ABA HIV/AIDS and the Law Internship in Washington D.C.

HIV/AIDS and the Law Internship, Research and Assessments Division (unpaid) (Washington, DC)

American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is seeking a summer intern to assist its Research and Assessment Office in the development of the HIV/AIDS Legal Assessment Tool.

Duration: 3 months (June – August 2010) with the possibility of extension
Time commitment: At least 4 days a week
Compensation: Unpaid internship

Project Description: While significant advances have been made in the treatment of HIV/AIDS in recent years, comparatively little attention has been paid to the impact of laws and legal systems on people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and at-most risk populations. Yet, combating legal discrimination against PLWHA is one of the most critical aspects of the global fight against HIV/AIDS. ABA ROLI’s HIV/AIDS Legal Assessment Tool will address the dearth of knowledge in this critical area. The Tool will be used to conduct thorough country assessments of the legal protections afforded PLWHA. HIV/AIDS assessment reports will examine both the laws that a country put in place to combat HIV/AIDS and the implementation of these laws in practice, through enforcement, assistance programs, and similar measures. The reports will highlight best practices and uncover the discriminatory laws and policies that affect PLWHA.

Duties: Legal intern will assist ABA ROLI Legal Analyst and HIV/AIDS Legal Advisor in designing, writing, and editing the methodology for the HIV/AIDS Legal Assessment Tool. Specific duties will include: conducting comprehensive research on international and comparative legal standards applicable to PLWHA (including human rights and anti-discrimination laws), analyzing relevant case law, writing chapters of the Tool methodology, compiling a list of resources, and assisting ABA ROLI research team with administrative and clerical duties.

Requirements: Applications will be accepted from law students or recent law graduates who can demonstrate sound knowledge of human and civil rights law through relevant coursework and/or experience. Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills are required. Familiarity with health law and/or HIV/AIDS issues is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates must be highly motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team, and possess strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Application: please Click Here to apply. Please be prepared to upload your cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. All applicants for internships and regular full-time employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.