Department of State (DOS) Office of Assistant Legal Adviser for Private International Law Seeks Externs
The Office of Private International Law (L/PIL) within the Office of the Legal Adviser is responsible for the negotiation, interpretation and monitoring of conventions and other international instruments aimed at the development and harmonization of legal principles in such private law areas as enforcement of judgments and arbitral awards, conflicts of laws, ADR, family law, investment securities, business insolvency, electronic commerce, transportation, commercial finance and international judicial assistance (service, discovery, legalization), as well as laws governing wills, trusts and estates.
L/PIL’s work arises primarily in connection with negotiations in international organizations such as the U.N. Commission on International Trade Law, The Hague Conference on Private International Law, the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law and the Organization of American States. The Office also works closely with experts and domestic organizations involved in private international law matters, including the American Bar Association and the Uniform Law Commission (ULC).
Two extern positions are available each semester. Externs will work directly with attorneys in analyzing issues and preparing negotiating positions while conducting research on a wide range of current topics in the private international law arena.
Externships are unpaid positions. The applicant must be able to receive credit for the externship.
Qualifications: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. A security clearance is required. Applicants must possess strong writing and analytical skills and should be dependable and self-directed. Second and third year students (and LL.M. candidates) are preferred.
Deadlines: For fall semester 2013: March 8 and for spring semester 2014: March 22
To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, and a legal writing sample to:
Patricia Smeltzer SA-4 Navy Hill, South Building, Suite 357 2430 E Street NW Washington, DC 20037-2851 Phone: 202-776-8423 Fax: 202-776-8482For additional information, please visit the website.