The Rule of Law Initiative is looking to fill a number of staff and consultant positions based in the United States and abroad.

Induction Ceremony of the 15th Legal Specialist Class, in Washington D.C., September 2006.

The Rule of Law Initiative is currently seeking experienced judges, attorneys, and law professors interested in lending their expertise to our rule of law reform programs for both long- and short-term assignments overseas.

Through its International Pro Bono Legal Specialist Program, the Rule of Law Initiative provides American and European legal expertise and technical assistance to emerging democracies around the globe as they modify and restructure their laws and legal systems. Legal Specialists reside in host countries for varying periods of time, and work closely with legal professionals, local governments, non-governmental organizations, law schools, and other institutions to identify legal reform priorities and implement technical assistance projects. Since 1990 more than 5,000 volunteers - judges, attorneys, law professors and legal specialists - have contributed over $200 million in pro bono assistance to promoting the rule of law throughout the world.

Requirements

For volunteer positions abroad, the Rule of Law Initiative only considers professionals with a minimum of five years of relevant experience, a high level of energy and initiative, strong interpersonal skills, and relevant substantive legal expertise. International experience and foreign language skills are preferred, but not required.

Support Package

All volunteer participants serving over 90 days receive a generous support package that covers travel, housing, general living, and business expenses. In-country foreign language training and medical evacuation are also included. Participants serving for shorter periods will receive a similar, but less comprehensive package.

The Rule of Law Initiative offers a wide range of internship opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and law students, as well as recent graduates interested in international rule of law promotion.

Please fill out our Online Participant Registration Form to submit your candidacy for the International Pro Bono Legal Specialist Program.

If you wish to receive notifications about opportunities offered by the Rule of Law Initiative please send an e-mail to Ms. Melissa Foldvary at mfoldvary@staff.abanet.org with "Subscribe ROLI Listserv" in the subject line. Please provide your name and affiliation in the body of the e-mail.

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