Western Law internships offer global experience and career growth
August 12, 2025
Western Law students Sarah Olivia Di Iorio and Simone Vesavevala both agree that their summer internships have offered professional and personal experiences that they will carry into their future careers in law. Through the Western Law Internship Program, both students worked in placements that enabled them to apply their classroom learning to real-world legal challenges.
The Western Law Internship Program provides 10 to 15 students each year the opportunity to gain legal experience through internships in North America, Europe, Asia or Oceania. The internships last 10 to 12 weeks and occur between May and August annually. Each student receives a stipend of $10,000–$15,000 to help with expenses. The placements help students develop international experience in today’s increasingly global job market.
Di Iorio spent her summer with the Ontario Bar Association where she engaged with contemporary issues the legal profession addresses today.
Sarah Di Iorio
“My experience with the Ontario Bar Association gave me the opportunity to apply the legal research and writing skills I was developing in the classroom to real-world issues facing the legal profession,” she said. “Whether I was conducting research on AI in criminal justice or helping plan professional development programs, I gained a unique perspective on how the legal system functions in practice.”
She also worked on projects which support the improvement of the justice system, including research on poor conditions in Ontario jails for a presentation to the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
“The most valuable thing I learned was the importance of advocacy within the legal profession - not just on behalf of clients, but for the profession itself,” said Di Iorio. “This experience reinforced my desire to continue contributing to meaningful, systemic change throughout my legal career.”
Vesavevala’s placement took her to Washington, D.C., where she worked alongside the Insolvency and Debt Resolution team at the World Bank Group.
Simone Vesavevala at the World Bank Group
“This experience brought my academic learning to life by demonstrating the real-world application of bankruptcy and insolvency law,” she said. “It provided a truly international lens, exposing me to legal systems in the Caribbean, Asia and the Middle East.”
While at the World Bank, Vesavevala contributed to research and writing for publications at the organization while expanding her knowledge of how insolvency and bankruptcy law can serve as tools for economic strength.
“The most valuable lesson I learned is how insolvency and bankruptcy law can help countries create jobs, reduce poverty and build economic resilience,” said Vesavevala. “The friendships I formed and the exposure to such diversity were truly enriching, both personally and professionally.”
Both Sarah and Simone highly recommend the Western Law Internship Program to fellow Western Law students, pointing to its capacity to broaden global perspectives and build professional skills.
“Living in Washington, D.C. for the summer was incredible. The city is full of history, culture, and great food.” said Vesavevala. “More importantly, the World Bank is a one-of-a-kind institution where you’re at the forefront of international development, surrounded by brilliant, passionate people.”
Di Iorio reflected on similar feelings.
“The Western Law Internship Program is a fantastic opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on legal experience early in your career,” she said. “You can explore different areas of law and contribute to impactful work outside the classroom.”
In an increasingly global legal world, the Western Law Internship Program makes sure Western Law students are prepared to make a meaningful difference wherever their professional paths may take them.
Interested 1L and 2L students are invited to attend Western Law Internship Program information sessions held in the Fall of each year.
