Program Preview: 2025 GPIL Summer Intensive in The Hague- Developing Your Pro Bono Practice in Public International Law

The pressing challenges of today’s world do not stop at national borders. Each day brings new stories of cross-border crises—from human rights abuses and climate-related disasters to cyberattacks.  Yet despite the growing complexity of the legal issues embedded in these crises, too few legal professionals are equipped to respond. The Global Pro Bono Bar Association developed The Global Public Interest Lawyering (GPIL) Program to change that.

This summer, from July 28 to August 2, GPIL will offer a rigorous week-long intensive program designed to prepare lawyers, law students, and legal educators to engage meaningfully in cross-border public interest legal work. In person participants will travel to The Hague to engage with lectures, case studies, and hands-on advocacy exercises. Remote attendance is also available.

Program Highlights  Lectures and panels with leading international law faculty and practitioners from institutions including Notre Dame Law School, Leiden University, King’s College London, and the International Committee of the Red Cross Topical coverage spanning human rights, treaty law, climate and environmental law, refugee and migration law, space law, international trade and investment law, state responsibility, cyber operations, and more Ethics-focused sessions on lawyering in global contexts and cross-border pro bono practice A practical advocacy exercise simulating real-world international legal challenges In person tours of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) A certificate ceremony and group lunch to cap off the week

The Legacy of The Hague

In-person participants will find themselves immersed in a city unlike any other. Known globally as the “City of Peace and Justice,” The Hague has shaped the contours of international law for over a century. In 1899, the First Hague Peace Conference helped lay the foundation for modern international legal frameworks. Today, The Hague is home to many institutions dedicated to global peace, diplomacy, and human rights, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

Program sessions will take place at the Hague Humanity Hub, a collaborative space where NGOs, innovators, and international advocates converge to tackle global challenges together. For participants, this is anticipated to feel like more than just training—it’s a firsthand encounter with the foundations of international justice.

GPIL Global Network

One of the most powerful aspects of the GPIL Program is its community. Participants join a vibrant, informal and interdisciplinary network of legal professionals, academics, and students from across the globe through the GPIL experience. Whether engaging in small group case studies, working through an international legal scenario, or connecting during social events, the relationships built at GPIL are designed to last long after the program ends.

Who Should Apply?

• Law students & early-career professionals seeking to undertake international legal work

• Practicing lawyers looking to expand their pro bono or public interest portfolio with global issues

• Academics and legal educators seeking a fresh, practice-oriented approach to teaching international law

Voices from the Program

“The GPIL Program is designed to bridge the gap between the academic study of public international law and the reality of conscience-driven advocacy across borders for the issues that matter in our world today. It is an excellent starting point for a lifetime of international advocacy, whether a participant's passion is for human rights, climate change law, or public international law more broadly.”
— Rob Houston, Executive Director, The Global Pro Bono Bar Association

“The GPIL Program has been a truly enriching experience. I’ve learned so much about international law, and each week brought new insights and exciting discussions. The energy and passion shown by Adina and Rob were incredibly inspiring. They gave me confidence that my learning is in the right hands. There’s really nothing else like this program, and I feel honoured to have been part of such a meaningful journey. From engaging conversations on international law to fascinating deep dives into space law, the program has broadened my thinking in ways I didn’t expect. I not only enjoyed myself, but I also gained practical skills in negotiation and resolution drafting. I highly recommend it!”
— Nelani Mbewe, Past Participant in the GPIL Space Program

“In a world confronting the adverse effects of climate change, humanitarian crises, and human rights challenges, the study of public international law offers a crucial foundation for those seeking to serve the public interest. The GPIL Program seeks to educate and empower advocates of conscience around the world, with a focus on LDCs, by offering practical and hands-on training in public international law.”
— Adina Darbyshire, Director of Programs, The Global Pro Bono Bar Association

Learn More & Apply

The 2025 Summer GPIL Intensive Program is available for both in-person and remote participants thanks to the support of The Global Pro Bono Bar Association. Early application is encouraged, as space is limited.

• Visit https://www.probonobar.org/GPIL for more information, including the GPIL Program Overview and application. 
• Online Registration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a background in international law to apply?
No prior experience in international law is required. The GPIL Program is designed to support participants at various stages of their legal careers, including law students, early-career attorneys, and seasoned practitioners transitioning into public international legal work.

What are the program costs?
Please check the website of The Global Pro Bono Bar Association for updated program fees for either in-person or remote participation.  Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation if attending in person.

Can I attend the program remotely?
Yes. While we encourage in-person participation in The Hague for the full immersive experience, the program is also open to remote attendees.  

What kind of certificate will I receive?
Participants who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion from The Global Pro Bono Bar Association.  The GPIL Program does not currently offer university credit.

Is the program suitable for legal educators?
Absolutely. Legal educators looking to bring more practice-oriented, globally focused content into their classrooms will benefit from the GPIL Program’s case studies, materials, and peer exchange.