Associate Attorney, Human Rights Law, International Rights Advocates, Washington, DC: open until filled.
Associate Attorney, Human Rights Law, International Rights Advocates, Washington, DC: open until filled.
http://www.humanrightsjobs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7764:-associate-attorney-human-rights-law-dc-usa-password&catid=76:password-required&Itemid=96
About the Organisation:
The Washington, DC based International Rights Advocates (IRAdvocates) was formed, in part, as antidote to the “values” that put power and profit over our planet’s most precious asset; its people. Their work is designed to contribute to a more just world. The leverage human rights law via the courts (US and in other countries) to empower the victims of the full spectrum of human rights violations (from summary executions and forced labor to the denial of the rights to health and livelihood) to hold powerful entities, like multinational corporations, accountable. Holding these powerful entities accountable and liable will contribute to changing their decision-making calculus, and thereby, motivate them to act in a more sustainable fashion.
Job Description:
IRAdvocates seeks a full time associate to work on its international human rights cases, which employ legal strategies to hold multinational corporations accountable for human rights abuses. All cases are administered through the Washington, DC office of Conrad & Scherer, LLP.
The applicant must be a U.S. licensed attorney with at least three years substantive, civil litigation experience in U.S. courts and possess the ability to work independently under time constraints (see note 1). In this context, substantive legal experience means the applicant has conducted all aspects of discovery, including taking and defending depositions, drafting written discovery requests and responding to the same, and managing document production, among other discovery-related tasks. Additionally, the applicant should have experience drafting substantive motions and legal memoranda and responses. Thus, the applicant should possess excellent research and writing skills, as well as a demonstrated commitment to public interest law and/or human rights advocacy (see note 2).
Please also note that this position requires frequent travel outside the U.S. (particularly to Colombia). Spanish ability is required. Women and Persons of Color are strongly encouraged to apply. IRAdvocates (Conrad & Scherer) are equal opportunity employers.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Researching legal issues particular to transnational corporate accountability litigation, including specifically the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) and the Torture Victims Protection Act (TVPA).
* Drafting legal memoranda for filing in various U.S. District Courts, state courts, and federal and state appellate courts.
* Conducting all aspects of discovery, including taking and defending depositions, drafting written discovery requests and responses, and managing document production, among other discovery-related tasks.
* Arguing motions before U.S. District and Appellate Courts.
* Initiating and/or assisting in case development by working with clients and partner organizations in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
* Assisting in supervising law student interns and working with law school clinics.
SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:
* Spanish-language ability (required) such that applicant would be comfortable communicating with clients in Spanish; additional language skills are also desirable. Please note that some portion of the initial or subsequent interviews will be conducted in Spanish with a native Spanish speaker to determine general level of proficiency.
* Familiarity with legal issues that arise in transnational corporate accountability litigation, including case law under the ATS and TVPA, international human rights, issues of corporate law (alter ego), choice of law and forum non conveniens.
* Experience with conducting discovery, including taking and defending depositions, drafting affirmative written discovery requests and response, and managing document production, among other discovery-related tasks.
* Experience drafting substantive motions and legal memoranda, including responses to motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment, among other briefing. -Experience working with and relating to historically impoverished and disenfranchised individuals, including indigenous peoples in the Global South, especially concerning human rights.
* Interest, enthusiasm, and affinity for using the law as a vehicle for social change.
How to apply:
Interested applicants should forward a cover letter and resume to mcrosby@conradscherer.com. Please address your materials to Terry Collingsworth. Position open until filled.
Note 1: Please note that this is not an entry level position. They will not review any applications with less than the required minimum three years of substantive, civil litigation experience. If you have less than three years of substantive experience and have outside funding, or wish to do a pro bono fellowship, please see International Rights Advocates’ Fellowship listing.
Note 2: Only selected applicants will be contacted for interviews. Please do not call the office.
