Stanford law graduate Adil Auraghi makes history as first Moroccan clerk at the ICJ

Adil Auraghi,a recent graduate of Stanford Law School,is set to make history as the first Moroccan to serve as a judicial clerk at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. His appointment to the ICJ’s prestigious Judicial Fellowship Program marks a first for Morocco since the program’s establishment in 2000,reports news outlet Morocco World News.

Auraghi will work directly with Brazilian judge Leonardo Nemer Caldeira Brant,assisting with legal research,drafting opinions,and analyzing complex international legal disputes. Only 15 candidates are selected worldwide each year for this highly competitive fellowship.

Born in Belgium,Auraghi overcame early educational discrimination,completing his high school diploma through homeschooling. He graduated with high honors from the Université Catholique de Louvain in 2021 and worked at the Brussels Bar while also teaching and conducting legal research.

He later earned a scholarship from the Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) to pursue a Master of Law at Stanford,focusing on environmental law and human rights. At Stanford,he further served as a research assistant in human rights law.

In comments to Morocco World News,Auraghi emphasized the importance of Global South representation in international legal institutions. “Moroccan lawyers must use their influence to promote peace,dignity,and sovereignty,” he stated.

He also encouraged aspiring international lawyers to develop multidisciplinary skills and language fluency in French,English,and Arabic. Auraghi views his appointment not only as personal achievement but as a broader symbol of progress for Moroccan expatriates,particularly in Belgium where students of African descent often face systemic barriers in education and the legal profession.

His historic role underscores Morocco’s growing footprint in global legal forums and highlights the potential of its diaspora in shaping international policy.

Moroccans had served at the ICJ,including Judge Mohamed Bennouna (2006-2024),but Auraghi will be the first Moroccan clerk. He will assist judges in legal research,and analyzing complex international cases.