Center for Human Rights- Staff Attorney

The American Bar Association (ABA) Center for Human Rights is seeking an experienced human rights attorney for a one year fellowship with the Justice Defenders Program. Candidates with experience working on labor and business and human rights issues are encouraged to apply. All applicants must have authorization to work in the United States. The ABA does not sponsor visas.

1) The Justice Defenders Program provides pro bonolegal assistance to human rights advocates working in difficult environments and vulnerable circumstances by: Advising on, and raising public awareness of, sensitive trials and cases; connecting pro bono lawyers with requisite expertise with local lawyers to provide advice on international law standards, share best practices, and assist in developing advocacy and litigation strategies; and observing trials that have garnered local, regional, or international attention and/or have the potential of changing the law, for better or worse, within the country, and providing analysis of those trials. Advising on, and raising public awareness of, sensitive trials and cases; connecting pro bono lawyers with requisite expertise with local lawyers to provide advice on international law standards, share best practices, and assist in developing advocacy and litigation strategies; and observing trials that have garnered local, regional, or international attention and/or have the potential of changing the law, for better or worse, within the country, and providing analysis of those trials.

The Justice Defenders Program’s global reach enables it to help human rights defenders in virtually any country. The Program is sensitive to varied political and factual circumstances and its assistance is tailored to realities “on the ground.” With experienced staff and a dynamic network of pro bono lawyers at the ready, the Program can respond rapidly to acute crises or take on long-term projects as needed.

The staff attorney will report directly to the Director of the Justice Defenders Program.

Responsibilities shall include:

Case Management: The staff attorney shall identify and vet potential cases concerning harassment of labor rights activists, conduct preliminary assessments of legal issues, place the case with pro bono counsel, manage the observation of trials and coordinate the provision of pro bonolegal assistance.
Research and Writing: The staff attorney shall conduct legal and other research and write memoranda, speeches, and articles, including for publication, in the areas of their relevant thematic expertise, and provide substantive advice and information to the Director on the same.Investigations and Advocacy: The staff attorney will organize and lead fact-finding missions to investigate patterns of harassment of labor rights activists and impediments to accountability for labor rights violations.

Please note: Program staff are expected to travel up to 25% of the time. The staff attorney shall be expected to begin immediately, and no later than one (1) month after notification of their successful application.
Qualifications:The successful candidate(s) will have: a) a minimum of two (2) years of legal experience, post-graduation (J.D. or equivalent), b) a minimum of one (1) year in labor or business and human rights-related legal advocacy or investigations; c) an ability to communicate

Effectively, in writing and orally, with a range of different audiences, and a knowledge of international financial institutions and international organizations, including the various European regional bodies; and d) strong interpersonal skills in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Foreign language fluency preferred.J.D. or equivalent degree is required. Compensation shall be commensurate with experience.

Applicants should upload a detailed cover letter, resume or CV, three references, and legal writing sample.

Please apply here: https://usr56.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/aba/Posting/View/546