Major international law firm Sidley Austin seeks up to five NYU LLM students for a pro bono legal internship placement with their Africa-Asia Agricultural Enterprise Pro Bono Program.
In collaboration with a range of both international and community NGOs, government and private sector entities, the project supports market-based economic development and growth through finance, investment and trade legal assistance to small agricultural enterprises in sub-Saharan Africa and less developed countries in Asia. Examples of their work include advising the Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation on European Union export standards; advising Satemwa Tea Estates – the first fair trade certified tea company in Malawi – on tea brand registration and licensing; and assisting Moageiras Milenio de Mozambique on a project to establish a network of maize mills in rural areas of Mozambique. More information on the Program can be found at www.sidley.com/Africa-Asia-Agricultural-Enterprise-Program.
Students will be assigned to a pro bono client team (consisting of a Supervising Partner and a group of Associates located in one of Sidley’s US offices) or will be asked to conduct research for larger projects, and given supervised work in a variety of practice areas with substantive responsibilities, which may include legal research, preparing documents, and interacting with clients. Excellent written and oral English communication skills are required. Knowledge of French, Portuguese or other African or Asian languages is helpful. Previous work experience in Africa or Asia is also helpful, as is an interest in development or agricultural issues.
The pro bono internship placement will commence in September 2014. It is estimated that students may complete around 50 hours of pro bono work within 4-6 months, but flexibility is required due to the nature of the projects. It is suggested that students work on an extra pro bono project elsewhere if they want to guarantee completion of 50 hours for the New York State Bar.
To apply, please send a brief letter of interest and resume to David Glasgow, Public Interest Law Center Fellow, at david.glasgow@nyu.edu by Monday August 25, 2014.