Emily

What made you decide to join the UCLA Law in the Hague program?

I decided to join the UCLA Law in the Hague program because it is extremely difficult to break into international law, especially early in one’s career. The program offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience at an international tribunal while still in law school and to work alongside amazing, dedicated lawyers and staff from around the world.

Tell us about your work and experience while in the UCLA Law in the Hague program.

I was able to participate in a variety of projects while working for the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office for the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. I conducted legal research on Kosovo jurisprudence and contributed to sections of the pre-trial and trial briefs. In that work, I applied doctrines on war crimes and crimes against humanity to specific incidents and evidentiary records. I also worked extensively with intercepted communications and other digital materials, helping assess issues such as authenticity and chain of custody to determine what could become admissible evidence.

What is your favorite memory from your time working in the Hague?

One of my favorite memories is our office potluck. The SPO has an annual tradition where everyone makes a dish from their country, and it gets competitive! Every country represented had their own table, and people went all out on decorating them. Some people had created slideshows showing pictures of their country, and others had created a menu detailing the dishes each person from their country had made like it was a restaurant. It was a terrific bonding experience and I had dishes from over 15 countries!

What would you say to other students who might be interested in this externship opportunity?

I would highly recommend this program! I have met so many amazing people through UCLA Law in The Hague and gotten invaluable working experience in this process. Working with the SPO transformed my understanding of international criminal law from something primarily doctrinal and academic into a practice grounded in careful incident-mapping, evidentiary rigor, and a commitment to building a reliable record in a post-conflict setting.