Legal Intern (Summer 2023)

Company: EarthRights International
Location: Washington
Posted on: March 19, 2023

Job Description:

Position: U.S. Legal Intern (unpaid; stipends may be available)

Location: Washington, D.C.

Application Deadline: November 11 (first round); February 10 (second round). The first round is intended primarily for second-year law students; both first- and second-year students may apply in the second round.

Reports To: Staff Attorney

Start Date: Flexible, May or June 2023

Minimum Commitment: 10 weeks full-time

EarthRights International, a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization that combines the power of law and the power of people in defense of human rights and the environment, is seeking U.S. law school students to work with its legal team in Washington D.C.

Law students may be J.D. or L.L.M. students, but must have at least one year of U.S. legal training by the time of the internship.

The internship is considered an unpaid volunteer position. For applicants who do not otherwise have summer funding available, stipends may be available to cover costs of living, so we encourage all to apply.

Summary Description

Legal interns participate in various projects associated with these cases, including legal research and writing and assistance in all phases of litigation, as well as other legal work including development of new cases, monitoring and exploring developments in international human rights and environmental law, researching and utilizing other mechanisms of corporate accountability, and helping to coordinate with and assist other groups bringing domestic or international cases. Interns are fully integrated into EarthRights's U.S. legal team and may work with any of EarthRights's attorneys and other staff in advocacy and communications programs.

Roles and Responsibilities may include

• Legal research on U.S. law, international law, and other legal regimes.
• Preparation of legal memorandums, court briefs and filings for U.S. and other legal systems.
• Work in collaboration with other NGOs and communities to assist in the development of legal and advocacy strategies.
• Research on new legal strategies to defend the human and environmental rights of frontline communities.
• Communication of EarthRights' work through web content and media contacts.
• Policy advocacy with the U.S. legislative and executive branches. Required Qualifications and Experience
  • Applicants must have completed at least one year of law school.
  • A demonstrated commitment to using the U.S. legal system to serve frontline communities and/or to protect human rights and the environment.
  • Excellent legal research and writing skills.
  • Ability to handle sensitive client relationships and protect the confidentiality of our work and our communications. Desired Skills and Experience
    • Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, especially Spanish, as well as Burmese (Myanmar), Thai, Gujarati, Portuguese, and/or Mandarin
    • A background in international human rights law, international environmental law, corporate accountability, and/or indigenous peoples' rights
    • Experience in regional studies, development, environmental sciences, or other fields related to issues of human rights, environmental protection and indigenous peoples
    • Strong research and writing skills
    • Good judgment and initiative
    • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams
    • Experience or interest in working with people from diverse cultures How To Apply
      
      Please submit the following materials in MS Word or PDF format, each attached separately:
      • Resume or CV (no longer than 2 pages)
      • Cover letter
      • Brief (
      • Contact information for two references
        Once your application has been submitted, please go to this link and fill out the demographic survey questions. This information will not be linked to your individual application in any way, but helps EarthRights evaluate our efforts at recruiting a diverse set of candidates.
        
        Due to the volume of applications, only short listed candidates may be contacted. If you are facing deadlines that may require an earlier decision, please note that in your cover letter.
        
        EarthRights International is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and actively encourages people of color, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI people to apply.

Keywords: EarthRights International, Washington DC , Legal Intern (Summer 2023), Legal , Washington, DC