Arbitration Internship Scholarship 2027 in Hong Kong

The Arbitration Internship is a three-month full-time program in Hong Kong for undergraduate and postgraduate law students interested in international arbitration. It offers hands-on experience working alongside experienced arbitration lawyers, exposure to legal and commercial aspects of cross-border dispute resolution, and mentorship from practitioners. The program is designed for students who have not yet been admitted to practice in a civil or common law jurisdiction.

Eligible applicants are undergraduate and postgraduate students who are not yet admitted to practice in a civil or common law jurisdiction. They should demonstrate a genuine interest in international arbitration and be available for the full three-month internship period. Relevant experiences such as moot court participation, legal research, commercial law coursework, and international law studies can strengthen an application.

The internship is based in Hong Kong, one of Asia’s major international commercial and arbitration centres. Hong Kong’s position within the global economy provides an environment where international business, finance, and law intersect, giving interns valuable perspective on how international dispute resolution operates in a major commercial hub.

The internship runs for three months on a full-time basis. It is not a short-term observation opportunity; rather, it is designed to provide participants with a thorough grounding in both the legal and commercial aspects of arbitration. Interns must clearly state their availability for the full three-month period on the application form.

The application deadline is 31 August 2026. However, interviews are conducted on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to submit their applications earlier rather than waiting until the final day. Submitting earlier ensures the application enters the recruitment process sooner and may be reviewed before the deadline.

Yes, interviews are conducted on a rolling basis throughout the recruitment process. Although the official application deadline is 31 August 2026, candidates should not wait until the final day to apply. Early submission can ensure that the application enters the recruitment process sooner, particularly because interviews may take place before the deadline.

No, applicants must not yet have been admitted to practice in either a civil or common law jurisdiction. The internship is targeted at law students still completing their academic training and considering international arbitration as a future career path. This makes the program particularly suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

A strong application should demonstrate a genuine interest in international arbitration rather than treating the internship as general legal work experience. Applicants should tailor their CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences such as arbitration or moot court participation, legal research and writing, commercial law coursework, international law studies, debate or advocacy activities, and student leadership.

Yes, one of the most compelling aspects of the internship is the opportunity to receive mentorship from experienced arbitration lawyers. Mentorship helps aspiring lawyers understand what an international arbitration career involves, how complex commercial disputes are managed, the relationship between legal strategy and commercial objectives, and the professional expectations of a leading arbitration practice.

Students should review the official requirements on the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer careers page, prepare a tailored application, and submit it before 31 August 2026. Applicants should clearly indicate availability for the full three-month internship period and ensure the application demonstrates genuine interest in international arbitration. Apply via the official link.