What is the International Law Committee?
The International Law Committee is a standing committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association. It is composed of legal practitioners who are involved or have an interest in international law.
What does the Committee do?
The Committee meets monthly to discuss issues related to the international law, international organizations, legislative systems of other countries, and doing business overseas. Committee members meet invited speakers from different countries who share first-hand experience in and knowledge about the field. Members of other committees of the Philadelphia Bar Association are invited to the meetings, which could be of interest. The Committee maintains and develops links with local non-legal organizations involved in international relations.
Other activities of the Committee: Organizing an annual reception for international LLM students of area law schools; maintaining relationships with and inviting members of the foreign consular corps in the Philadelphia area; and development of the Twinning Relationship and international attorney exchange program with the Bar Association of Lyon, France. The Committee encourages participation of corporate legal departments in its activities.
Philadelphia-Lyon Bar Exchange Program
The Philadelphia Bar Association has had a sister bar agreement with the Lyon Bar Association in France since 1997. One of the most successful aspects of this "twinning" relationship has been the annual exchange of young law interns between the two cities.
Interns from Lyon in Philadelphia
Every year, several young lawyers-in training from Lyon will typically spend a six-month internship at host Philadelphia law firms. The interns usually arrive in Philadelphia in September and stay until the end of February. Past interns have found the program not only enjoyable, but also invaluable in learning more about how American lawyers and business leaders think. We have even heard warm compliments concerning Philadelphia restaurants.
Information for Hosts
Benefits to Host Firms: From the Philadelphia host's point of view, the program provides a good way to develop international contacts and perspective — at virtually no expense, since our hosts do not pay the French interns. However, the interns are provided with an office, desk and computer, together with the opportunity to attend meetings, court appearances and other events where appropriate. Participating firms: Large and small firms and even the federal courts have played host to these international lawyers, including Reed Smith, Troutman Pepper, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, Wilson Elser, Duane Morris, Honorable Linda K. Caracappa, The Erb Law Firm, PC, McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, Fox Rothschild and DLA Piper.
Please contact Benjamin Stowers at bstowers@potteranderson.com or Michael E. Scullin at mscullin@mdmc-law.com if you are interested in being a host.
Philadelphians Interning in Lyon
While placements are possible for practicing attorneys, the International Law Committee most frequently facilitates placements for Philadelphia-area law students in law firms in Lyon. Placements are available for June and July and are ideal for students just completing their first year of law school. For more information about the internship, read an article published in the Philadelphia lawyer by one of our participants.
The internships are not remunerated, though students may be eligible for academic credit and financial aid depending upon the policies of their U.S. law schools. The Philadelphia Bar Association offers a modest stipend to selected students. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate basic French-language proficiency to ensure success within the program. Interested students should provide a letter expressing interest and qualifications, along with their resume. Students should apply in the fall preceding their desired summer internship. Interviews will be required prior to final selection. The application deadline is February 1 of each year, and interviews are completed and offers extended by March 15. The ILC will try to match the student’s experience and interests with the practice focus of the host law firm.
How can I join the Committee?
If you would like more information about the International Law Committee, please contact the chair:
Benjamin Stowers
Five Below, Inc.
Jeremy D. Heep
Troutman Pepper Locke LLP3000 Two Logan Square
18th & Arch Streets
Philadelphia, 19103
(215) 981-4972
