The ICC Needs You!

Calling lawyers to practice before the Court

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has a mandate to prosecute and punish persons responsible for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. In so doing, its proceedings follow the highest standards of due process and procedural fairness. The Rome Statute, governing treaty of the ICC, guarantees victims, accused persons and under certain conditions suspects the right to be assisted by counsel.

As part of this aim, the Court endeavours to offer these individuals a pool of highly qualified counsel. Experienced lawyers who wish to represent defendants or victims as counsel before the Court must be admitted to the List of Counsel. Lawyers at an early stage of their career, as well as professors of law with relevant expertise, can apply for admission to the List of Assistants to Counsel. Every list member can express their preference, if any, to represent either defendants or victims or both.

As an experienced lawyer you can play a crucial role at the ICC. By providing legal assistance to victims or defendants, you can significantly contribute to the advancement of international criminal justice and benefit from a unique professional experience which will enable you not only to enhance your legal skills and expertise, but also to build a solid career in international criminal law and expand professional networks worldwide.

First of all, you must meet all admission criteria for the ICC List of Counsel or the List of Assistants to Counsel, respectively. In the course of the application process, it is crucial that you follow all of the instructions and submit all documents required. Upon receipt, your application will be carefully reviewed. Once admitted to the ICC List of Counsel, you may be appointed at any time to practice before the Court.

To ensure gender and geographic balance, the Court has launched two campaigns which aim to increase the number of African female lawyers and Arab lawyers admitted in both Lists. The applications of these candidates will be prioritized.