Legal Fellow
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to work with LAW’s global litigation team and support its programs across multiple locations, including Geneva (Head office), Kyiv, Beirut, Juba, Mogadishu, Nairobi, Colombo, Cox’s Bazar, and New York. Successful candidates will gain in-depth insight into the operations of a distinctive international human rights organisation working in complex and conflict-affected contexts.
About LAW
Legal Action Worldwide is an independent non-profit association comprised of creative human rights lawyers and jurists, united in our belief that those who have experienced human rights violations and international crimes, should receive targeted, survivor-centred, gender-competent and trauma-informed support to access the justice they deserve. LAW’s team operates on the ground in conflict-affected contexts combining national and international expertise with a deep understanding of victim and survivor needs and wishes. We work directly with survivors and their communities, building their capacity to meaningfully engage with justice and advocacy processes. Alongside this, we provide technical assistance to strengthen justice institutions to ensure they are equipped to deliver the justice that survivors need, and work with legislators to promote accountability and the rule of law.
Across 18 countries, and in collaboration with survivors, their communities and national justice actors, LAW undertakes creative accountability strategies, including strategic litigation at national, regional and international levels. LAW’s vision: “A world where all victims and survivors have access to justice, so that impunity is not a barrier to sustainable peace.”
The Role
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to work with LAW’s global litigation team and support its programs across multiple locations, including Geneva (Head office), Kyiv, Beirut, Juba, Mogadishu, Nairobi, Colombo, Cox’s Bazar, and New York. Successful candidates will gain in-depth insight into the operations of a distinctive international human rights organisation working in complex and conflict-affected contexts.
More about the position
Location: Remote working based in Eastern Time Zone or in-person in New York City (hybrid, in office a few days per week).
Duration: Flexible, either part-time or full-time for the duration of at least one law school semester, or full-time for one-year post-graduation.
Compensation: LAW will only consider Legal Fellows under the following conditions:
- The prospective fellow has already secured external funding (e.g., from a university, foundation, or government source).
- The prospective fellow wishes to collaborate with LAW to apply for external funding opportunities.
- The prospective fellow is seeking academic credit through their law school in lieu of financial compensation.
LAW does not provide direct financial compensation for Legal Fellows.
The Legal Fellow will provide support to LAW’s justice and accountability initiatives for victims and survivors of international crimes and human rights violations, and will perform duties in accordance with the responsibilities outlined below:
- Legal research and drafting criminal complaints for international crimes to file with domestic authorities under the principles of universal jurisdiction.
- Legal research and drafting submissions to international and regional tribunals, including the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, UN Treaty Bodies, and/or regional human rights mechanisms.
- Assist Head of Litigation and Programme Teams with case file management, organization, and tracking.
- Note-taking during regular litigation meetings and witness interviews.
- Track developments in relevant conflict-contexts and in national and international policy.
- Monitor and provide updates on key developments in international law.
- Support LAW in addressing the justice and protection needs of its clients.
- Support policy and research initiatives, including public reports.
About you
- Enrolled J.D. or LLM student with a focus on international human rights and/or international criminal law.
- Relevant one year work experience in access to justice work and/or working with vulnerable communities, preferably survivors of gender-based violence.
- Demonstrated experience of research, organisation and analytical ability.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong technical literacy.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ambitious and can adapt to changing programme needs.
- Previous experience working with international NGOs is strongly preferred.
- Fluency in English essential. Proficiency in additional languages (e.g. French, Arabic, Ukrainian, Burmese) is highly desirable.
Do you want to use your knowledge and skills to make a true difference to LAW’s work. If so, we would encourage you to apply.
To apply please click on this link: https://legalactionworldwide.bamboohr.com/careers/50
Deadline: We will review applications on a rolling basis.
Application Instructions: In your cover letter, please include detailed information on the following:
- Financial Sponsorship or Course Credit: Clearly specify whether you have secured external funding (please indicate the dollar amount), are seeking to collaborate with LAW to apply for funding or will be receiving academic credit through your law school.
- Proposed Timing and Duration: Indicate your preferred start date, anticipated duration of the fellowship, and any flexibility you may have with these dates.
Providing this information will help us assess your application more effectively.
At LAW we are strengthened by the diversity of our colleagues reflecting the people and communities that we represent and support. Our team includes many nationalities with diverse professional backgrounds, skills and knowledge. This enables us to deliver and understand the cultural and political contexts on the ground and to tailor our support effectively and appropriately.
To learn more about LAW please visit our website: www.legalactionworldwide.org.