Deadline: January 29, 2026
The ILFA Flagship Secondment Programme 2026 is a prestigious international professional development opportunity designed for experienced African lawyers seeking advanced global legal exposure. Delivered by International Lawyers for Africa (ILFA), this flagship programme combines practical secondment placements, high-level legal training, and academic enrichment at leading global institutions.
The ILFA Flagship Secondment Programme 2026 is structured to strengthen legal capacity across Africa by equipping participants with international expertise directly applicable to African legal systems and institutions.
Programme Overview
The ILFA Flagship Secondment Programme offers selected African lawyers a 1–3 month secondment placement with top-tier international law firms or corporate legal departments in major global legal hubs.
Programme Duration
- September – December 2026
Secondment Locations
- London
- Paris
- Dubai
Participants gain hands-on experience in international legal practice while engaging in structured learning activities that deepen both technical and strategic legal skills.
Programme Structure and Components
The programme is designed to provide a comprehensive professional development experience, combining:
- Professional Secondment Placement
Practical legal work within international law firms or corporate legal teams. - Advanced Legal Training
Focused training aligned with legal and regulatory challenges affecting African jurisdictions. - Academic and Professional Seminars
Intensive seminars and enrichment modules, including sessions delivered in collaboration with leading academic institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge. - Global Legal Exposure
Direct engagement with international legal systems, practices, and professional networks.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be considered:
- Hold a law degree or be admitted to practise law in an African jurisdiction
- Minimum of a 2.1 degree classification (or equivalent) from a recognised university
- At least 5 years of professional legal experience, either in private practice or government service
- Be a permanent resident of an African country
- Demonstrate experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Public International Law
- Corporate and Commercial Law
- Banking and Finance Law
- Fluency in English is required
- French or Arabic language skills are an advantage for certain placements
- Be under 35 years old, to meet UK Temporary Work visa eligibility requirements
- Have obtained their qualifying degree within the last 5 years
- Be willing to contribute a small percentage of programme costs
- Ability to comply with UK COVID-19 travel protocols, if applicable at the time of secondment
Programme Benefits
Successful candidates will benefit from:
- International professional legal work experience
- Exposure to global best practices in law and regulation
- High-level legal training and academic enrichment
- Opportunities to build international professional networks
- Enhanced capacity to apply international legal knowledge within African legal contexts
Application Process
Applications are submitted by email and typically require:
- A completed application form
- A detailed CV
- Academic and professional supporting documents
Applicants are advised to prepare their documents carefully and submit them well before the deadline.
Application Deadline
📅 29 January 2026
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Need Support With Your Application?
If you require professional assistance with proposal drafting, refining, or review, our team is available to support you through every stage of the application process.
📩 Contact us for expert support to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
