Volunteer mentor of international public defenders

The ILF International Fellows Program
Call for Remote Fellows during Covid-19 Pandemic

The International Legal Foundation (ILF) is seeking lawyers with extensive criminal defense experience and legal aid institutional know-how to join its Natalie Rea International Fellows program and provide training and capacity building to local lawyers and legal aid providers in developing and transitional legal systems through day-to-day, case-by-case mentoring. Juvenile justice experts are particularly needed to support the development of specialized units to provide quality representation to children in conflict with the law. We currently have fellow positions available with our teams in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Palestine (West Bank), and Tunisia. Fellows are normally embedded within ILF’s local offices, but due to the unfolding global health emergency, fellows will work remotely for the foreseeable future. An in-country fellow role may be possible, as the situation develops and if circumstances allow.

The ILF’s International Fellows program provides criminal justice professionals with the opportunity to have a direct and positive impact on their fellow lawyers abroad and in the process contribute to the development of justice systems around the world. Fellow positions are volunteer/ pro bono positions, but a small monthly stipend will be provided based on a minimum weekly hour commitment and fellowship duration. In the event that an in-country trip can be planned at a later date, all international and domestic work related transportation and housing is covered.

Fellows are the backbone of the ILF’s success in its program countries. Since 2001, nearly 100 Fellows from around the world have helped transform the role of local lawyers in Afghanistan, Tunisia, Palestine (West Bank), Nepal, and Myanmar from passive participants in the criminal justice system to proactive advocates for their clients. As a direct result of these pro bono placements, clients languishing in detention have been released and many innocent accused have been acquitted. Fellows have helped local lawyers develop foundational defense skills and techniques, challenge unlawful policies and practices, and push litigation strategies that have improved the justice systems in all of the countries in which the ILF works. Fellows with managerial experience have supported the introduction of systems and procedures in ILF offices that facilitate quality services to clients and move towards local independence.

The need for talented lawyer to participate in the ILF’s Fellows program is even more critical given the need to develop innovative strategies to address the impact of Covid-19 on poor and vulnerable detainee and prison populations around the world. The remote nature of this program will also provide an opportunity for lawyers to participate who cannot temporarily relocate.

Program Details:
ILF staff works with Fellows prior to the start of the program to prepare them on relevant law, practice and country context, as well as connecting new Fellows with prior Fellows and local staff. The ILF will also provide remote Fellows with access to a platform for remote communication with the country team; translation services; and regular guidance, program and logistical support.

Ideally, new Fellows will join a team of current Fellows who are actively providing remote mentorship to local lawyers. New Fellows will immediately begin joining mentoring sessions and develop a training on a topic agreed upon between the ILF and the Fellow. After conducting the training, Fellows will start to work up cases with the lawyers, conduct legal discussions, create defense theories and strategize plans for addressing challenges and meeting all needs of clients. The mentoring also includes very practical assistance and support to lawyers as they interview clients, conduct investigations, write motions, prepare witness examinations, and practice oral arguments. In general, the purpose of the ILF Fellows program is to empower and build the capacity of local legal service providers by providing them with the skills and ability to deliver client-centered, rights-based, comprehensive and holistic representation to all clients.

Fellows must ordinarily commit to a minimum of 15 hours per week for at least three months, though we also occasionally create more tailored opportunities. Interested candidates may suggest a preference for placement, though ultimately placements are dependent on current programming needs, and developmental stage of the relevant office.

Opportunities are ongoing, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.