Traineeship programme
The EFTA Court offers a traineeship programme for young professionals and advanced students at the final stages of their law degree.
Traineeship periods and application deadlines
Each Judge’s Cabinet offers traineeship for up to 11 months a year. The duration of the traineeship varies depending on the needs of the Court and the wishes of the successful candidate, however, generally the traineeship period is at least three months.
Applicants should apply directly to the Cabinet in which they are interested in accordance with the information below.
Selection
When selecting trainees, the Court will have regard to the following factors:
Educational background and professional experience
Applicants for a traineeship should either have a law degree or be in the final stages of completing a university degree in law (LLM or equivalent). Specialisation in EU/EEA law is an asset. Relevant professional experience is an asset for all posts.
Language skills
Fluency in written and spoken English (the working language of the Court), is a prerequisite. Good working knowledge of one or more of the following languages is an asset: French, German, Icelandic, Norwegian.
Nationality
Between otherwise equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to candidates from the EFTA States i.e. Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
Financial compensation and other conditions
Trainees will receive a generous monthly stipend. Trainees cover their own accommodation costs, but the Court can be of assistance in finding appropriate accommodation at an affordable price (studios, rooms in apartments etc.)
Full details on financial and other conditions will be supplied to the successful candidates.
Cabinet of President Hreinsson
President Hreinsson’s Cabinet accepts applications for traineeships throughout the year. The duration of the traineeship varies depending on the needs of the Cabinet and the wishes of the successful candidate. Accordingly, a traineeship may last from at least 3 months to a maximum of 11 months.
Applications should be sent to icecab@eftacourt.int. Applications should contain a short letter of motivation, CV and copies of university transcripts.
Any enquiries regarding traineeships may be addressed to: icecab@eftacourt.int
Cabinet of Judge Hammermann
Judge Hammermann’s Cabinet accepts traineeship applications throughout the year. The Cabinet prefers to arrange traineeships well in advance and so applicants should apply as soon as they are able to. Applicants should submit their CV with a covering letter and copies of relevant academic transcripts.
The Cabinet also receives the Lincoln’s Inn EFTA Court Scholar and Wahlstation candidates.
Applications or any specific questions should be sent to: liecabinet@eftacourt.int.
Cabinet of Judge Reiertsen
Judge Reiertsen’s Cabinet accepts applications for traineeships twice a year. As a general rule, traineeships are offered for one of the three periods set out below. Longer traineeship periods may be considered and agreed upon, having regard to the needs of the Cabinet and the availability and preferences of the successful candidate.
- from 15 January to 15 April (deadline for applications: 1 November)
- from 15 April to 15 July (deadline for applications: 1 November)
- from 15 September to 15 December (deadline for applications: 1 June)
Applications should be sent to silje.naesheim@eftacourt.int. Applications should contain a short letter of motivation, CV and copies of university records.
Any enquiries regarding traineeships may be addressed to: norcabinet@eftacourt.int.