The International Huma Rights Practicum gives students the chance to do hands-on, immersive, international human rights legal work. Through the International Human Rights Center, students engage in litigation and/or advocacy on behalf of victims of international human rights violations. While students work on all stages of an individual case, or engage in advocacy efforts on particular thematic issues, they learn how to conceptualize and strategize diverse approaches and grapple with practical, ethical, methodological and theoretical challenges involved. Through the IHR practicum, Loyola’s students have the opportunity to expand their perspectives and reach the world from Los Angeles. Over the years, students have worked on cases and situations in dozens of countries, in all continents.
Students sign up for two consecutive terms (usually, fall and spring) and earn up to three units (pass/fail) per term, for maximum 6 units. Students working at the International Human Rights Center during the summer term have the option of being compensated through the work-study program instead of earning units.
All units are fail/pass and count toward the completion of the pro bono graduation requirement.
Students enrolled in the practicum meet once a week for one hour (days and hours will be determined once students have enrolled and made their calendars) as a group with Prof. Romano to discuss international human rights topics, develop attorney skills, and review project work.
Only 4 to 6 students per year are admitted in the practicum. It is not infrequent for students who have completed the practicum to continue working at the IHRC after completion of the practicum, or even graduation.
The course International Protection of Human Rights (LAW G-4007) is a requisite. It can be satisfied either prior to enrolling or concurrently during the practicum.
Students interesting in the IHR practicum are strongly encouraged to reach out to Prof. Romano to discuss their interest.