Angélique M. Salib

Angélique M. Salib

June – August 2013

My time as a litigation intern was spent doing a host of projects: from researching public interest litigation in Africa, to inclusive education standards, to drafting legal arguments for the European Court of Human Rights. I also had several opportunities to engage in capacity-building session, learning about various international human rights law, courts and cases in addition to on-the-ground experience from MDAC’s dynamic staff.

One particular capacity-building session stood out to me at my time at MDAC. We spent one session on the admissibility requirements of cases to the European Court of Human Rights. I found this particularly interesting because while we learned many substantive aspects of human rights law, it was as equally important to be familiar with procedural requirements to bring a case. By doing so, an NGO like MDAC is able establish the most strategic plan for their clients, substantively and procedurally.

Working and living abroad had many advantages and useful learning experiences as well. Working with and meeting lawyers from across the globe gave me insight into the many ways in which the legal profession is practiced. This comparative analysis helped me understand my own American legal system by giving it context. By comparing the standards and methods of both the American and European countries’ jurisprudence, I was able to look at the many ways in which these issues are handled. Recognizing this, I was better informed on disability issues as a whole and could assess the strengths and weaknesses of each system.