by Cheng (Kevin) Zhang
The Nebraska Public Interest Law Fund (NPILF) provides a limited number of stipends to University of Nebraska College of Law students who secure unpaid public interest positions with a host organization that serves an unmet legal need.
3L Cheng (Kevin) Zhang, a 2019 and 2020 NPILF recipient, worked with the United Nations, Office of Legal Affairs, General Legal Division this summer. The mission of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security, protect human rights, deliver humanitarian aid, promote sustainable development, and uphold international law. The objective of the General Legal Division (GLD) is to protect the legal interests of the organization.
What were your main responsibilities this summer? How did you spend your time?
My responsibilities were conducting legal research on issues related to international law and other areas of specialization using multiple research resources; reviewing legal documents, instruments, or other materials; and drafting and preparing official and legal documents.
I have worked on a wide range of legal issues like supporting the peacekeeping operations of the UN; providing advice on human resources matters and policies; interpreting certain Articles of the Charter, General Assembly resolutions, and UN regulations; and assisting with the UN’s procurement activities and contracting requirements and the resolution of related disputes, controversies, claims, etc.
What drew you to this type of work and how did you find/secure this particular opportunity?
I have wanted to intern at the United Nations since I was a junior in college, and I applied for internships there for three years. I applied for this internship last November when I saw the position posted on the UN careers website. They contacted me in December for an interview and I had the interview in January. I received the offer the next day.
What did you most enjoy about the experience?
The internship has exposed me to some areas of law that I have never experienced. Some projects I worked on invoked my interest in data privacy, and I have enrolled in cyber law and privacy law courses in the fall semester. Additionally, the internship reinforced my passion in international law, which I plan to practice after graduation from law school.
What was the biggest challenge you faced as a summer fellow and what, if any, impact did COVID-19 have on your summer experience?
Communication. The United Nations Office of Legal Affairs has staff from more than 40 countries, and they all come from different backgrounds. Furthermore, the telecommunication imposed a challenge for me to get a hold of others since we are all scattered around the world because of the pandemic and the closure of UN Headquarters. Nonetheless, I quickly adapted to the diverse work environment and learned how to utilize tools we had to communicate effectively.
I was not able to work at the UN Headquarters in New York as planned due to COVID-19. Nonetheless, I worked on some projects related to COVID-19 and I am glad that I have made some contributions to our fight against the pandemic.
How has your summer experience impacted you or your view of public interest work/the legal system?
It allowed me to explore areas of law I am passionate about and reaffirmed my dedication to uphold international law and protect human rights.
Do you have a favorite anecdote or project from your summer work?
A really nice legal officer from Singapore asked me about my career goals and I told her I was interested in working for the U.S. State Department after graduation. She introduced me to the legal advisor of the U.S. Mission to the UN. We arranged a phone call, and the legal advisor talked about his career path and shared some advice with me.
Would you recommend this placement to others?
Definitely. The General Legal Division in the Office of Legal Affairs serves as something like the in-house legal department for the United Nations and provides a wide spectrum of advice, services, and assistance on legal matters affecting the operation and activities of the UN. Interning for them is absolutely a world-class experience that allows students to work with brilliant legal officers on a wide range of legal issues that will help interns gain fantastic experience and knowledge.
What would you say to someone who was considering donating to the NPILF fund?
First, I really appreciate the donors who made donations to NPILF because it gave me the unparalleled opportunity to serve the most important international organization in the world and reinforce my passion in public service without worrying about my finances this summer. Second, the program does make differences and has very profound influence on participating law students and the community. Personally, I can already see the difference, and I was very proud of myself that I wrote memos to advise on complex issues like peacekeeping operations and assisted in negotiating important contracts.
What do you hope to do with your law degree?
Hopefully, I can work for the U.S. State Department or the United Nations with my law degree.
You can learn more about the Nebraska Public Interest Law Fund (NPILF) and make a donation here.