Public International Law and Policy Program (PILPP)PILPG map

The Public International Law and Policy Program (PILPP) is a program of the American University School of International Service and Washington College of Law's JD/MA program. In cooperation with Professor Paul Williams and the Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG), PILPP gives students the opportunity to complete practical and substantive work on issues of public international law and policy over the course of the year. In conjunction with PILPG, students have the opportunity to work on issues including peace negotiations, post-conflict constitution drafting, transitional justice, and war crimes prosecution. PILPG pro bono clients include governments and parties to conflict in Armenia, Bosnia, Burma, Darfur, Libya, Iraq, Kosovo, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen and Zimbabwe. Research Associates collaborate with some of the top professionals in the field, including international diplomats, foreign government officials, State Department officials, and AU alumni. By participating in PILPP, WCL students earn 6 credits per semester and satisfy their upper-level writing and professional skills graduation requirements.

The application process is run in February and March each year for the subsequent year's class. Each year PILPP receives about 100 applicants for approximately 35 positions.

Recent alumni of the program have secured positions with the United Nations, major international law firms, the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, or overseas postings in countries such as Kosovo, Bosnia, South Sudan, Jordan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt, Tanzania, Uganda, and Libya.