The Court of Justice of the European Communities (often called the ECJ for short) is situated in tiny Luxembourg's capital, perched on the geographic and linguistic divide between France and Germany. There are 15 sitting judges (that's one from each Member State) and nine advocates general who wield substantial power over the boundary between national and European law.

For those aiming at a career in Community law, a traineeship at the Court is extremely advantageous, especially where it involves working in a judge's chambers, contributing to the writing of case reports or even aiding in the drafting of decisions. The Court stage is an excellent springboard for doing a masters in Community law as well as being highly regarded by legal practises specialising in European law.

Official Traineeships
Until recently the ECJ did not publish information concerning traineeships at the Court on its official web site. However, along with a recent revamp of the site, the Court also seems to have put in place a system for traineeships probably in response to rising demand.

So how does it work? Every year, the Court of Justice of the European offers a limited number of paid traineeships of a maximum duration of 5 months. There are two traineeship periods:
- from 1 March to 31 July (deadline for the reception of applications: 1 October)
- from 1 October to 28 February (deadline for the reception of applications: 1 May)

Applicants must hold a degree in law or in political sciences (majority content of law) or, for traineeships in the Interpreting Division, a diploma in conference interpreting. In view of the nature of the working environment, a good knowledge of French is also desirable.

How to apply
Print off and complete the application form and send it by post together with a detailed curriculum vitae and copies of diplomas and/or certificates to:
Division du personnel
Court of Justice of the European Communities
Palais de la Cour de justice
Boulevard Konrad Adenauer
Kirchberg
L-2925 Luxembourg
Tel (switchboard): +352-43031

It remains to be seen how successful the Court's new system for trainees is. In the past, hopefuls were expected to do the leg-work for themselves. While the procedure for doing an internship at the US Supreme Court is extremely clear and open even to undergraduates too, doing the stage in Luxembourg requires a savvy for making personal contacts as well as demonstrating wide-ranging creativity and motivation.

WaluEurope
April 2003