Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking a Southern State Policy Advocate

Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking a Southern State Policy Advocate for its US Program to help conceptualize and implement strategies for transforming HRW’s research and reports into improvements in state policy and practice in the southernUnited States. From a likely base in Florida, and using the US Program’s research and policy recommendations in the areas of criminal justice and immigration reform, the Southern State Policy Advocate will focus on achieving advocacy reforms at the state, city, and county levels and with all branches of government (e.g. legislative, executive, courts, law enforcement, corrections agencies). While the state ofFloridawill be an initial primary target, the Southern State Policy Advocate will increasingly include advocacy opportunities in other southern states in his or her work plan.

This position will report jointly to the Director and Advocacy Director of the US Program. The position is expected to be based in Florida, where HRW hopes to focus advocacy attention, although they may also consider basing the position in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, or Virginia, depending on the selected candidate’s interests and abilities.

For qualifications, duties, salary and how to apply, please visit the website.

Registration for the 2012 Los Angeles Interview Program (LAIP) is Now Open!

Registration for the 2012 Los Angeles Interview Program (LAIP) is now open. You will be notified via email once bidding starts. As such, please continue to check your email periodically for bidding updates.

University of Miami School of Law students who pre-registered for this job fair should have received an email with bidding instructions.  If you have any questions or you did not pre-register for this job fair, please contact Nirva Pierre-Louis of the CDO to receive the information and be added to the LAIP mailing list.

 

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area is Sponsoring Applicants for Fellowships

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (LCCR) is a civil rights and legal services organization that advances, protects and promotes the rights of communities of color, immigrants and refugees, with a specific focus on low-income communities, and a long-standing commitment to African Americans.  LCCR – with the assistance of hundreds of pro bono attorneys — provides free legal assistance and representation to individuals in the areas of racial justice, immigrant justice, and voting rights. In addition, LCCR handles impact cases and policy advocacy that focus on important civil rights issues.

LCCR is interested in sponsoring applicants for fellowships including the Skadden and Equal Justice Works Fellowship Programs for the 2013-2015 cycle.  LCCR is particularly interested in potentially sponsoring projects in the following areas:

  • Immigrant Entrepreneur Services: This fellowship would address legal barriers faced by immigrant micro-entrepreneurs who are starting or developing for-profit businesses, including legal assistance on business law, health care, employment law, and language access issues.
  • Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Entrepreneur Services: This fellowship would address legal barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals who are interested in starting or developing for-profit businesses, including legal assistance on business law, employment law, intellectual property, and licensing issues.
  • Block by Block Economic Justice: This fellowship would look to creatively fill the legal gap left by the demise of redevelopment agencies.  Building collaborations with successful business incubators and other community organizations, this fellowship would look to “adopt” one block at a time to revitalize impoverished Bay Area communities. Borrowing from our successful pro bono model, this fellowship would leverage the power of the private bar to provide volunteer legal counsel.
  • Removing Housing Barriers for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals: This fellowship would seek to remove barriers that stand in the way of formerly incarcerated individuals seeking housing opportunities.  Many landlords improperly screen prospective tenants based on past criminal records, which has a disparate impact on African-American and Latino communities.  This fellowship would combat this trend through individual direct services, policy advocacy, and impact litigation.
  • Addressing Educational Inequities in the Oakland Unified School District: This fellowship would partner with the NAACP-Oakland Chapter and other community groups to address issues of educational inequity in theOaklandUnifiedSchool District.  Project proposals could focus on one or more specific areas, including disproportionate discipline of African-American and Latino students and inequitable distribution of class choices between different District schools.  The fellowship would seek to bring together African-American and Latino community groups to work on addressing legal issues of shared concern.
  • Other projects in the areas of racial justice and/or immigrant justice.

If you are interested in pursuing a fellowship with our organization, please email or send a resume, writing sample, a list of three references, and a cover letter that briefly describes your interest in a project by June 29, 2012 to Silvia Contreras.

For additional information, ask your CDO advisor or visit the website.

 

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Florida Seeks Staff Attorney Specializing in LGBT Issues

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Florida (ACLU), a statewide affiliate of the National ACLU, is seeking an individual to fill the position of Staff Attorney specializing in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and HIV/AIDS related issues. While the Staff Attorney may be involved in the broad range of ACLU and civil liberties issues, s/he will be expected to work primarily on civil rights issues on behalf of LGBT individuals and families, including basic non-discrimination rights, family law, relationship recognition and protections, and LGBT students’ rights. The Staff Attorney will likely be located in the affiliate’s main office in Miami, although placement in one of the ACLU FL’s Regional Offices (Tampa, Pensacola, or Jacksonville) may be considered.

The ACLU litigates a broad range of complex constitutional cases in federal and state courts including free speech, Establishment Clause / freedom of religion, LGBT rights, equal protection, civil rights, 4th Amendment rights, and privacy rights. The ACLU litigates through direct representation and by filing amicus briefs.

Advocacy is not limited to ACLU’s work in the courts. The ACLU also engages in public education and works in coalition with other Florida organizations on a number of civil rights / civil liberties issues.

Duties:

The Staff Attorney will:

  • Litigate civil rights lawsuits on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Floridians in state and federal court;
  • Maintain an active case load as well as work and co-counsel cases with cooperating attorneys and the National ACLU’s LGBT & AIDS Project;
  • Assist in reviewing requests for legal assistance for potential litigation and identifying LGBT legal issues of interest to the ACLU;
  • Help advance the ACLU’s public policy objectives by working with the ACLU’s Public Policy Department to analyze legislation, develop strategies and implement non-litigation strategies to protect the civil liberties of LGBT Floridians;
  • Make public appearances before governmental bodies, professional organizations, and the public to discuss issues relevant to LGBT Floridians;
  • Provide input into ACLU field efforts to develop effective grass-roots programs to address LGBT issues in the state; and
  • Assist with the ACLU’s general civil rights and civil liberties legal program.

The Staff Attorney will work under the direct supervision of the ACLU of Florida Legal Director who is located in Miami.

Qualifications:

A minimum of three years relevant experience is strongly preferred but exceptional applicants with fewer years may be considered. Preference will be given to applicants who have been practicing for at least five years, are admitted to practice law in the State of Florida, and who have prior experience in LGBT issues. Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of complex analytical work. Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills as well as good communications skills. A familiarity with civil liberties issues and a commitment to the goals of the ACLU in defending and advancing civil liberties are essential. Fluency in Spanish is a plus, but not required.

Salary:

Salary is comparable to other nonprofit Florida advocacy organizations and will be set depending upon experience. The ACLU provides excellent benefits including health and dental insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and generous vacation, holiday and sick leave policies. 

Application Instructions:

Please submit (via e-mail preferred) a cover letter that specifically states your interest in this particular position, résumé, law school transcripts and a brief writing sample by June 22, 2012 to Randall C. Marshall, Legal Director.  

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 

The Affiliate Support and Advocacy Department of the ACLU’s National Office in New York City Seeks Advocacy and Policy Counsel

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation (ACLU), founded in 1920, is a nationwide, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with more than 500,000 members dedicated to the principles of liberty and equality embodied in the U.S. Constitution. The Affiliate Support and Advocacy Department of the ACLU’s National Office in New York City seeks a full-time Advocacy and Policy Counsel.

Through its affiliates, members, and national staff, the ACLU has a presence in every state across the country. Each affiliate works with its state’s legislature and policymakers to further the protection and advancement of civil liberties.

Reporting to the Director of Advocacy and Policy, the Advocacy and Policy Counsel will focus on supporting nationwide state-based advocacy to advance state legislative and public policy priorities. The Advocacy and Policy Counsel will be part of an integrated team, including litigators, advocacy staff, communications specialists, and federal lobbyists, and work closely with ACLU affiliates. The Advocacy and Policy Counsel’s work will primarily be with the ACLU’s Center for Justice’s Initiative to End Overincarceration, which seeks an end to excessively harsh crime policies that result in mass incarceration and stand in the way of a just and equal society. State legislative and public policy advocacy will focus on the reform of state pre-trial practices, drug laws, sentencing schemes, and parole and probation policies.

The Advocacy and Policy Counsel is a non-litigating attorney position for a lawyer with exceptional analytical and writing abilities. The Advocacy and Policy Counsel will devise and execute nationwide state-based advocacy strategies, assess emerging policy trends, and mobilize affiliates across the country. Work will include drafting state legislation and legislative amendments, preparing state legislative advocacy materials, researching legal issues related to state legislation, and assisting in identifying litigation opportunities.

For information regarding responsibilities, qualifications, compensation and how to apply, please visit the ACLU website.

 

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is Seeking 2 Attorneys for Office of the General Counsel in Atlanta

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking 2 attorneys to join the office of the General Counsel in its Region IV office in Atlanta. The Atlanta regional office provides legal counsel to DHHS components, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration for Children and Families and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

The work will involve defending cases before the Departmental Appeals Board, Federal district courts and Courts of Appeal and offering legal advice on Medicare certification and enforcement matters, Medicare overpayment issues, Medicare fraud and abuse matters and Medicaid matters; representing DHHS in litigation involving the Head Start program and state program disallowance cases; giving advice on and serving as agency counsel in litigation before the MSPB and EEOC for DHHS components in the regional office and at the CDC; and providing advice to the CDC on contract and procurement matters, including litigation before the GAO and BCA. Some travel is required.

These are entry level positions to be filled at the GS-11 to GS-12 levels ($59,987 to $93,470), depending on experience and qualifications. There is promotion potential to GS14. The positions will be located in Atlanta, Georgia and reimbursement for relocation expenses is not available. Candidates must have graduated from an accredited law school and hold an active license to practice law or, if a 2012 graduate, plan to take a summer 2012 bar exam. Candidates must have strong writing, oral and analytical skills. Knowledge of health care and administrative law or personnel law is a plus. Candidates must be U.S. citizens to qualify for these positions. DHHS is an equal opportunity employer.

Interested candidates should send: (1) a letter summarizing relevant experience; (2) a resume; (3) a list of references; (4) a certificate of good standing from all jurisdictions in which the applicant holds an active license to practice law; (5) law school transcripts (required only if the applicant has graduated within the last three years); and (6) a recent writing sample that demonstrates excellent writing skills, legal analysis and reasoning, presentation of facts, and legal argument. Please send these items to Christine Bradfield, Deputy Chief Counsel, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the General Counsel.

Applications must be received by June 22, 2012.

Position Announcement – Associate Court Officer , Special Tribunal for Lebanon, (The Hague)

Associate Court Officer , Special Tribunal for Lebanon, (The Hague)

VACANCY REF: NL-OTR-CMSS-P2-445

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon is an international inter-governmental organization with its own independent legal identity, and not a UN organization. However, STL follows the UN common system for benefits and entitlements to its staff members. UN staff members may also serve on loan from their parent department/office, if selected.

Under the overall supervision of the Legal Officer on Judicial Matters, the Associate Court Officer is responsible inter alia, for receiving, recording, filing and approving documents submitted to the Registry; making all necessary arrangements for the court proceedings on behalf of the Registrar or the Deputy Registrar; representing and performing the functions of Registry in all court proceedings; handling of exhibits (in hard copy or electronic format); etc.

For requirements, responsibilities, how to apply and any other information, please visit the website.

Closing/Expiration Date is June 27, 2012

The Miami Lakes Bar Association cordially invites you to its 2012 Miami-Dade Candidates’ Reception

The Miami Lakes Bar Association cordially invites you to its 2012 Miami-Dade Candidates’ Reception to be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club, 6842 Main Street, Grand Slam Ballroom, Miami Lakes, Florida 33014.

This non-partisan event is open to all candidates and those interested in meeting the candidates running for office throughout Miami-Dade County(e.g., Commissioners, Mayor, Judges) and learning more about their platforms. Light appetizers will be provided. Beverages will be available for purchase.

An RSVP is strongly encouraged. Please email Haydee Sera to RSVP.

 

The Center for Reproductive Rights is Seeking Advocacy Adviser, Global Advocacy Program

The Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) is a non-profit legal advocacy organization dedicated to promoting women’s equality worldwide by guaranteeing reproductive rights as human rights. Reproductive rights, the foundation for women’s self-determination over their bodies and sexual lives, are critical to all women’s ability to achieve their full potential.

The CRR is hiring for the position of Advocacy Adviser, Global Advocacy Program within the Global Legal Program. For more information about duties and responsibilities, requirements, and how to apply, visit our website. Applications will be accepted through June 15, 2012.

Human Dignity Trust Seeks Lawyer, London

Application deadline: 11 June 2012

The Human Dignity Trust, on the invitation of those directly affected, facilitates litigation in those jurisdictions that criminalise sexual orientation and gender identity. The Trust seeks to ensure that constitutional law gives full effect to binding international human rights standards and that the right to private, consensual sexual activity between adults of the same sex is guaranteed. Our aim is to uphold the rule of law.

The Human Dignity Trust is looking to appoint a lawyer. This permanent position will be an exciting and rewarding opportunity for a lawyer with at least 5 years experience of practice. They will work at the cutting edge of international human rights law and bring about real change for people who are criminalised, and/or at risk of prosecution, because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The lawyer will be based in Central London. The position is full time but a part time appointment will be considered. The salary is in the range of £35,000 to £50,000 pa (depending upon experience) + pension + 25 days holiday.

Interviews will take place in the week commencing 18 June 2012.

To apply please send by email by 11 June 2012:

• A full curriculum vitae;
• The names and addresses of three referees (references will not be taken up without prior consent);
• A cover letter setting out your reasons for applying and how you consider that you meet the criteria for this post;

In your cover letter please indicate whether you have permission to live and work in the UK.

For an informal discussion about the position, please contact the Chief Executive.

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 18 June 2012. Where necessary interviews will be held by Skype or other video conferencing systems.