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Spring 2013 Legal Internship - Law and Security Program

Job TitleSpring 2013 Legal Internship - Law and Security Program
Job ID541250
Begin Date1/2/13
Duration10-12 week period
LocationWashington,  DC 20002-5625
Other LocationNew York, NY 10001
Description
On human rights, the United States must be a beacon. Activists fighting for freedom around the globe continue to look to us for inspiration and count on us for support. Upholding human rights is not only a moral obligation; it’s a vital national interest. America is strongest when our policies and actions match our values.

Human Rights First is an independent advocacy and action organization that challenges America to live up to its ideals. We believe American leadership is essential in the struggle for human rights so we press the U.S. government and private companies to respect human rights and the rule of law. When they don’t, we step in to demand reform, accountability and justice. Around the world, we work where we can best harness American influence to secure core freedoms.

We know that it is not enough to expose and protest injustice, so we create the political environment and policy solutions necessary to ensure consistent respect for human rights. Whether we are protecting refugees, combating torture, or defending persecuted minorities, we focus not on making a point, but on making a difference. For over 30 years, we’ve built bipartisan coalitions and teamed up with frontline activists and lawyers to tackle issues that demand American leadership.

Human Rights First welcomes applications for Fall interns in its Law and Security program. Interns will be based in either HRF’s New York or Washington office and will be expected to commit to working up to 15 hours per week with a minimum 10-12 week commitment. This is an unpaid internship.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Legal, policy and factual research on issues related to the intersection of U.S. national security policy, human rights and the rule of law, including torture, counterterrorism detention and prosecution, drones, private security contractors, and persistent global war;
  • Advocacy and advocacy monitoring on the Hill and at public events on HRF national security priorities;
  • Bluebooking, proof-reading and cite-checking legal filings, memoranda, briefing materials and publications.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:      
Applicants MUST be law or graduate students who are currently enrolled in U.S.-based institutions and attending classes in the spring 2013 semester

START DATE: January 2013

TO APPLY: Please complete the online application
 
You will be requested to provide:
  • Resume (upload)
  • Cover letter (cut/paste)
  • Writing sample (cut/paste) of your choice, no longer than 5 pages please

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: November 15, 2012. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls.

HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WE CONSIDER APPLICANTS FOR ALL POSITIONS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, CREED, GENDER, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, MARITAL OR VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS.
www.HumanRightsFirst.org
Required Skills•Current law or graduate student at a U.S.-based institution; 

•Excellent research, analytical, and communication skills; 

•Demonstrated commitment to and informed knowledge of human rights and/or national security issues;

•Excellent project management skills, capacity to take initiative, to finish assignments under pressure and to work collegially with others; and 

•Sense of humor