Legal Counsel, Latin America
ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people. Please visit our career site to view our Statement of Faith and Doctrinal Distinctives.
Legal Counsel, Latin America
ADF International is looking for a highly organized Legal Counsel, Latin America to join us in our Washington DC office. As Legal Counsel, Latin America, you are a vital part of the International Advocacy Team. In this role, you will report to the Director of Advocacy, Latin America & Caribbean of ADF International. You will be expected to conduct high quality legal research and writing. As well as being an advocate in the Latin American region by further developing our network . You are equally responsible for undertaking legal advocacy at the Organization of American States (OAS) and at the national level throughout Latin America. This position requires knowledge on issues of public international law, particularly in InterAmerican human rights law, and familiarity with the processes of the Inter American Human Rights system, as well as substantive knowledge of contemporary issues such as gender theories, bioethics, and regional politics.
Your Essential Responsibilities:
- Conduct in-depth and high-quality legal work.
- Draft scholarly articles, present at conferences, and conduct training events.
- Draft legal documents and memorandums and, where appropriate, advise others.
- Engage in oral and written advocacy at the OAS, Inter American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter American Court of Human Rights.
- Identify cases which could further our mission and help draw together, as appropriate, potential clients, external lawyers, and other supporting professionals.
- Develop strategies to identify and support cases which will secure positive precedents at the highest available courts and institutions.
- Advise allied lawyers on legal issues within areas of competence.
- Engage with ambassadors, parliamentarians, civil servants and members of the legal profession.
- Foster relationships at the highest levels within the OAS and with government officials, judges, etc.
- Build coalitions alongside allies to promote the sanctity of life, marriage and the family, and religious freedom both within the United States and across the target region.
- Build a growing alliance of lawyers, law students, church leaders, public intellectuals, NGO leaders, business leaders, academics, diplomats, policy makers and law makers to advance the mission of ADF International in Latin America.
- Cooperate with the Development team, including on speaking engagements and other Ministry Friend events.
- Interact with the media regarding cases and issues through op-eds, commentaries, and interviews on radio or television in support of our mission.
- Build relationships with Washington DC-based organizations that engage in related human rights work.
- Support our allies in Latin America through funding, training, and development of legal strategies.
Other Responsibilities:
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You will be asked to perform related duties or special projects as assigned.
Skills You Need to Succeed:
Knowledge of and experience with:
- Key threats to life, marriage and the family, and religious freedom in the Latin American and international context, with an understanding of the key debates on these topics and the philosophical ideas underpinning them.
- Political affairs in the Latin American states and the broader region.
- Strategic thinking to design and execute successful advocacy campaigns on multiple fronts, including litigation, legislative advocacy and public relations.
Demonstrated proficiency in:
- Legal analysis, research, and writing.
- Alliance-building, networking, and relationship development.
- Capacity to handle multiple complex matters working with a multi-disciplinary team.
- Public speaking.
- Communicating effectively, both written and orally, cross-culturally.
Ability to:
- Write and speak with excellence in English and Spanish.
- Apply self-initiative in furtherance of our mission and agreed objectives, and pushing for the completion of projects.
- Develop and maintain key relationships with allies and alliance partners.
- Engage in debates and countering arguments “on your feet”.
- Live and work in Washington, DC.
- Travel internationally, sometimes on short notice.
- Work with church leaders from a variety of denominational backgrounds.
Education and/or Experience:
- J.D or equivalent and 2 years of attorney experience in constitutional, administrative and/or human rights law.
- Familiarity with Interamerican System of Human Rights procedures required.
- All legal practice will be performed internationally at the OAS, Inter American Commission on Human Rights, and the Inter American Court of Human Rights, and therefore, a license to practice law in the US is not required.
- Academic excellence.
A valid work permit for the US, or US citizenship or being able to apply for an H1B1 or TN visa required.
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