Learning on the job
A unique internship programme at Victoria University of Wellington is providing Master of Laws (LLM) students with the experience of a lifetime.
The Law School’s LLM internship is the only one of its kind offered by a New Zealand university, and is a chance for international students to gain first-hand experience of this country’s legal profession.
Martin Pohlmann came to Victoria to complete his LLM after having worked for several years at a law firm in his hometown of Berlin, and says his internship has been a real highlight.
“New Zealand provided an opportunity for adventure—Wellington’s a very vibrant city. It’s also an English-speaking country, and improving my English in the legal context was one of my big goals,” explains Martin. “Victoria also happens to have one of the world’s best law schools, so it was an easy choice to come here to further my studies.”
Martin says the Masters programme has been challenging, but enjoyable too. “One of my courses was supervised by a former judge of the International Court of Justice, Sir Kenneth Keith. I feel very lucky to be able to learn from such a high calibre of legal experts.”
With a background in labour and employment law, Martin was keen to explore the public sector for his internship. “I was fortunate to be placed at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), within their employment relations section—I have made some useful professional connections as a result.
“I was also able to experience a working environment that was completely different to what you’d find in a German company, law firm or ministry—MBIE has huge, open-plan working spaces and a low hierarchical structure. That meant there was ongoing discussion about the projects we were working on as a team, and that I could get feedback on my work in a timely manner.
“It was also very easy to mingle with colleagues and chat about our work, as well as non-work related things. There were often shared afternoon teas, for example, so it was really nice to make those personal connections with my colleagues.”
Natalie Labuschagne, a principal policy adviser at MBIE who was Martin’s external supervisor during his internship, says it was a pleasure having him join the team. “Martin enthusiastically threw himself into the project we gave him, and added real value in terms of the alternative viewpoints he offered. He was also willing to get involved beyond the requirements of his project—for example, he made a presentation about the regulatory landscape of the German labour market, which generated a lot of interest and food for thought.”
Dr Labuschagne says MBIE’s relationship with Victoria is a very constructive one. “The Master of Laws internship programme is valuable to both MBIE and the interns in terms of capability building, growing professional networks, and sharing differing perspectives.”
Law lecturer Joanna Mossop, who oversees the LLM programme, says it’s a wonderful opportunity for the students to gain some real-life experience in the legal community in Wellington.
“A lot of international students have told me that the internship was the main reason they decided to do their Master of Laws at Victoria,” says Joanna. “They’ve said it was their favourite part of the LLM because the practical experience helped them understand legal practice in a different country.”
Course coordinator Kate Tokeley says she makes a big effort to place students in workplaces that are a good fit for them. “Over the years we’ve had students placed in large commercial law firms, small boutique law firms, various government departments, community law centres, the Office of Film and Literature Classification, the Commerce Commission, the Parliamentary Counsel Office, Crown Law and the Human Rights Commission.
“Students need to complete serious legal writing and research while in the placement, and they also write a journal reflecting on their experience and give a short oral presentation to their class,” says Kate.
“While a lot of learning can happen in a lecture theatre there is a huge amount to be gained from being in a workplace environment. The learning curve in many cases is steep but in the end the students find the experience hugely worthwhile. They learn a lot and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Martin says he thoroughly recommends the internship to prospective LLM students. “It’s a great way to make professional—and personal—connections. Also, being in an office environment and working on specific projects makes a nice change from the usual academic routine of being a student.”
Martin is planning to return to Germany once he’s finished the LLM, where he will put the experience he’s gained in New Zealand into practice. “Having done my internship at MBIE, I would really like to work in the public sector as a judge, or at a federal ministry back in Germany.”
Find out more about the LLM Internship here.