Legal Intern / Fellow – International Bar Association- North America office – Washington, DC

About the IBA

The International Bar Association (IBA), established in 1947, is the world’s leading organization of international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. The IBA influences the development of international law reform and shapes the future of the legal profession throughout the world. It has a membership of 55,000 individual lawyers and roughly 200 bar associations and law societies spanning all continents, and has considerable experience in providing assistance to the global legal community.

The IBA North America Office was established in 2013 by its current Director, Michael Maya. The IBA is headquartered in London, and also maintains offices in Seoul, São Paulo and The Hague.

The North America office is seeking highly motivated law students or law graduates to serve as unpaid Legal Interns and Fellows for the Fall 2015 semester and beyond. Legal Interns and Fellows will be responsible for researching and writing on a variety of subjects, including: human rights (e.g., North Korea), global trends in the practice of law, climate justice and the emerging area of business and human rights (e.g. UN Guiding Principles, aka “Ruggie Principles”).

Examples of recent assignments include: research on legal frameworks in developing nations (e.g. Haiti, Nigeria, Burma); conducting a mapping exercise with respect to the “climate justice” movement; the transition to the accusatorial system in Mexico; accountability measures for crimes against humanity in North Korea in the wake of the UN Commission of Inquiry Report; the intersection of corruption and migrant labor abuses in the context of sporting organizations (e.g. FIFA) and mega-sporting events (e.g. World Cup and Olympics); the legal landscape in Africa, especially as it relates to new investments on the continent; and the landmark Legal Services Act of 2007 (UK) and its possible implications for the practice of law in the U.S. and Canada. The Program provides law students and law graduates with valuable professional and educational experiences that will enhance their skills and knowledge in relation to international and local law.

Legal Intern Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Interns and Fellows, under the supervision of the Director of the North America office, will:

• Conduct research and present findings orally and/or in writing

• Represent the IBA at meetings and public events, including conferences and roundtables.

• Where relevant, assist in implementing various initiatives that already are underway, including the North America office’s Business and Human Rights Initiative, which often partners with the Human Rights in Business program at the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at AU Washington College of Law

• Author or co-author thought leadership articles that can be disseminated widely and posted on the IBA website

• Devote 5-10% of their time assisting the North America office in conducting public events (e.g., roundtables, conferences) that are directly relevant to the substantive areas in which the Legal Intern/Fellow is working (e.g., Business and Human Rights Series)

• Other duties as assigned

Legal Intern Qualifications and Experience

• The ability to commit to working at the IBA North America office for a minimum of 3 months.

Must be currently enrolled in an accredited law school or equivalent Master’s program
Foreign language abilities a plus
Strong writing skills – the ability to produce written work that requires little if any editing
A track record of being able to work independently in an office setting

• Two strong references from individuals (e.g., past employer or professor) who know the candidate well, and can address in detail questions about the candidate’s:

(1) Character/integrity

(2) Work ethic

(3) Attention to detail

(4) Organizational skills

(5) Intellectual abilities

(6) Ability to get along with others

(7) Commitment to teamwork

Legal Fellow Qualifications and Experience

• The ability to commit to working at the IBA-North America office for 6-12 months.

Must have obtained a Law degree from an accredited institution or equivalent Master’s degree

• Previous experience working on international issues, including human rights, international development, or international commerce and trade issues

• Foreign language abilities are highly valued

• Strong oral communication skills, as there may be opportunities to speak publicly on panels and other public fora

• Strong writing skills — the ability to generate written work product that requires little if any editing

• A track record of being able to work independently in an office setting

• Three strong references from individuals (e.g., past employer or professor) who know the candidate well, and can address in detail questions about the candidate’s:

(1) Character/integrity

(2) Work ethic

(3) Attention to detail

(4) Organizational skills

(5) Intellectual abilities

(6) Ability to get along with others

(7) Commitment to teamwork

Note: Internships and Fellowships are unpaid; Legal Interns/Fellows must be able to commit at least 15-20 hours per week, but preferably 40 hours/week, in the IBA’s office in downtown D.C. The office is located at the corner of 17th & K Street, one block from the Farragut North Metro and two blocks from the White House. Legal Interns may use the building’s fitness center.

How to apply

Application materials can be found at the following link: How to Apply-IBA Washington, DC

For further information about the Internship/Fellowship Program and application process, please contact the IBA North America office Program Associate, Ms. Sosseh Prom, via email at sosseh.prom@int-bar.org or call +1(202) 827-3274.

[yuzo_related]