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Summer Fellowship
Fundacja Instytut na rzecz Państwa Prawa (Rule of Law Institute Foundation)
Location Details
Description
The Refugee Legal Initiative (RLI) provides legal aid and protection to refugees and migrants in Eastern Poland, with a focus on Ukrainian refugees, asylum seekers, detainees, and unaccompanied minors. From 20222025, RLI conducted 225 interventions at the Terespol border, securing legal entry for 800 people otherwise denied asylum access. Its lawyers make monthly visits to 4 reception centers and bi-monthly visits to the Bia_a Podlaska Detention Centre, assisting with asylum procedures, appeals, and promoting alternatives to detention. Over the past three years, RLI has supported asylum seekers from 50 countries across 5 continents and currently has 9 cases pending before the European Court of Human Rights. The organization also serves as court-appointed guardians for unaccompanied minors. RLI is one of only two NGOs in Poland providing state-funded legal aid in asylum appeals, collectively representing more clients than all private lawyers nationwide. It is the only NGO in Poland monitoring deportations, with 3 trained monitors participating in land and air return operations, and the only Polish member of the Frontex Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights. Locally, RLI co-founded the Baobab Community Centre, where its lawyers provide legal aid 24 hours per week (MonThu, 6h/day).
Student Role
Students at the Foundation support the work of lawyers and staff who provide legal aid to migrants and asylum seekers in Poland. Their role focuses on background research, preparing informational materials, assisting with translations, and helping with organizational tasks. While they will not directly represent clients, their work contributes to creating better access to services and smoother daily operations of the Foundation. This position offers valuable insight into the field of migration and asylum law, as well as the practical aspects of NGO work. The students may be placed in one of the two main departments that deal with clients: A) International protection department composed of lawyers and legal experts that deal with issues related to legal proceedings of third country nationals before the Polish and international courts; B) Free legal aid department dealing with consultations given to the citizens of Poland and Ukraine on certain civil law topics, such as those related to insurance, pensions, healthcare or labor.
Work Schedule
Students are expected to work on-site for 35 hours per week within the standard office hours – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, we are flexible with scheduling and can adjust hours depending on individual circumstances. All team members are entitled to a 20-minute lunch break each day. Light snacks and beverages may be consumed at ones desk, provided this does not interfere with work or disturb the other staff. Breaks for coffee, restroom use, or smoking are permitted without strict time limits, but we ask that they be taken responsibly and not overused. No work is required on weekends or outside of office hours, except in the case of approved work-related travel.
Orientation
Orientation will include a short tour of the office premises, along with a meet-and-greet with team members. During this time, we will also explain some of the responsibilities shared by all employees, such as maintaining the common areas. The student will be provided with the Institutes Statute and Code of Conduct to familiarize themselves with the foundations of our work – our mission, principles, and the rules we follow. Training will not follow a standardized format, as we aim to match each recruits interests and background with the most suitable department. Once assigned, the student will receive progressively more complex tasks and guidance as needed, either from their supervisor or other members of the team. Supervision will take place primarily at the Institute, with the students supported by their supervisor and colleagues within their department. Team members may also assign additional relevant tasks. Once a week, the student will meet individually with their supervisor to review their progresswhat went well, what could be improved, and any challenges ahead. Since we expect regular contact between the student and their supervisor, most issues will likely be addressed promptly, outside of these weekly sessions.
Housing Information
Students will be responsible for their accommodation. We can recommend good options in the nearby vicinity.
Start And End Dates
Eight consecutive weeks between May 17 and August 16, 2026