FAQs

WHAT IS LAWYERS WITHOUT BORDERS?

Lawyers Without Borders is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that works with experienced volunteer lawyers who donate their services to develop and deliver international rule of law initiatives, capacity building, and access to justice initiatives around the world.

WHAT WE DO

HOW DO LAW FIRMS HELP YOUR WORK?

We provide law firms with pro bono opportunities that range from trial observation, trial advocacy training, technical assistance, legal research, and drafting training materials and white papers. Our in-house staff work closely with law firms to assure their successful development and implementation of projects that are tailored to the needs of our in-country partners.

LAW FIRM PARTNERS

HOW IS LWOB FUNDED?

LWOB’s funding sources include foundation and government grants, financial and pro bono support from international law firms, corporations, and NGOS, as well as private donations.

DO YOU REPRESENT INDIVIDUALS?

No, Lawyers Without Borders does not represent individuals.

DO YOU OFFER INTERNSHIPS?

Yes! Lawyers Without Borders offers internships for summer, fall, and spring semesters. We accept both U.S. and international applicants. Lawyers Without Borders is very proud of our diverse and talented interns who play an important role in the functioning of our organization. To find out more about how to apply for an internship, please visit the internships section of our website. Both undergraduate and graduate applicants are encouraged to apply.

MORE ABOUT INTERNSHIPS

DO I NEED TO BE A LAWYER TO HELP LWOB?

A legal background is helpful and required for certain positions. That being said, Lawyers Without Borders relies on volunteers, interns, and staff with diverse backgrounds. Having a legal background is therefore not always essential. Many of our undergraduate interns work at Lawyers Without Borders before deciding to apply to law school.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

We are headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut; however, we have offices in Washington, DC; London, UK; and Nairobi, Kenya. Lawyers Without Borders has a strong global presence with partners, volunteers, and staff around the globe.

HOW CAN I HELP?

You can help Lawyers Without Borders through volunteer work or a charitable donation. We depend on our supporters and volunteers for the success of our projects. Visit our volunteer page to apply for a volunteer position with LWOB. If you would prefer to make a charitable donation to our organization, please visit our donation page. Every contribution you make helps promote the rule of law in communities that need it the most.

HOW DO YOU ENSURE THE SAFETY OF OUR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND PARTNERS?

LWOB’s primary goal is to assure the safety, security, and health of its staff and program participants who are on an international assignment. We continuously monitor government, institutional, and regional travel warnings. We have a safety and health policy in place that covers travel safety, health, and security and make sure these policies are actively enforced.