Holly

Meet visiting student Holly Velazquez-Duffy '25, who recently worked at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers prosecuting crimes against humanity. From legal research to trial briefs on high-profile cases, Holly gained invaluable international law experience through the UCLA Law in the Hague program. In her words, "For anyone even remotely interested in international law, I would 100% recommend this program!" Learn more about Holly's journey and this opportunity below.

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

"International law is a small field of law compared to other areas of practice and notoriously difficult to break into. I knew that being able to work in an internal court while still in law school would offer an incredible opportunity to get work experience in the field and to build connections with people that have worked in the field for decades."

Tell us about your work and experience while in the UCLA Law in the Hague program. What did your work focus on?

"I worked with the Specialist Prosecutor's Office in the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, which focuses on prosecuting crimes against humanity and war crimes. My work ranged from legal research and observing court proceedings to working with witness statements and other facts to help develop the final trial brief in the Court's most high-profile case."

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

"One of my favorite memories was from just recently, when the Specialist Prosecutor, Kimberly West, gave a short speech about how proud she was of all the work the office had done, and most of all, how proud she was of how that work had been carried out—as advocates seeking truth. I also have a very special memory of getting engaged this semester when my partner came to visit! "

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

"For anyone even remotely interested in international law, I would 100% recommend this program! If you decide to work in international law, the experience you gain and the connections you make will be invaluable. For everyone else, this program is an incredible opportunity to broaden your perspective on law and advocacy and will help you stand out in any other area of law!"

Learn more about the UCLA Law in the Hague externship program: https://law.ucla.edu/news/ucla-law-hague-offers-students-hands-international-law-experience