Legal Fellow; Litigation

Join to apply for the Legal Fellow (Litigation) role at Legal Action Worldwide (LAW).

Be among the first 25 applicants.

Legal Action Worldwide is an independent non‑profit association made up of human‑rights lawyers and jurists dedicated to providing survivor‑centred, gender‑competent and trauma‑informed support to those who have experienced human‑rights violations and international crimes. Operating on the ground in conflict‑affected contexts, LAW combines national and international expertise with a deep understanding of victim and survivor needs. The organisation works directly with survivors and their communities, strengthens justice institutions, and promotes accountability and the rule of law through technical assistance and legislative advocacy.

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to work with LAW’s global litigation team and support its programmes across multiple locations, including Geneva (Head Office), Kyiv, Beirut, Juba, Mogadishu, Nairobi, Cox’s Bazar, and New York. Successful candidates will gain in‑depth insight into the work of a distinctive international human‑rights organisation operating in complex and conflict‑affected contexts.

New York City (hybrid, in‑office a few days per week) or remote working (based in Eastern Time Zone).

Flexible – part‑time or full‑time for at least one law school semester, or full‑time for one year post‑graduation, beginning Summer or Fall 2026.

LAW does not provide direct financial compensation and will only consider Legal Fellows under the following conditions: the prospective fellow has already secured external funding, wishes to collaborate with LAW to apply for external funding opportunities, or is seeking academic credit through their law school.

• Legal research and drafting criminal complaints for international crimes to file with domestic authorities under the principles of universal jurisdiction.
• Legal research and drafting submissions to international and regional tribunals, including the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, UN Treaty Bodies, and regional human‑rights mechanisms.
• Assist the Head of Litigation, Legal Advisors, and Programme Teams with case file management, organization, and tracking.
• Take notes during regular litigation meetings and witness interviews.
• Track developments in relevant conflict‑contexts and national and international policy.
• Monitor and provide updates on key developments in international law.
• Support LAW in addressing the justice and protection needs of its clients.
• Support policy, advocacy, and research initiatives, including public reports.

• Enrolled J.D. or LLM student with a focus on international human rights and/or international criminal law.
• Relevant one‑year work experience in access to justice work and/or working with vulnerable communities, preferably survivors of gender‑based violence.
• Demonstrated experience of research, organization and analytical ability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong technical literacy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ambitious and able to adapt to changing programme needs.
• Previous experience working with international NGOs is strongly preferred.
• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in additional languages (e.g. French, Arabic, Ukrainian, Burmese) is highly desirable.

Are you ready to use your knowledge and skills to make a real difference to LAW’s work?

Please click the link to apply:
Legal Fellow (Litigation)

• Financial Sponsorship or Course Credit:
  Specify whether you have secured external funding (include the dollar amount), are seeking to collaborate with LAW to apply for funding, or will be receiving academic credit through your law school.
• Proposed Timing and Duration:
  Indicate your preferred start date, anticipated duration of the fellowship, and any flexibility you may have with these dates.
• Location:
  
  Indicate where you will be living during the proposed timeframe of the fellowship, and whether you would work remotely or in person from LAW’s offices.
• Area of Interest:
  Indicate which of LAW’s thematic or programmatic area(s) you are most interested in working in.

At LAW we are strengthened by the diversity of our colleagues reflecting the people and communities that we represent and support. Our team includes many nationalities with diverse professional backgrounds, skills and knowledge, enabling us to deliver and understand the cultural and political contexts on the ground and tailor our support effectively and appropriately.

To learn more about LAW please visit our website:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..