Law Fellow at the International Justice Resource Center

IJRC welcomes applications for legal fellowship positions. Fellows will work closely with IJRC’s Executive Director in developing and implementing projects in IJRC’s three service areas: international human rights legal research and practice tools, litigation and advocacy support, and trainings. Applicants must be able to commit to a full-time schedule in IJRC’s San Francisco office.

The International Justice Resource Center (IJRC) empowers others – from experienced human rights attorneys to community activists and individual victims – to gain the knowledge and tools necessary to promote and demand protection of human rights using international law and mechanisms. By creating a one-stop online resource hub, together with complementary tailored trainings and advocacy support, IJRC helps close the gap between international standards that hold out the promise of human rights protection and victims’ access to effective redress. Please visit www.ijrcenter.org to learn more about IJRC’s programs.

This position will provide a rewarding opportunity to engage with substantive areas of international law, work with human rights advocates, and directly contribute to the success of IJRC’s efforts to increase access to justice for victims of human rights abuses around the world.

REMUNERATION

Fellowships are unpaid. However, IJRC is happy to work with qualified applicants to develop proposals for external funding opportunities, such as law school, Skadden and Equal Justice Works fellowship programs. Please see additional details below.

TIMING & DURATION

Fellowships may be between 3 and 24 months in duration. Start dates are flexible. Applicants seeking external funding must be able to commit to the timing and duration requirements set by the relevant funding program.

LOCATION

San Francisco, CA

SCOPE OF WORK

Specific duties will depend on current projects and the fellow’s particular interests, but will generally include:

• Legal research and writing for published manuals and handbooks on the substance of international human rights law, procedures and doctrine of regional and international human rights mechanisms, and State compliance with their human rights obligations.

• Legal research and writing and other guidance, in response to advocates’ requests for amicus curiae briefs, advice on international human rights protections, and other forms of advocacy and litigation support.

• Liaising with other human rights organizations to familiarize them with IJRC’s services and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Fellows will likely also have opportunities to participate in developing and implementing training programs, and in identifying additional opportunities for IJRC to provide support to advocates or litigants (e.g., drafting amicus briefs or developing international legal strategies in ongoing litigation). Fellows will take an active role in the organization’s work and will benefit from many opportunities to interact with the larger community of international human rights lawyers and advocates.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications:

• Attorney or law student (degree to be received no later than June 2013).

• Academic or professional experience in researching and analyzing international public law.

• A demonstrated commitment to human rights.

• A collaborative, creative, and enthusiastic approach.

Where applicable, please also mention:

• foreign language skills,

• significant international litigation or advocacy experience, and

• relevant past or current work with human rights or social justice organizations.

IJRC will consider applications from all individuals who meet the minimum qualifications.

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants for unpaid fellowships:

• Email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Lisa Reinsberg, Executive Director at ijrc@ijrcenter.org. In your cover letter, indicate the anticipated duration and starting date of the fellowship. Submit your application at least 4 weeks before your anticipated start date.

External funding (fellowship sponsor) applicants:

• Equal Justice Works and Skadden Fellowship programs: Submit cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Lisa Reinsberg, Executive Director at ijrc@ijrcenter.org no later than June 30, 2012. In your cover letter, identify one or more potential projects or areas of interest.

• Other programs: Submit cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Lisa Reinsberg, Executive Director at ijrc@ijrcenter.org at least 4 weeks in advance of the program application deadline. In your cover letter, explain the nature of the fellowship or funding you intend to apply for, and any relevant requirements.

IJRC will review applications on a rolling basis.