The American Bar Association (ABA) Center for Human Rights is the ABA’s focal entity for critical human rights concerns in the United States and around the world. The ABA Center for Human Rights (the Center) works to promote and protect human rights worldwide by mobilizing lawyers to help threatened advocates and vulnerable communities; rallying leading experts on vital issues; and holding abusive governments accountable under law.
The Center is seeking an experienced legal intern to work closely with our regional staff attorney for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), human rights groups and pro bono attorneys to provide legal assistance to human rights defenders who are the subject of harassment in retaliation for their advocacy efforts in the region. The Intern will gain invaluable insight into human rights litigation and advocacy. This will be a remote, virtual internship. The intern is expected to begin in early September 2020.
Interns should expect to do several of the following tasks:
Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and briefs
Conduct supplemental fact-finding and assist during interviews
Attend press conferences, briefings, and/or other informative webinars
Draft editorials and blogs on key human rights issues
Monitor ongoing human rights abuses internationally via human rights listservs and other news sources
Basic Qualifications:
Currently pursuing or recently received a JD or LLM.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in Spanish are required. Knowledge of additional languages is a plus.
Demonstrated commitment to public interest and knowledge of international law.
Prior experience working on issues of human rights and/or human rights defenders in the region.
How to Apply:
Applications must include the following:
Cover letter
Resume (please indicate any language proficiencies)
Legal writing sample
List of three (3) references
How to apply:
Please submit all application materials in a single pdf to Emma Watson at emma.watson@americanbar.org and title the email, “Last Name: Fall LAC Intern Application”
Deadline to submit application: Friday, August 21, 2020
Intern is expected to begin in early September 2020