Welcome to the Human Rights Clinic!

New application deadline! You have until September 15 at 1:00 PM to submit your applications.

You can find the application form above. Follow these two steps if you would like to apply:

1. Download the application form and fill it out.
2. Send it along with your transcripts (high school diploma and transcript of records) as a single PDF to sekretariat.baer@hu-berlin.de with the subject “Application Clinic [your registration number].”
   If you wish, you can also attach additional documentation (employment and internship references, etc.).
3. Important: We want to ensure a fair selection process – so please apply anonymously.

This means: Only provide your personal information (name, email address, phone number) in the email – not in your application documents (i.e., application forms, high school diplomas, transcripts of records, and other supporting documents).

Do not include any personal information, please redact supporting documents, and anonymize job titles and job descriptions.

Further information on applying for the 16th cycle:

For 15 years, the Humboldt Law Clinic for Fundamental and Human Rights has offered the unique opportunity to learn and work in a team, in an interdisciplinary manner, and in cooperation with practitioners for a year. The clinic teaches you skills to become active, cooperates with organizations in Berlin, benefits from the experiences of numerous experts, and strives to contribute to greater democratic rule of law.

The clinic: This is a cycle lasting one year. In the winter, there is the basic course, during the semester break, the internship at organizations, and in the summer, the colloquium to support projects. You will translate legal knowledge for on-site work, e.g., in blog posts, building blocks for briefs, policy papers, events, and more; ideally, the products will also be published. There is a summer party, a graduation ceremony, and a certificate. The clinic is a unique opportunity to gain a hands-on and completely new understanding of the law.

What can you expect?

• Knowledge of practical fundamental rights protection, nationally and internationally, and anti-discrimination law
• Exclusive insights into the work of NGOs, counseling centers, associations, and public institutions, exchange with academics and practitioners
• Teamwork on specific problems, even in unusual formats
• Network of alumni, friends, and supporters of the clinic

How does the training work?

1. Introductory course in the winter semester (Tuesdays, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.): You will learn about important legal principles and work with experts, meet experienced practitioners, and learn from each other in workshops on anti-discrimination skills and products, from developing a question and research to policy papers and blog posts.
2. Internship during the semester break (4 – 8 weeks): You will complete your internship in teams with cooperation partners, mostly from civil society.
3. Advanced seminar in the summer semester (weekly): In an interactive colloquium, the projects will be discussed with other clinic participants and teachers, preferably at the cooperation partners’ locations, so that you will personally experience the places where human rights and anti-discrimination work is carried out.

Can I have the clinic credited?

• Law students at HU can have the foundation course as a BZQ-I course and the internship credited; at FU, the foundation course is considered a key qualification, and the internship is credited.
• Gender Studies students at HU can have the Humboldt Law Clinic on Fundamental and Human Rights (consisting of two consecutive semesters (each with 2 credit hours per week) and an internship) credited towards Module 7 (Project Studies) with 12 credit points. 

Who can apply?

• Law students, especially those in their advanced studies, those in the MA in Gender Studies, and those with relevant concentrations from other disciplines. Previous knowledge and experience will be considered.
• We particularly welcome applications from students who have experience with or have dealt with discrimination. We strive to counteract the (re)production of structural discrimination when allocating places. You decide whether you want to indicate this in your application.

What do you need to bring?

• Independent and committed commitment – ​​collaboration, time, and interest are essential!

• Willingness to collaborate with others and the desire to make a difference.

• Interest in blogging about legal matters and publishing your own articles.

• A sense of responsibility and the willingness to stand up for the Law Clinic’s ideas and represent the Law Clinic to partners and beyond.