International Law Fellowships

Gabrielle Kirk McDonald

The Gabrielle Kirk McDonald BASIL Fellowship

Applications not currently being accepted.

The American Society of International Law (ASIL) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Gabrielle Kirk McDonald BASIL Fellowship, named for the distinguished jurist and former Honorary President of the Society. Established under the auspices of the ASIL International Law Fellows Program, the Fellowship is supported through generous contributions from members of BASIL (Blacks of the American Society of International Law), which was established in 2014 "to affirm, fortify, and evolve the long-standing tradition of Black international lawyers, jurists, and academics in the United States."

About ASIL: ASIL is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational membership organization founded in 1906 and chartered by Congress in 1950. ASIL holds Category II Consultative Status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and is a constituent society of the American Council of Learned Societies. ASIL is headquartered at Tillar House in Washington, D.C. The mission of ASIL is to foster the study of international law and to promote the establishment and maintenance of international relations on the basis of law and justice.

Purpose: The ASIL International Law Fellowship Program is intended to provide young legal professionals with the opportunity to gain additional skills in international legal research, including program design, syllabi and course development, and research and editorial support for ASIL's publications; legal education program management, including CLE, public awareness, and public policy activities; and event planning, including speaker selection and coordination, outreach, and venue logistics. Fellows will also gain insight into the operation of an international non-profit organization, including elements of organizational structure, administration, and management. Fellows will work with their supervisory staff to identify and pursue areas of the Fellow's professional development that can be enhanced during the fellowship period. Fellows will have the opportunity to attend various internationally themed virtual events organized by ASIL and its partners.

The Fellows also provide support to BASIL. This involves working directly with BASIL co-chairs and task force members on a variety of initiatives. Specific duties may include: designing and supporting programs to enhance the number of Black students and lawyers interested in international law and to improve the ability of Black practitioners to access job opportunities in international law; writing and reporting on matters of particular interest to Black international lawyers; and assisting with the development of a directory of Blacks in international law.

Qualifications: Successful applicants will have obtained a graduate degree in law (J.D. or LL.M.) prior to the start of the Fellowship, evidence strong writing and editorial skills, show experience working in a professional environment and on program implementation, and have a demonstrated interest in international law. Experience working on a journal and coursework or work experience in international law is strongly preferred. The Fellowships require the ability, initiative, and judgment to work independently and to successfully implement projects from beginning to end.