Organisation: OIC Arbitration Centre (OIC-AC)
Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
Position: Trainee Lawyer
Type of Engagement: Full-time
Application Deadline: 8 August 2026
Main Purpose of the Position
The successful candidate will support the Legal and Case Management Department in its legal, academic, institutional and administrative work. The position offers practical exposure to international arbitration and mediation, institutional rule-making, contract review, case management, legal research, publications, professional events and international cooperation projects.
The role requires strong research and drafting abilities, advanced proficiency in written and spoken English and Turkish, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple assignments within established deadlines.
Main Areas of Responsibility
- Arbitration and Mediation Case Management
- Assist with the administrative and procedural management of arbitration and mediation cases under the supervision of the Legal and Case Management Department.
- Assist with document review, correspondence, notifications and the maintenance of physical and electronic case files.
- Monitor procedural deadlines and support the preparation of case-related records and internal updates.
- Handle case-related information with strict confidentiality and in accordance with applicable institutional procedures.
- Legal Research and Case Studies
- Conduct legal research on international arbitration, mediation, investment law, commercial law and other matters relevant to the Centre’s activities.
- Monitor recent judgments, arbitral awards, legislative developments and international dispute resolution trends.
- Prepare case summaries, legal notes, comparative analyses and research memoranda.
- Assist in preparing case studies and articles for the Centre’s publications and professional platforms.
- Arbitration and Mediation Rules
- Review the Centre’s Arbitration and Mediation Rules and related procedural documents.
- Conduct comparative research on the rules and practices of other international dispute resolution institutions.
- Support the Legal and Case Management Department in preparing amendments, guidance notes, model clauses and internal procedural documents.
- Assist with research relating to dispute prevention, dispute mitigation and the development of new institutional services.
- Contracts and Institutional Legal Work
- Assist with the review of procurement, service, cooperation and other institutional agreements.
- Support the preparation and revision of contracts, memoranda of understanding, official correspondence and legal opinions.
- Conduct research on contractual, regulatory and institutional matters arising from the Centre’s operations.
- Assist in preparing documents and briefing materials for Board of Directors meetings and other institutional meetings.
- Case Management System
- Support the implementation of the Centre’s electronic case management system.
- Assist in adapting the system to the requirements of the Centre’s Arbitration and Mediation Rules.
- Review procedural workflows, forms, notifications, fee-calculation mechanisms and user-facing content.
- Participate in testing the system and recording proposed corrections and improvements.
- Publications and Quarterly Magazine
- Assist in preparing the Centre’s Quarterly Magazine.
- Research and draft content for sections including:
- Quarterly Legal Spotlight
- Recent Case Reviews
- Key Events and Institutional Developments
- News from the Centre
- Interview Series
- Collect, review and categorise information received from different departments.
- Edit and proofread content to ensure linguistic, legal and institutional consistency.
- Support the coordination of interviews and publication materials.
- Young OIC Arbitration Group
- Assist in the ongoing development of the Young OIC Arbitration Group and its regional and national chapters.
- Support membership, committee and leadership processes.
- Prepare correspondence, meeting agendas, minutes, reports and promotional materials.
- Contribute to the planning of events, networking activities, academic initiatives and professional development programmes for young practitioners.
- Webinars, Training Programmes and Events
- Assist in organising the Centre’s monthly webinar series, training programmes, conferences and institutional events.
- Coordinate registration processes, participant communications and speaker correspondence.
- Support communication with speakers, moderators, participants, partner institutions and technical teams.
- Prepare event agendas, briefing notes, attendance records and participant feedback forms.
- Draft post-event summaries and reports for institutional publications.
- Provide logistical and administrative support before, during and after events.
- Communications and Marketing Materials
- Draft and edit event announcements, newsletters, brochures, social media posts and website content.
- Assist in preparing materials for LinkedIn, mailing lists and other institutional communication channels.
- Support the preparation of professional and legally accurate content explaining the Centre’s activities and services.
- Monitor incoming event and training inquiries and assist in preparing appropriate responses.
- Translation and Editing
- Provide Turkish–English and English–Turkish translation support for legal, institutional and administrative documents.
- Review and proofread correspondence, reports, presentations and publication materials.
- Ensure consistency in legal terminology and institutional language.
- Meetings and Executive Support
- Attend internal and external meetings when requested.
- Prepare clear and well-organised meeting minutes, action points and follow-up lists.
- Assist the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and Legal Advisor with legal, institutional and administrative assignments.
- Follow up on assigned tasks and coordinate with the Centre’s departments and external stakeholders where necessary.
Essential Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in law from a recognised university.
- Currently undertaking, or eligible to undertake, the mandatory legal traineeship required under Turkish law.
- Advanced written and spoken proficiency in English and Turkish.
- Strong legal research, analytical and drafting skills.
- Ability to prepare professional correspondence, legal memoranda and institutional documents.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Eligibility to live and undertake the legal traineeship in Türkiye.
Desirable Qualifications
- Academic or professional interest in international arbitration, mediation, international law, commercial law or investment law.
- Previous internship experience at a law firm, arbitration institution, international organisation or public institution.
- Participation in moot court competitions, academic publications, legal clinics or research projects.
- Knowledge of French or Arabic.
Required Competencies and Behaviours
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate:
- Professional integrity and strict respect for confidentiality.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Initiative, responsibility and willingness to learn.
- Ability to prioritise assignments and meet established deadlines.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Respect for institutional procedures and reporting lines.
- Ability to work effectively in an international and multicultural environment.
What the Traineeship Offers
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:
- Gain practical experience within an international arbitration and mediation institution.
- Develop legal research, drafting, contract review and professional communication skills.
- Contribute to institutional rules, legal publications, case studies and dispute resolution projects.
- Participate in webinars, training programmes, professional events and international cooperation activities.
- Gain insight into the practical administration of arbitration and mediation proceedings.
- Receive professional guidance and feedback from the Legal and Case Management Department.
The working conditions, financial arrangements and any applicable benefits will be communicated during the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the form below.
Applications should include:
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
- A cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the position and the OIC Arbitration Centre.
- A copy of the law degree certificate or graduation document.
- An academic transcript.
- A short legal writing sample in English.
- Information regarding the candidate’s availability and anticipated traineeship commencement date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
The OIC Arbitration Centre is committed to equal opportunity, diversity and the professional development of young legal professionals.