International Student Intern (Business Development & Trade Research)

DFDL was established in 1994 and founded on a unique vision: to create an integrated legal and tax advisory firm, with in-depth knowledge of the developing jurisdictions in which we are based. Our dedicated professionals exhibit the acumen and insight necessary to assist you in navigating the legal and tax complexities and challenges. Drawing on a wide-ranging industry experience and finely tuned local knowledge in countries we operate in, we strive to provide concise, commercially focused and innovative advice, staying true to our original motto: “One Region. One Firm”.

DFDL has 12 offices including collaborating firms, in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

As a full-service firm, DFDL provides legal and tax services across a variety of industry sectors. To better serve our clients’ business needs, we have also organized our expertise into the following practice groups:

• Anti-Trust and Competition
• Aviation and Logistics
• Banking and Finance 
• Compliance and Investigations
• Corporate, Mergers and Acquisitions
• Dispute Resolution
• Employment
• Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure 
• Investment Funds
• Real Estate and Hospitality
• Restructuring
• Tax and Transfer Pricing
• Technology, Media and Telecoms

 Position

We are seeking a motivated International Student Intern to join our Bangkok office. This unique internship blends Business Development and Trade & Tariffs Research, offering exposure to both strategic business functions and international trade law.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a multi-cultural environment with career development and personal growth opportunities.

Reports to: Managing Director, Head of Regional Business Development (BD)

Key external relationships: Clients

Key internal relationships: Partners, Managing Director, Business Development Team

Number of hiring: 01

Salary range: Competitive commensurate with experience and qualifications

Position type: Full time: Monday to Friday - 9:00 a.m. to 18.00 p.m.

Duration of Internship: Minimum 4 Months

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Job Description

As a Business Development and Trade Research Intern, you are expected to undertake the following activities and tasks:

Trade and Tariffs Research

• Conduct research on international trade policies, tariff structures, and customs regulations;
• Assist in compiling and analyzing data related to tariffs, trade agreements, and customs procedures
• Monitor updates to trade laws, WTO disputes, ASEAN agreements, and regional economic partnerships;
• Analyze customs rulings, trade remedy cases (anti-dumping, countervailing duties), and tariff schedules;
• Support attorneys in preparing client advisories and presentations on trade compliance.

Business Development

• Report to and take instructions from the Managing Director, the Head of BD and any supervising legal advisers;
• Assist the Managing Director and the Head of BD with preparation of business presentations and publications;
• Support the planning and execution of business delegations and client visits (“roadshows”) conducted by DFDL Partners, under the supervision of the Head of BD;
• Draft client correspondence under the supervision of the Managing Director and the Head of BD;
• Monitor business activity, trends and opportunities through the press in DFDL markets, across various sectors;
• Gather and analyze internal data, with the support of the regional BD team, to identify growth opportunities;
• Help screen and monitor business events that are relevant to the firm’s BD strategy;
• On a case by case basis and as needed, provide support and assistance to Legal Advisers and Senior Legal Advisers;
• Undertake other duties as may be required.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled international student (any nationality) in a university program
• Excellent command of both spoken and written English
• Academic background in International Business, Law, Economics, Trade, or a related field
• Strong research, analytical, and legal writing skills
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to clearly summarize complex information
• Self-motivated, professional, and adaptable to a multicultural legal environment

Applications should include a curriculum vitae or resume, accompanied by a covering letter outlining the candidate’s interest in and suitability for the position.

All applications and expressions of interest will be treated confidentially, being reviewed only by DFDL Senior Management and Human Resources team.

Please note that this position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed and processed on a rolling basis and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.