Julia O'Brien
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government
Master of Public and International Law (2008)
During her degree, Julia undertook the International Legal Internship subject. She undertook her internship in 2007 at the Appellate Body Secretariat of the World Trade Organization in Geneva.
Why did you choose to undertake the International Legal Internship through Melbourne Law School?
My masters was focused on international trade law, and therefore gaining experience in an international organisation was of direct relevance to my studies. I had also become interested in working in that field, and the internship was the first step in that direction.
Describe your career pathway - what is your current role and how did you get to where you are?
I was working in domestic law when I commenced my Master of Public and International Law part-time at Melbourne University in 2005. My studies caused me to become very interested in the World Trade Organization and international trade law. I then worked as a legal intern in the WTO in 2007. When I commenced a position in Canberra with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade directly following the internship, I was placed in the WTO Trade Law Branch because of my knowledge of and practical experience in WTO law. I am now part of the team of lawyers defending Australia in an international dispute in the WTO against New Zealand on apples.
How did you choose the organisation where you undertook the internship?
I developed considerable interest in the World Trade Organization during my masters, and thus it became the ideal choice for an internship. Two of my masters lecturers had worked at the WTO, and encouraged me to apply for an internship.
Describe your experience of taking part in the International Legal Internship. What were the highlights and challenges?
I considered it a great privilege to be working in the Appellate Body Secretariat of the WTO, because the WTO Appellate Body is a quasi-international court. I had the opportunity to work on appeals and gain insight into the reasoning and decision-making process of the Appellate Body. It was also very valuable developing professional and personal contacts in the field. But Geneva is an expensive place to live when you're only being paid CHF60 a day!
What advice do you have for others considering undertaking the International Legal Internship?
It is well worth making the effort! Don't make rigid plans for the end of your internship, because if you're lucky, you could be offered further work opportunities overseas.
- Learn more about the International Legal Internship.