Summer Law Clerk at Open Society Foundation

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass theUnited Statesand more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa andLatin America. Each Foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.
The Open Society Foundations Washington office seeks to hire a Summer Law Clerk to work on United States human rights, national security, and immigration and refugee issues. 

Purpose of Position: Provide research and execute administrative policies. Work is carried out under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. OSI may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

• Research and prepare written materials on domestic and international human rights and national security issues. Issues could include terrorism detentions and prosecutions, rendition policy, immigration enforcement and due process, and profiling and discrimination in the national security and immigration contexts;
• Perform legal research (including LexisNexis and other research tools);
• Draft legal memoranda, background papers, and other advocacy materials;
• Attend hearings or meetings and drafting summaries and analyses;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience: Minimum of High School degree plus a minimum of one of administrative/office experience.

• Currently enrolled in a relevant undergraduate/graduate degree program
• NGO or foundation experience/interest in human rights preferred.

Skills Required:

• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office, experience with database management preferred;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary;
• Poised and works well under pressure, attentive to detail and prioritize and work well under pressure, often simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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Program Specific Requirements:

• Law school student, second or third year law student strongly preferred;
• Knowledge of U.S. civil liberties and human rights issues, and immigration policy;
• Experience with Internet research;
• Moderate experience using LexisNexis and other legal research tools;
• Availability to work full time, approximately 40 hours per week

Duration: Three months – May – August 2012
Compensation: Hourly rate commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before January 13, 2012 to: humanresources@sorosny.org Include job code in subject line: SLC/DC

OR

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code SLC/DC
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019
FAX: 646.557.2672

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer.