Job Description

JOB TITLE: Lawyers Network Spring 2021 Law Student Internship

DEPARTMENT: U.S. Programs, Lawyers Network

CENTER BACKGROUND: The Center for Reproductive Rights (the Center) is the premier global litigation and legal policy organization using the power of law to advance reproductive rights as fundamental human rights around the world. Headquartered in New York City, the non-profit, non-partisan organization has regional offices in Bogota, Geneva, Nairobi, and Washington, DC; a staff of approximately 200 diverse professionals; an annual budget of approximately $40 million with an additional $22 million in donated services from leading law firms around the globe.

The Center's game-changing litigation and advocacy work, combined with its unparalleled expertise in constitutional, comparative, and international human rights law, have transformed how reproductive rights are understood by courts, governments, and human rights bodies worldwide. It has played a key role in securing landmark legal victories in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the United States on issues including access to life-saving obstetrics care, contraception, safe abortion services, and comprehensive sexuality information, as well as the prevention of forced sterilization and child marriage. It has brought groundbreaking cases before national courts, U.N. Committees, and regional human rights bodies, led the development of historic, proactive legislation advancing robust protections for reproductive rights, and has built the legal capacity of women's rights advocates in more than 60 countries.

To learn more about the Center for Reproductive Rights, go to www.reproductiverights.org. 

THE ROLE: The Lawyers Network is an initiative that builds knowledge and support for an array of reproductive rights by engaging legal leaders from law firms, corporate legal departments, not-for-profit and other areas of the profession across the country. In collaboration with bar associations at the national, state and local level we work to build knowledge about reproductive rights through programming; provide opportunities for action through association advocacy and Center campaigns; as well as cultivate new allies in support of reproductive rights. With our members we work to uphold the rule of law, defend evidence-based decisions, and protect the reproductive freedoms that lie at the heart of the promise of human dignity, self-determination, and equality embodied in the U.S. Constitution.

The Lawyers Network team is looking for an enthusiastic, resourceful, and highly organized legal intern with a commitment to reproductive rights and reproductive justice issues to engage in a variety of projects related to our work. The internship will provide the successful candidate with experience in the day-to-day operations of an exciting initiative within a dynamic public interest law organization, including legal and factual research and writing.

The internship is part-time during the Spring 2021 semester, with an expected commitment of 10-15 hours/week. Due to Covid-19, this internship will be remote, and candidates will be expected to use a personal computer/laptop and have access to WiFi/internet. Candidates are required to seek outside funding or academic credit for the internship. WE ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THIS INTERNSHIP AT THIS TIME.

This position will be fully remote.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Conducting legal, factual, and other research and analysis in connection with active and potential U.S.-focused and global initiatives;
• Drafting legal education and advocacy materials in collaboration with members of the Lawyers Network team; and
• Drafting, researching and reviewing bar association resolutions, reports, and other publications.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completed at least one year of law school by December 2020;
• Strong legal research and writing skills; and
• Demonstrated interest in public interest, human rights, gender justice, reproductive rights, and reproductive justice.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic thinking: Applies big-picture thinking while also focusing on the details of implementation.
• Decisiveness: Consistently makes sound decisions in a timely manner supportive of the Center's mission, core values, and strategic objectives. Blends vision and judgment.
• Collaboration: Brings a track record of working effectively with various and diverse individuals and groups, and a willingness to actively listen and invite different views and opinions across all levels of the institution to build alignment in support of a common goal.
• Receives and Provides Direct Feedback: Actively gives and requests feedback to and from peers, supervisors and direct reports (if applicable) about work products, behaviors, values, style and approaches with a view on how this impacts self, other individuals and teams.
• Transparency: Consistently applies openness and honesty in communicating decisions and plans to team members.
• Commitment to learn: Applies a growth mentality to their own and their team's (if applicable) development. Promotes a culture of learning by modeling inquisitiveness and an openness to viewing mistakes as an opportunity to learn and improve.
• Passion for Coaching, and Mentoring Staff: Empowers and motivates employees and creates opportunities for learning, development, and leadership, with a focus on harnessing skills for the future development of team members. (if applicable) Accountability: Follows through on each commitment made to individual contributors, teams and partners and proactively informs others of any delays that occur along the way. Holds team members accountable.
• Integrity: Possesses impeccable integrity and personal and professional values that are consistent with the Center's high standards and mission.
• Empathy: Serves as an empathetic, approachable leader who engenders trust and confidence. (if applicable)
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Demonstrates comfort with ambiguity and calculated risk.

COMPENSATION: Candidates are required to seek full external funding OR course credit for this internship. We are unable to provide funding for this internship at this time.

DURATION OF POSITION: This is a part-time internship during the SPRING 2021 academic semester.

HOW TO APPLY: Please complete the application below to apply. A cover letter and resume must be included in your application. Please include these application materials as attachments.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

The Center for Reproductive Rights is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage people from all groups and communities to apply. 

Please note that all genuine Center openings must be applied through the Center website. The Center does not charge a fee at any stage in the recruitment process (application, interviews, or selection). Nor does it request any medical examinations or bank account inform as part of this process. If someone contacts you on behalf of the Center requesting payment for your application please notify talent@reprorights.org before taking any further action.