Palestinian Law Internships in Palestine are a unique opportunity for aspiring legal professionals to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. With a legal system shaped by multiple historical influences and ongoing political complexities, Palestine provides a unique setting for legal studies and practice. Interning in Palestine allows individuals to engage with local and international legal challenges, work alongside experienced legal professionals, and contribute to legal advocacy that makes a real difference.
Internships in Palestinian law might be of interest to people including law students, recent graduates, legal professionals, and researchers interested in international law, human rights, business law, or criminal justice. These internships enhance professional development and offer a profound cultural and social experience, allowing interns to understand the local legal landscape within a broader geopolitical context.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Legal System in Palestine
The legal system in Palestine is a complex blend of different legal traditions, reflecting historical governance changes in the region. It incorporates elements from Ottoman law, the laws of the British Mandate, Jordanian and Egyptian legal influences (depending on the region), and Palestinian Authority laws. Additionally, Israeli military law applies in certain areas of the West Bank.
Palestinian law is divided into civil law, criminal law, and Islamic (Sharia) law. Courts in the West Bank operate under the Palestinian Authority, while Gaza has a separate judicial system. The judiciary includes magistrate courts, courts of appeal, and the Supreme Judicial Council, which oversees legal matters.
Key differences between Palestinian and international legal systems are things like jurisdictional fragmentation, the influence of customary law in some areas, and the impact of international humanitarian law due to the ongoing conflict. Interns may engage in various legal areas, including:
Human rights law – Addressing issues related to occupation, political prisoners, and freedom of movement.
International law – Exploring Palestine’s legal standing in international bodies such as the International Criminal Court and the United Nations.
Civil law – Covers contracts, family law, and property disputes.
Criminal law – Assisting in legal defense and understanding judicial processes.
Business law – Examining corporate regulations and economic legal frameworks in Palestine.
Interns work with NGOs and human rights organizations advocating for Palestinian legal rights. They may assist in case research, advocacy campaigns, and documentation of human rights violations. These internships are ideal for those passionate about social justice and international human rights law.
Legal Aid and Public Interest Law
Interns in this sector support vulnerable communities by providing legal aid, assisting with refugee cases, and working on social justice initiatives. Tasks may include conducting interviews, preparing legal documents, and assisting in legal awareness campaigns.
Corporate and Business Law Internships
For those interested in commercial law, internships in Palestinian corporate law offices offer exposure to business regulations, investment laws, and economic policies. Interns may assist in contract drafting, regulatory compliance, and commercial dispute resolution.
Research-Based Legal Internships
Ideal for legal scholars and researchers, these internships focus on analyzing Palestinian legal policies, international legal frameworks, and the implications of occupation laws. Research interns may contribute to academic publications, legal briefings, and policy recommendations.
Where to Intern in Palestine
Several institutions offer law internships in Palestine, providing opportunities to work with experienced legal professionals and organisations. Interns can choose placements based on their interests and career aspirations:
Law firms and legal offices
– Gain direct exposure to legal practices in Palestinian civil and criminal law.
– Engage in academic legal research at or alongside Palestinian universities.
Government and legal aid organizations
– Assist in public legal services and policy development initiatives.
While not every organization will have a formal internship program, you can always reach out to their team to ask about how you can contribute, and if there is the opportunity to do a program with them.
List of Palestinian Law Internships in Palestine
Below is a short overview of the Law Internship programs Volunteer in Palestine offers.
1. Palestine and Israel Internship
Palestine and Israel Internship: Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, professional, retiree, or just someone interested in political history, human rights, Palestinian refugees, or the current situation, the Palestine and Israel in Context Internship program is for you! With the ability to hear the opinions of everyday people, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain insider knowledge beyond the headlines.
2. Palestinian Laws & Legal Practices Internship
Palestinian Laws & Legal Practices Internship is an ideal program for law, social sciences, or human rights students, as well as those interested in the Palestinian legal system in the West Bank. Interns can enroll for a period of 1 to 13 weeks year-round. This legal internship program in Palestine aims to provide a full understanding of the legislation applicable to the West Bank and Gaza.
3. Internship In The West Bank Program
Internship In The West Bank Program offers international participants the chance to immerse themselves in Palestinian culture and daily life and learn about human rights, refugee situations, and politics in Hebron, West Bank. The program involves participating in a highly respected community development initiative run by Volunteer In Palestine.
4. Human Rights Volunteer Program in Palestine
The Human Rights Volunteer Program in Palestine is designed to introduce the subject of Palestinian human rights in an environment that will help you grow personally and professionally. This human rights volunteer opportunity in the West Bank is great for those interested in gaining experience in fields such as humanitarian aid, Palestinian refugees, diplomacy, political science, and international law while building their Arabic language skills and intercultural competency.
Requirements and Qualifications
Most law internships in Palestine will have some prerequisites to ensure interns are able to contribute to their organisation of choice. Some of these might include:
A background in law, legal studies, or a related field.
Strong research and analytical skills.
Proficiency in English (Arabic is advantageous but not always required).
Familiarity with international law, human rights law, or Middle Eastern legal systems.
Prior legal experience (for advanced placements).
It is advised to check the program you’re interested in and see if it’s a good fit for your skills and experience before you apply. A simple email should be able to clarify anything that’s not clear on their website.
Benefits of a Law Internship in Palestine
Interning in Palestine offers several professional and personal benefits:
Hands-on experience in a unique and evolving legal system
A legal internship in Palestine is a great opportunity to witness a unique and constantly evolving legal system firsthand. Through your program, you’ll get to know in-depth some of the complex legal challenges facing the Palestinians of the West Bank, and learn about law in the context of a currently operating military occupation.
Networking opportunities with Palestinian lawyers, scholars, and activists
During your time in Palestine, you will encounter so many incredible people, both local and international. From your fellow participants to the lawyers and legal experts you’ll meet as part of the program content, to the activists using law as a tool to fight occupation, there are so many networks just waiting to happen.
Exposure to human rights and international law in a complex geopolitical environment
Human rights and international law are significant in the picture of Israel-Palestine. Rather than just reading about it, you will witness infringements on these cornerstones of the global legal framework and learn from the people who are working for justice within the system every day.
Skill enhancement, including legal writing, research, and advocacy
Internships are designed to help you gain experience in a professional setting, and this often includes building your skills. You will likely engage in some practical work like legal writing, research, and advocacy to help improve or build on your professional skill set.
Cultural immersion provides a deeper understanding of Palestinian society
One significant benefit to spending time in Palestine is the deep cultural immersion. You’ll benefit from being part of this vibrant community, meeting and engaging with people from all different walks of life and parts of society, and learning more about the local culture (this includes sampling the delicious local food!).
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While a Palestinian law internship is incredibly rewarding, it also comes with some challenges. Here are some things you should keep in mind when planning your time in Palestine:
Navigating a different legal system
As mentioned above, the legal system in Palestine is layered and complex, and might need some time to better understand. Some prior preparation and background research can ease adaptation and mean you’re not starting from scratch in your learning journey.
Language barriers
While most Palestinians, especially those working in the formal sector, speak at least some English, it is also useful to try to learn a little bit of Arabic in order to greet and get along with people. In terms of the legal work, Arabic knowledge is useful but not always required; legal documents are often available in English. Make sure to check with your internship organisation about any language requirements before you apply.
Political and social considerations
Palestine is a friendly and welcoming place, but it does exist under the realities of military occupation. It is important to ensure you stay informed about the current security situation and listen to local expertise about do’s and don’ts. Make sure you also take some time to learn about the local culture, including dress and behaviour in a muslim majority society, to ensure you are respectful towards the local population.
Reviews from Former Law Interns
Doing a legal internship in Palestine is a truly life-changing experience. But don’t just take our word for it – why not hear from some previous participants!
Chris, a 2025 intern, said of his experience: “I spent 1 week with Volunteer in Palestine as part of their Human Rights program. I had some idea of what to expect before coming here, but I had never been to the region before, so I still had many questions. During my time in Hebron, the staff at Volunteer in Palestine were incredibly welcoming, helpful, and provided me with an experience I will never forget.”
“Throughout the week, I had the chance to study Arabic, engage with the local community, and volunteer as a protective presence for villagers in the Masafer Yatta region, all while gaining a better understanding of the situation in the West Bank. I had the opportunity to experience Palestinian culture and truly felt welcomed by the local community. I always felt safe and would recommend this program to anyone considering it!”
Meet Jane and Catherine
Jane from the US and Catherine from the United Kingdom talk about their experience in the legal program – who they met with, what they learned, and what parts of the experience they enjoyed the most:
Hear from Serena and Jasikran
Serena from the US and Jaskiran from the UK share about their time in the Palestinian Law and Legal System Internship Program, including shadowing local lawyers and learning more about law in the context of an occupation.
Cultural and Professional Experience in Palestine
Beyond professional growth, a law internship in Palestine provides a rich cultural experience. Interns will have the opportunity to engage with the local community and get to know people from a very different culture and background. This includes learning about day to day life, trying traditional (and delicious) dishes, and experiencing the famed Palestinian hospitality.
The West Bank is a beautiful place with a rich history and religious significance. During your time in Palestine, you might choose to travel and see different areas like Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jerusalem, and Jericho, or explore historic sites like the Old City of Jerusalem, Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque, and the Dead Sea.
Perhaps the most impactful part of spending time in Palestine is immersion in everyday life under military occupation. Living in Palestine gives a unique opportunity to see behind the headlines into the fabric of Palestinian resilience and resistance. You’ll meet with activists, artists, business owners, journalists, and teachers, who all have a story about how life under occupation has impacted them.
Reviews and Awards
Volunteer in Palestine has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards, and it has been recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for the years 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
A Palestinian law internship is a unique and invaluable opportunity for law students and professionals to gain international legal experience, contribute to meaningful legal work, and understand the legal challenges of this conflict-affected region. Those interested should apply with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to legal advocacy and social justice. Sounds like you? To learn more or to express your interest in coming to do a legal internship in Palestine, simply email us at Info@ecpalestine.org.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
Volunteer in Palestine is excited to announce that registration is now open for our short-term volunteer and internship programs for 2025! These programs are ideal for students, professionals, and individuals eager to engage in meaningful cultural exchange and make a positive impact in Palestine!
Our 2025 internship and volunteer programs offer opportunities across various fields, including human rights, women’s empowerment, youth development, journalism, media, English teaching, sports, healthcare, refugee support, cultural heritage, Palestinian legal systems, and the vibrant history and politics of Palestine.
Best Volunteer Provider 2021 & 2022
Great Reviews on GoAbroad
Online Palestinian Arabic
“I took online Palestinian Arabic lessons with Saja, and from the start, she understood my goals perfectly. I wanted to focus on everyday conversational skills, and Saja tailored a well-structured series of lessons to meet my needs. Thanks to her approach, I was able to achieve my objectives quickly. Saja made learning Arabic enjoyable and engaging, and I highly recommend her. I’m now looking forward to my in-person visit next year.
“While volunteering in Palestine, I had the chance to discover some truly remarkable places, such as Palestinian refugee camps and popular tourist attractions. These experiences allowed me to engage with the local community and gain a deeper insight into Palestine. Throughout my stay, I always felt completely secure, and the exceptional support from the organizers made solo travel a breeze.” Karolina from the UK
Reviews and Awards
The Palestinian Law & Legal System Internship
Study Arabic With Us
Volunteer In Palestine offers super-intensive, intensive, and non-intensive Arabic immersion language courses, summer Arabic programs as well as Levantine (Ammiya), Palestinian colloquial Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic and online Arabic courses taught by qualified Palestinian teachers and professors.
“Salam! I’m Rebekah from New York. I came to volunteer in Hebron in October 2024, drawn by my interest in Palestinian culture and history. This volunteer experience has been incredibly meaningful, hearing firsthand from those living under occupation and gaining a better understanding of Palestinian life in the West Bank, especially amid the situation in Gaza. Hebron has felt like a warm, safe home, with wonderful accommodations and a supportive community at the center. From shared meals to Arabic classes and local excursions, everyone here goes out of their way to help. I highly recommend volunteering with the Excellence Center to anyone interested in Palestine. — Rebekah, USA
