This winter, three students from Harvard Law School (HLS) will participate in the first cohort of interns at the Supreme Court of Pakistan through the HLS J-Term Clinical Internship, a program facilitated by the Mittal Institute. Based in Islamabad, the internship offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the legal workings of Pakistan’s highest court. Participants will attend court proceedings, conduct legal research, prepare bench memorandums, draft opinions, assist justices on complex legal matters, and contribute to the overall functioning of judicial chambers. Meet the trailblazing students:
Rimsha Saeed
Areas of Interest: Islamic law, family and property law, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Why She Applied:
Rimsha is keen to explore the interplay of Islamic law and democratic legal principles within Pakistan’s legal framework. She’s also interested in how ADR can help alleviate stagnant court dockets in Pakistan. Her broader goal is to understand structures that assist Muslim-Americans in navigating both U.S. and Islamic legal systems.
Career Aspirations:
“This internship offers invaluable insight into the challenges and practicalities of systems blending Islamic and contemporary legal frameworks, which will inform my future career,” she shared.
Hussain Awan
Areas of Interest: Commercial litigation in Washington, D.C., with a focus on pro bono cases related to the First Amendment and religious liberty.
Why He Applied:
Having clerked for Justice Shah during his 1L summer, Hussain gained firsthand experience with the Pakistani judiciary. He is eager to build on that foundation by drafting opinions and assisting with active cases during this internship.
Career Aspirations:
Hussain hopes this experience will deepen his understanding of how courts function in developing countries, complementing his upcoming federal clerkship in the U.S. “This time at the Supreme Court of Pakistan is part of a broader journey to bridge legal insights across jurisdictions,” he noted.
Hurya Ahmed
Areas of Interest: Litigation, government investigations, civil rights litigation, and government lawyering.
Why She Applied:
Hurya was inspired by Justice Shah’s progressive focus on issues like women’s rights, climate justice, and clean water access. “This opportunity allows me to contribute to significant work while connecting with my family’s home country through a new perspective,” she explained.
Career Aspirations:
This internship marks Hurya’s first foray into judicial work, giving her insight into appellate advocacy and judicial decision-making. “The Justice’s perspectives on advocacy will shape my future litigation practice in the U.S.,” she shared enthusiastically.
A Transformative Opportunity
This program not only introduces students to Pakistan’s legal landscape but also equips them with unique cross-jurisdictional perspectives. As these three students prepare to embark on this pivotal journey, they exemplify the global impact of Harvard Law School’s innovative programs
