Paid Fellowship at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), Buenos Aires Office (Assistant Legal Counsel, September 2027 Start)

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the intergovernmental organisation and international arbitration institution headquartered at the Peace Palace in The Hague, runs a Fellowship Program at its Buenos Aires Office at the San Martin Palace. The programme offers recent law graduates or young legal professionals one full year of work experience in the operations of the PCA's International Bureau, with an emphasis on both the practical and legal aspects of international dispute resolution.

Fellows also assist with the promotion of Buenos Aires as a venue for international arbitration and PCA services throughout the Latin American region. Fellows hold the title of Assistant Legal Counsel for the period of the fellowship.

• A law degree that qualifies the applicant to apply for bar admission in their home jurisdiction (through examination, traineeship or otherwise) is the minimum requirement.
• The programme is open to applicants whose qualifications exceed this minimum, such as advanced law degree candidates and holders, practising lawyers and other legal professionals.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is essential. Additional language skills are a strong advantage, especially Arabic, Chinese, French and Russian.
• Specialisation in international dispute resolution or public international law is an asset.

The official page sets the requirement as "a law degree that qualifies the applicant to apply for bar admission in their home jurisdiction" and states no nationality restriction, so Indian law graduates who meet it (including English and Spanish fluency) may apply. If a selected fellow needs a travel visa, the PCA will provide documentation in support of the visa application.

Fellowships run for twelve months and start at the beginning of September or January. Applications must be submitted by 1 December for fellowships starting in September of the following year, or by 30 April for fellowships starting in January. This post covers the 1 December 2026 deadline for fellowships starting in September 2027.

Fellows are provided a stipend commensurate with experience and the cost of living of Buenos Aires; the amount is not stated on the official page. To be eligible, fellows must provide for their own adequate health insurance for the year. Fellows are not formally considered staff members of the PCA, but they participate in the PCA's activities as members of the International Bureau.

Send an email to fellowships-stageslongduree@pca-cpa.org with "PCA Buenos Aires Fellowship" in the subject line, attaching a single PDF application package containing:

• A carefully written cover letter indicating (a) how you expect to benefit from the programme, (b) how you can contribute to the PCA, and (c) a brief description of your areas of interest and knowledge of law.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A letter of recommendation from a professor or senior professional.
• Copies of academic transcripts (scans or photos are sufficient).
• Proof of proficiency in English and Spanish (for non-native speakers), or a request for a waiver of such proof citing relevant professional or academic experience.

Apply by 1 December 2026 for a September 2027 start. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.

Fellowships are awarded to individuals with outstanding academic and/or professional records who meet the qualifications above and who seek work experience in the field of international arbitration.