Opportunities
Volunteer Lawyer - Nepal
The International Legal Foundation (the ILF) is looking for experienced lawyers to spend 3 months in Nepal to mentor and train national lawyers develop a more pro-active approach to indigent criminal defense.
The ILF is a not-for-profit organization, created for the purpose of establishing public defender systems in post-conflict countries. The ILF believes that indigent representation is the key to justice reconstruction. Without defense lawyers making sure that judges, prosecutors, and police officers follow the law, nothing will change. The ILF also believes that by fighting against arbitrary detention, public defenders are often the first protectors of human rights. For the past ten years, the organization has focused solely on providing criminal defense services to the indigent, first in Rwanda, later in Afghanistan and now in Nepal.
Nepal is currently facing a transitional period in its history, with real opportunities for strengthening the rule of law in the country through the development of a strong proactive criminal defense culture and practice.
The ILF seeks volunteer lawyers to be part of the organization’s project in Nepal. These volunteers are designated as Kathryn Wadia Fellows. All fellows will mentor national lawyers in criminal defense representation for indigent clients. The fellows, along with Nepalese lawyers, will handle criminal cases in their entirety, visiting clients in jail, writing motions, making court appearances and conducting investigations. Fellows will also participate in meetings with government officials, other NGOs, and donor countries involved in Rule of Law projects in Nepal, as representatives of the ILF.
The initial phase of the work is located in Kathmandu, where the ILF has an office and apartment. All lawyers will work for three-month assignments there on a rotating basis. All travel, lodging and meals will be paid by the ILF. Applicants must be aware that Nepal is a transitional country and should be well advised of any potential risks involved in living there before applying for this fellowship.
Qualifications
All applicants must have at least 5 years experience in the field of criminal law, either in the area of defense, prosecution or the judiciary. Applicants should be sensitive to cultural differences and willing to work on Fridays and Sundays. While travel, lodging and food will be provided to all fellows while on assignment, the ILF will not be responsible for any other expenses incurred during the assignment (i.e. rent, health care).
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Natalie Rea (nrea@theilf.org). Please describe your international experience and your preferred dates of travel.
Natalie Rea, Executive Director
International Legal Foundation
68 Jay Street, Suite 404
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel: 1-718-852-2220
www.theilf.org