Criminal Defense Lawyers

Job Title:  Two Full Time Criminal Defense Lawyers

The International Legal Foundation (the ILF), a not-for-profit organization based in New York, was created 10 years ago for the purpose of setting up public defender systems in post-conflict countries and regions in transition (www.TheILF.org).

ILF has set up a new project, ILF-West Bank (ILF-WB).  ILF-WB provides criminal defense services to the poor accused of a crime under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian civilian court system. ILF-WB currently has one office in Ramallah with two lawyers and plans to open four more offices in the next two years in different cities of the West Bank. Palestinian lawyers provide representation to the poor while being mentoring day-in and day-out, case by case by the ILF’s expert international defense lawyers. The ultimate goal of the project is to strengthen the Palestinian criminal justice system by ensuring that all indigent Palestinians accused of crimes in the Palestinian civilian court system are provided with quality free criminal defense representation.

ITTQAN CONSULTING SERVICES, a Ramallah-based law firm, is assisting the ILF in setting up ILF-P and coordinating its activities.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

ILF-WB Lawyers will be providing criminal defense services to the indigent in the Palestinian civil court system, at all court levels.  The selected candidates must agree to advance novel criminal defense arguments and practices as allowed—but not yet tested—under the local laws. While the position is currently for one year, the expectation is that the person selected will have the opportunity to stay on as ILF-WB  expands.

RESPONSIBILITIES

-To provide the best possible representation to indigent criminal defense clients
-To work five days per week for ILF-WB for one year, subject to extension based on performance
-To work under the supervision and mentorship of an international criminal defense expert
-To learn and try new arguments in court and expand his or her understanding of criminal defense
-To participate in internal legal education seminars and other activities ILF-WB deems necessary

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants must be committed to the mission of the ILF and be flexible in their approach to work. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.

-Law degree from an accredited school
-License to practice law on the West Bank
-Experience a strong plus
-Good professional standing
-Strong oral and written communication skills
-Demonstrated ability to maintain attorney-client confidentiality
-Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
-Willingness and ability to learn new theories and practices
-Proficiency in English desirable but not required
-A commitment to the ILF’s mission and goals


The International Legal Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are to send resumes and cover letters to [email protected] no later than December. 10. 2010. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.