Summer Law Clerk Opportunity at Open Society Foundation – Deadline Dec. 5

The Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to criticism, whose laws and policies are open to debate and correction, and whose political institutions are open to the participation of all people. We seek to strengthen justice and the rule of law; broaden respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities; encourage pluralism and a robust diversity of opinion; deepen democratic practice and participation; expand economic equity; support effective governance; and invest in individuals, public and private organizations, and social movements that advance these goals.

We are a global network of foundations committed to local knowledge and national expertise. Our network includes national foundations, regional foundations, and other geographic programs operating in more than one hundred countries. At the same time, many programs with global reach operate from our four headquarters in Europe and the United States, including programs on digital information, drug policy, criminal and civil justice, education, fellowships, fiscal governance, human rights, international migration, public health, scholarships, think tanks, and women’s rights. In addition to making grants to organizations and individuals, the Open Society Foundations engage in policy advocacy, legal advocacy and litigation, program-related investing, and public communications, as well as provide direct assistance to governments. Most programs and foundations in the network are governed or advised by their own boards. The Open Society Foundations are the global philanthropies of George Soros, who, as chairman, plays an active role in the work of the foundations.

Job Profile

The Summer Law Clerk will provide research and other policy advocacy assistance for the senior policy analyst for U.S. human rights, national security, and immigration. Work is carried out under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  include the following:

• Research and prepare written materials on domestic and international human rights and national security issues.  Issues could include terrorism detentions and prosecutions, rendition policy, immigration enforcement and due process, and profiling and discrimination in the national security and immigration contexts;
• Perform legal research (including LexisNexis and other research tools);
• Draft legal memoranda, background papers, and other advocacy materials;
• Attend hearings or meetings and draft summaries and analyses;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, and minimum of one year of relevant experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Currently enrolled in a law school degree program;second or third year law student strongly preferred;
• NGO or foundation experience/interest in human rights preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office, experience with database management preferred;
• Knowledge of U.S. civil liberties and human rights issues, and immigration policy;
• Experience with Internet research;
• Moderate experience using LexisNexis and other legal research tools;
• Availability to work full time, approximately 40 hours per week.

Additional Qualifications

• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary;
• Poised and works well under pressure, attentive to detail and prioritizes and works well under pressure, often simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duration: Three months: May, 2015 – August, 2015

Compensation: Hourly rate commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements by December 5, 2014, to:HumanResources@opensocietyfoundations.orgInclude job code in subject line: LC-DC