Paid Legal Intern

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Position Title: Paid Legal Intern
Location: Washington, DC
Country: United States of America
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The American Bar Association (ABA) is a leading organization in the legal profession, established in 1878, with a mission to promote justice, uphold the rule of law, and improve the legal profession. The ABA has a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, focusing on various legal initiatives and programs that enhance the legal system and access to justice. The Center for Global Programs specifically works on international legal issues, including human rights, rule of law, and legal education.

Job Overview:
The Paid Legal Intern position at the American Bar Association-Center for Global Programs offers a unique opportunity for law students or recent graduates to engage in meaningful work that supports human rights initiatives in the Central African Republic. The intern will be involved in the USAID-funded Strengthening Human Rights Activity, focusing on creating a French-language guide that addresses human rights abuses and cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This role is designed to provide the intern with hands-on experience in legal research and resource development, contributing to the ABA's mission of advancing human rights in francophone contexts. The internship is structured to ensure that the intern gains valuable skills and insights while supporting the ABA's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will work closely with attorneys and program staff, providing essential support to advance the mission of the ABA. Responsibilities include researching existing resources related to human rights and SGBV, developing a comprehensive guide for legal professionals in the Central African Republic, and completing assigned projects throughout the internship. The intern will also participate in team meetings, contribute to discussions on human rights issues, and assist in any additional tasks that support the program's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a JD or LLM program at an ABA-certified, U.S.-based institution, or be a recent graduate (within the last year) of such a program. Alternatively, applicants may be graduates of a certified law program who are currently enrolled in a non-legal graduate program. All candidates must be at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the United States. Strong verbal and written communication skills, the ability to multitask, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be enrolled in or have recently graduated from an ABA-certified JD or LLM program. This educational background ensures that the intern possesses the necessary legal knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the ABA's initiatives.

Experience:
While prior experience in human rights or international law is beneficial, it is not mandatory. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates, so the focus is on providing an educational experience rather than requiring extensive prior work experience.

Languages:
Proficiency in French is highly desired, as the intern will be developing resources in French. Excellent English communication skills are also mandatory, given the nature of the work and collaboration with the ABA team. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a paid position, providing valuable experience in the legal field, particularly in human rights and international law. The internship is structured to benefit the intern primarily, offering meaningful training and educational opportunities. The duration of the internship and specific working hours may vary, and candidates should be prepared to commit to the internship schedule as required by the ABA.