Legal Fellow (Litigation)

LAW is an independent, non-profit organization comprised of human rights lawyers working in fragile and conflict affected areas in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and South Asia. We focus on gender equality and sexual and gender-based violence, rule of law and accountability and transformative justice, working to bring justice to those who need it most. In doing so, LAW employs a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach in representing hundreds of survivors of international crimes and human rights violations around the world.

LAW is seeking Legal Fellow(s) to support the work of its litigation in domestic, regional, and international courts and mechanisms in the areas of international human rights and international criminal law. Legal Fellows could support, for example:

• Researching and drafting a criminal complaint for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and/or genocide to file with domestic authorities under the principles of universal jurisdiction;
• Researching and drafting assistance for an article 15 communication to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court; and
• Researching and drafting assistance in a submission to the UN Convention Against Torture on behalf of several clients.

This is a unique opportunity to work with LAW’s Senior Management team, including the Head of Litigation, who is based in New York City, and to support programs based in Geneva (HQ), Nairobi, Beirut, Cox’s Bazar, Mogadishu, Juba, Kyiv, and Colombo. This position will provide the successful candidate with detailed insight into the work and operations of a unique international human rights organisation, working in some of the most challenging conflict-affected contexts.

Where? New York City (hybrid in office a few days per week)

Duration? Full time position for the Summer 2024, or Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 Semesters.

Compensation? LAW will consider Legal Fellows where the prospective fellow has already secured external funding, seeks to partner with LAW to apply to secure funding, or seeks law school course credit for the fellowship.

To provide support to LAW’s justice and accountability initiatives for victims and survivors of international crimes and human rights violations, including desk-based research, drafting, and coordination. Other duties may include:

• Legal research and writing to support for various international human rights and international criminal litigation initiatives;
• Draft submissions to UN Treaty Bodies and regional human rights mechanisms;
• Assist Head of Litigation and program 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; and
• Support policy and research initiatives, including public reports.

• You must have the legal right to study and work in New York;
• 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;
• 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 (ability in French, Arabic, Ukrainian, or other languages is also desirable).