Justice Initiative Internship London 2023

The Open Society Justice Initiative is seeking current law school and other advanced degree graduate students to join our team as a Legal Intern based in our London office. This summer internship will commence in Summer 2023, exact date to be determined based on candidate availability and agreement, with the possibility of extension into Autumn 2023. The internship requires a part-time (20 hours/week) or full-time (40 hours/week) commitment for a minimum of 15 weeks; the internship may be extended, subject to candidate availability and prior OSJI approval. The Open Society Foundations cannot provide immigration assistance to legal research interns but will provide relocation financial support. The Open Society Foundations currently operates on a hybrid work model which includes a mix of in-person and remote work.

As an intern at Open Society, you will:

• Draft legal and non-legal reports and memoranda on programmatic or legal issues related to priority areas (this may include political rights, physical integrity, fair trials, national security, corporate accountability, women’s rights, and/or United Nations mechanisms).
• Conduct all-source research via websites, Lexis/Nexis, foreign source materials, academic studies, oral interviews of experts, and legal and political documents.
• Research and analyze international and domestic law jurisprudence as it relates to human rights, and the situations and development of targeted country situations.
• Compile country/region-specific information on human rights and rule of law issues; this may include human rights defenders, civil society activities, legislative developments, and state compliance with international human rights standards.
• Participate in OSJI scheduled staff calls and other relevant meetings.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

What we are looking for:

• Currently enrolled in a law school or graduate program with legal component or a recent graduate;
• Highly motivated with demonstrated excellence in prior endeavors.
• Demonstrated interest in human rights litigation and commitment to public service, with an understanding of and strong interest in international human rights law;
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Advanced proficiency in English-language communication skills (both orally and in writing) required, proficiency in other languages, particularly French or Arabic, an added plus.
• Proven ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, consistently on schedule, without loss of attention to detail; flexibility and ability to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks, particularly under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, good humor always appreciated, with an understanding of cross-cultural issues and ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently.

If this sounds like the position you have been looking for, please submit your cover letter and CV, alongside a sample of your writing. Please include in your cover letter your availability, including the dates you’d be available and the number of hours you’d be able to dedicate to the internship (20 and/or 40 hours/week), including variability within the 15 week window, if any (e.g. if you can work full-time during the summer and part-time in the fall); we look forward to learning more about you.

Compensation rate: GBP 12 per hour.

Please note, this position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship.

Competitive rates of pay apply.

We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.