Are you currently a BVS or SPP student at The City Law School, intending to practise in social justice and human rights? We invite you to apply for our prestigious summer internship programme supporting poor and vulnerable communities through law clinics in Cape Town
Position: Pro Bono Legal Intern
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Dates of internship: The internship is for one month. Exact dates are tbc. You must be available Friday 26 June – Friday 31 July 2026.
Funding: You will receive a generous contribution of up to £1200 which you may use towards the cost of your international flights and accommodation in Cape Town
Who can apply? This is only available for BVS and SPP students at City Law School
No. of places available? Five students will be selected to be our Ubuntu Scholars 2026
Closing date for applications: 7pm on Monday 23rd February 2026
In-person interviews at CLS: Mon 9th March (for shortlisted candidates)
Why intern?
- Immerse yourself in South Africa’s rich tradition of social justice lawyering
- Gain invaluable pro bono experience in an international legal setting
- Contribute to meaningful projects that make a difference
Who will you be working for?
You will be placed with one of our South African host partners:-
- University of Cape Town (CTU) law clinic (2 places for male or female applicants)
- Women’s Legal Centre (WLC)( 3 places for *female only applicants*)
What will you do?
You will work alongside South African attorneys and law students, assist with legal research and case preparation sit in on client meetings and consultations, draft legal documents and correspondence, support attorneys in court proceedings and hearings and engage in community outreach.
Who are we looking for?
Current BVS & SPP students with:-
- A passion for social justice and intention to practice in this field
- The ability to professionally represent City Law School overseas
- Ability to work respectfully in a different culture
- Relevant volunteering and/or pro bono experience
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
- Ability to work collaboratively and use initiative in a team environment
- Willingness to follow local advice on travel and personal safety
- Experience of living independently, ideally overseas
- Ability to recognise this exceptional opportuity to volunteer in another jurisdiction and articulate what you intend to gain from the experience
In addition to the above, we especially encourage students who meet any below criteria:
- Black and minority ethnic
- A total gross household income under £42,600p.a.* (*if you are under 25, this is the household income of your parents/guardians; if 25 or over, your own household income applies)
- Care leaver/experienced/estranged student
- Student carer
- Student with a registered disability
- Refugee or asylum seeker
- First generation to go to university
How do you find out more?
Hear from our 2025 Ubuntu Scholars, Tamara (SPP) at WLC and Douglas (BVS) at UCT.
How to apply?
All applicants must read the Application pack and FAQs. This includes a link to a Qualtrics Form which you must complete with:
- a personal statement (max 250 words) addressing our criteria (above) and
- A short essay (500 minimum-750 words maximum) on this topic:
“What are the current social justice challenges in Cape Town and how is the legal clinic you are applying to meeting these challenges?”