Social Justice Institute Fellowship in Government Misconduct/Racial Justice
Start Date: September 1, 2012
Location: New York City
Description:
The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) is a non-profit legal and educational organization dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Founded in 1966 by attorneys who represented civil rights movements in the South, CCR is committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change. CCR seeks highly qualified and committed applicants to apply for a two year Fellowship as part of its new Social Justice Institute (SJI). The SJI Fellow will work in CCR’s Government Misconduct and Racial Justice docket area.
Roles & Responsibilities:
This SJI Fellow will be part of CCR’s Government Misconduct/Racial Justice (GMRJ) legal team and work alongside a number of staff attorneys. GMRJ attorneys develop creative litigation and non-litigation advocacy projects in areas such as: racial justice; economic and social rights; the government’s criminalization of dissent; mass incarceration; immigrant justice; national security; environmental justice; gender equality and LGBTQ rights. When appropriate, CCR seeks to incorporate international law strategies alongside domestic federal and state law claims.
Responsibilities of the SJI Fellow will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new and existing litigation projects and non-litigation advocacy projects.
- Conduct factual investigation.
- Draft pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs.
- Interview witnesses and potential plaintiffs and communicate with clients.
- Participate in discovery and trial practice.
- Provide support and assistance to CCR cooperating attorneys.
- Engage in public speaking and media interviews and attend meetings and/or conferences as needed.
- Provide legal support to advocates and community-based organizations.
Experience & Qualifications:
- 0-3 years experience.
- J.D. degree as of start date.
- Commitment to the mission and goals of CCR.
- A demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding.
- Excellent research, writing and verbal communication skills.
- Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to work independently as well as within a team.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and human rights and creativity in crafting strategies to advance racial, gender and economic rights in CCR’s priority areas.
- Commitment to working in and with underserved communities.
- Experience or interest in community-based advocacy.
- Integrity and a sense of humor.
- Willingness to travel.
- Spanish or other non-English language skills a plus.
Compensation:
Salary is generous, commensurate with experience and in accordance with CCR’s collectively bargained salary scale. Benefits include pension plan, escalating vacation beginning with three weeks, sick leave, holidays, and 100% organization paid health benefits for employees including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance.
How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should send a cover letter explaining interest in the SJI Fellowship at CCR and in the GMRJ docket specifically; resume; legal writing sample; and three references via e-mail, with “SJI Fellowship Search – GMRJ” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and strong consideration will be given to early applications.
Applications are due by March 2, 2012. No phone calls please.