Organization Overview

The International Senior Lawyers Project ("ISLP") captures the resources of highly skilled and experienced lawyers to advance the rule of law, human rights and equitable economic development worldwide.  ISLP identifies needs, develops projects and recruits experienced lawyers in both active practice and retirement to provide legal assistance on a pro bono basis to international organizations, governmental agencies, local civil society organizations and other legal assistance providers.  ISLP volunteers bring decades of experience to its work, which includes technical assistance, capacity building, training and mentoring, legal research and analysis, and direct legal counsel in transactional matters.  During its first seven years of active programming, ISLP has placed volunteers with more than 150 projects and provided more than $34 million in volunteer legal assistance.  ISLP has a staff of six in New York and a Consulting Director for Europe based in Paris. 

Available Opportunities:

Pro bono opportunity for senior lawyers or retired judges to assist the Judges at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda ("ICTR")

The International Senior Lawyers Projects, with the assistance of the International Criminal Defence Attorneys Association,  seeks an English-French bilingual retired judge, or a senior or retired criminal or civil litigator to work in the Judges' Chambers of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, located in Arusha, Tanzania. The volunteer will assist Judges in the drafting of judgments. Excellent written command of either English or French, the two official languages of the ICTR, with good speaking ability in the other language.

The first available opening is in a single-accused case. The case will commence in June 2009.  The presiding judge is francophone, and the other two judges in the Chamber speak English. This case will be written in both English and French.

The ideal volunteer will have significant relevant experience and be available within the next 6 weeks; the minimum time period is 3 months. Travel and accommodation will be provided.

Additional pro bono positions in Chambers may also be available for:

- single-accused cases which will commence in July 2009

- Several multi-accused cases, which are presently in judgment writing phase

Qualifications and experience:

 The ideal candidate  will have the following qualifications and experience: 

• At least 15 years experience as senior-level criminal or civil litigator and/or experience as a judge on the criminal bench;
• Diplomacy, flexibility, patience, cultural sensitivity, excellent interpersonal skills and high ethical standards;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Experience with international rule of law and justice projects;   
• English and French  language capability

Additional Information and Application Details

This is a long-term onsite project in Arusha, Tanzania with a minimum commitment of 3 months . Economy-class transportation and housing will be provided. Emergency evacuation health insurance will be provided.

For additional information, please contact: ISLP's Volunteer Coordinator at amoss@islp.org or 212-895-1038

To apply for this position: please go to the ISLP VOLUNTEER page and submit an application form with your CV and any additional information you would like to share on your legal experience or interest in this area.

Thank you very much for your interest!