Johann Soufi Profile picture
International Lawyer ⚖️ | Chercheur @AfriThucy🎓| Ex Head of Legal @STLebanon, @UN & @UNRWA #Gaza | Justice & Human Rights ✊| Views my own! 💬

Apr 30, 2021, 11 tweets

THREAD 1/11. I recently tweeted - in French - my advice for those interested in a career in the field of Intl #justice or #HumanRights.🕊

I had positive feedback and thought it could be useful to do it in English. So here is the 1st one about finding a job in an Intl court. ⚖️🇺🇳

2/11. Let’s start by debunking some myths:

❌ No, finding a job in an international court is not impossible;
❌ No, you don’t need to go to an Ivy League college;
❌ No, you don’t necessarily need to have connections.

3/11. BUT YES!

✅ It will not be easy;
✅ You will need to be patient and dedicated;
✅ You will need to make some sacrifices;
✅ YES, you’ll succeed! 🥳

4/11. My first advice, think well!
Why do you want to work in this field? International justice is a wonderful field to work in, but it is full of challenges and frustrations.

Remembering why you decided to join in the first place helps a lot in times of doubt.

5/11. Choose your curriculum well! Masters specialized in international criminal law are extremely useful, but so are studies in IHL, Human Rights, Intl relations or political science.👩‍🎓👨🏽‍🎓

6/11. If you can, find an internship in any of the organs of an Intl court, or with Counsel representing accused or victims (I’ll write a thread about that soon).

You’ll gain experience and see if the reality of the work matches your expectations.

icc-cpi.int/jobs/internshi…

7/11. If you can’t afford an internship in an Intl Court (they are usually unpaid which is an outrage as it contributes to social reproduction in a field which should be progressive) find one in a law firm, prosecution office, or court at home.

8/11. Are you already fluent in English? 🇬🇧 You’re lucky, it is required.
BUT learn other languages!
You’ll be in a competitive environment where a lot of people speak 3 or 4 languages. It will open your mind to different cultures!

9/11. Pass the bar exam, get domestic experience!

At some point in your career you will want to be in court, but you’ll need advocacy skills for that.

Practicing before domestic criminal courts is the best way to achieve that.

10/11. Be modest! International courts are full of talented young lawyers who have amazing experience and knowledge.

BUT... Be confident! You can be as talented as anyone!

11/11. Here are my first thoughts to help those whose dream is to work in the fantastic field of international justice and human rights. 😊

Stay tuned for more to come!

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