We spoke to law graduate Omonefe about his 3-month internship at the human rights and law reform charity JUSTICE. Read below to learn more about his experience and advice for future interns.
Since 2023, we have supported four talented law students and graduates to gain invaluable experience in public law through a legal internship at JUSTICE. Omonefe recently completed a 3-month internship where he contributed to creating a fairer and more accessible legal justice system.
The internship programme aims to widen access and participation in the legal sector as well as giving young legal professionals practical experience. Motivated by his ambitions for a successful career in public law, Omonefe applied to the internship to strengthen his research and analytical skills.
Omonefe joined the team at JUSTICE after graduating from the University of Exeter with First-Class Honours in Law last summer. We caught up with him at the end of his internship to learn more about what he has been up to.
Conducting research at JUSTICE has been beneficial as it brings together the work of practitioners, the government, and NGOs.
Omonefe
JUSTICE Intern
Throughout the internship, Omonefe was given the opportunity to work with senior practitioners and benefited from mentoring from the experienced team at JUSTICE. Omonefe told us that working closely alongside practitioners gave him an in-depth understanding of the legal justice system.
Gaining hands-on experience through JUSTICE’s network allows interns to explore the wide variety of opportunities in law. Omonefe said ‘many young law students believe their career options are limited to qualifying as a solicitor in private practice or a barrister in chambers, but JUSTICE shows that there are more options available.’
Omonefe spoke passionately about the topics he’s researched, including the Rwanda Bill and the outsourcing of public contracts. One of the highlights of Omonefe’s internship was attending meetings with two senior MPs to discuss public policy.
As well as being at the forefront of influential research, Omonefe refined his legal drafting skills. This has given him the confidence to identify relevant information and present it with clarity and precision. Omonefe also spoke about how the internship has broadened his professional network.
‘The internship was my first experience after university, and it allowed me to enhance my skills and grow professionally within a supportive environment. Conducting research at JUSTICE has been beneficial as it brings together the work of practitioners, the government, and NGOs.’
The experiences on the internship programme can help with career progression, for example, former interns have gone on to gain pupillages at barristers’ chambers. Omonefe is no exception, as the internship has helped him secure a place on the Bachelor of Civil Law postgraduate course at Oxford University.
The interns work on core research that we wouldn’t be able to do without them.
Philip Armitage
Public and Administrative Lawyer
We asked Omonefe if he had any advice for law students or graduates who were thinking of applying to the JUSTICE internship programme. He said:
‘Before applying, ensure you have a solid understanding of JUSTICE’s mission, the type of projects they undertake and their impact in the field. Once you join the team, appreciate that JUSTICE is a small team, and everyone wants the best for you. Always be open to trying new things and don’t be afraid to reach out about your interests and how you can be best supported.’
‘There’s no pressure from anybody on the team and you shouldn’t put that pressure on yourself. Try to feel comfortable when working with the team as that is how you’ll get the most out of the internship.’
We wish Omonefe and his fellow interns all the best for the future! If you’d like to learn more about the JUSTICE internship programme, click here.