test.
Participation in the program is not open to advocates working at a German law firm, a firm with offices in Germany, or a firm with a partnership relationship with a German law firm.
The organizers cover accommodation and meals during the introductory and final seminars, travel from the seminar venue to the internship location and back, and provide a living allowance of 550 euros during the internship.
Participants are responsible for covering the costs of travel to and from Germany, as well as international health insurance.
To apply, please email the completed application form, a photo, a resume in German, and proof of German language proficiency to the IRZ at khairy@irz.de by July 17, 2026. The application form must be submitted in Word format.
For more details on the internship program and participation requirements, please visit this link.
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