- Alabama University
- Pepperdine University (Caruso)
- American University (Washington)
- Seton Hall University
- Arizona State University (O'Connor)
- Southern Methodist University (Dedman)
- Baylor University
- Stanford University
- Boston College
- Texas A&M University
- Boston University
- University of Arizona (Rogers)
- Brigham Young University (Clark)
- University of California--Davis
- California-Berkeley University
- University of California--Irvine
- Case Western Reserve University
- University of California--Los Angeles
- Chicago University
- University of Colorado--Boulder
Applications are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 22, 2024.
The United States Embassy in Luxembourg is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the Dean Acheson Legal Scholar Program in Luxembourg at the Court of Justice of the European Communities for 2024-2025. These opportunities for periods of not more than three months are offered to a limited number of student soon to be graduates from select U.S. law schools. Applications must be submitted to Washington College of Law, Melanija Radnovic, at mradnovic@wcl.american.edu by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 22, 2024. Click here for the application form.
Available Stage Periods at the European Court
There are two possible Dean Acheson Legal Scholar periods for 2024-2025:
Fall Term (mid-September to beginning of December) less than 90 days
Spring Term (beginning of March to mid-May) less than 90 days
Some flexibility regarding dates may be possible at the discretion of the Judge or Advocate General to whom the Dean Acheson Scholar is attached. Exact dates will be determined by the calendar of the Court. The maximum participation period is three months for participants due to Luxembourg visa requirements for non-EU citizens.
Categories of DEAN ACHESON LEGAL SCHOLAR PARTICIPATION
Three types of participation are available:
With a Judge of the Court of Justice
The Dean Acheson scholar works in the Chambers of a Judge of the Court of Justice in association with their referendaires (law clerks). The participant is expected to assist the Judge and their referendaires as required. This experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain insight into a judicial process characteristic of the European Court, but very different from the American approach, involving a high degree of intellectual teamwork. A good knowledge of French is desirable.
With an Advocate General of the Court of Justice
The Dean Acheson scholar works in the Chambers of an Advocate General of the Court of Justice in association with their referendaires. The scholar takes part in the research and writing of the Advocate General’s opinions, an experience most akin to a traditional U.S. judicial clerking experience. Advocates General usually prepare their opinions in their native language. The participant therefore needs to have the language skills appropriate to the Advocate General who selects them. A good knowledge of French is desirable.
With a Judge of the General Court
The Dean Acheson scholar works in the Chambers of a Judge of the General Court in association with their referendaires (law clerks). The visitor is expected to assist the Judge and their referendaires as needed. The tasks are varied and include case law research, scholarly writings analysis, brief production and issue discussions. The cases mainly concern applications by legal or natural persons against EU actions or inactions. A good knowledge of French is desirable.
Eligibility Requirements
The purpose of the Dean Acheson Legal Scholar Program is to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the European Union in the context of the legal profession. It is, therefore, open to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only. Priority will be given to applicants who have completed three years of law school and who have a strong knowledge of Community Law. As noted above, in view of the nature of the working environment, a good knowledge of French is desirable.; and the knowledge of an EU language other than French and English is an advantage.
Application Procedure
Applications must include a completed application form and graduate and undergraduate transcripts. All applications must first be submitted to each law school's administrator for review. After initial screening, each law school administrator should forward via email a maximum of three (3) endorsed applications to the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg.
WCL applications are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 22, 2024, to Melanija Radnovic, at mradnovic@wcl.american.edu. After review, the Embassy will forward approved application materials to the Court of Justice for review and circulation among the Judges and Advocates General.
Individual Judges and Advocates General will select Dean Acheson scholars from the lists submitted and the European Court of Justice will notify the Embassy and the applicants of their selection by the end of July at the latest.
Financial Assistance
No U.S. Government funds are available to assist applicants chosen for Dean Acheson Legal Scholar Program. Dean Acheson participation is unpaid, and the Court of Justice of the European Union does not make any funds available to support Dean Acheson scholars. Dean Acheson participants are responsible for the full cost of their transportation, room and board while participating in the Dean Acheson scholar program.