The General Counsel’s (GC) Office of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Staff Attorney. The General Counsel’s Office at Human Rights Watch is responsible for legal oversight of the organization's policies, compliance, risk management, and governance, as well as a wide range of corporate matters including media law, intellectual property, foreign operations, tax, insurance and contract review, worldwide litigation and international and domestic employment matters including labor relations. The Staff Attorney will assist the General Counsel as needed across all areas of work, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with a small but growing legal team and a diverse and collegial staff on a variety of projects. The position offers excellent opportunities for growth and advancement and is ideal for someone who wishes to develop broad experience in legal management at a premier international advocacy non-profit. Human Rights Watch is an activist organization that is dedicated to taking on human rights abuses around the world; accordingly, its lawyers are dedicated to its mission and its defense, and must be able to provide sound legal and policy advice to colleagues around the world who operate often in high-risk and stressful conditions.
This position will be based in New York and will report to the General Counsel, also based in New York.
- Provides legal counsel and guidance to various departments in the organization, including to Human Resources regarding employment policies and practices, grievance procedures, personnel matters, and other employment law matters; Operations and Development relating to contracts; Communications and Program in relation to matters of compliance, intellectual property and related matters of multi-media publishing and research; and other departments as needed;
- Reviews, negotiates and approves contracts and licenses, leases, registrations, and other legal documents;
- Ensures organizational legal compliance with U.S. and foreign laws, helping to develop and draft organizational policies and creating systems to ensure compliance with policies;
- Manages litigation where necessary;
- Provides proactive advice and research into legal opportunities and obstacles for a prominent international human rights advocacy organization;
- Creates manuals and guidance materials to assist different parts of the organization with legal matters and helps train various staff in legal management and compliance issues as needed;
- Helps build and maintain a worldwide network of pro bono and paid counsel; and
- Undertakes special projects and other duties as required.
- Ability to work to the highest legal standards of practice in a fast-paced work environment and tackle both standard and novel legal matters that arise in the course of worldwide NGO operations are required.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills are required, especially the ability to clearly communicate to, collaborate with, and guide the exceptionally talented, multi-national and diverse staff of HRW, including those who do not come from a legal background.
- Proven skills in problem-solving and policy implementation are required, especially the ability to work with staff to develop viable solutions that mitigate risk while enabling organizational priorities to be achieved efficiently.
- Sound judgement, proficiency in spotting problems and finding solutions, and demonstrated capacity to lead projects and carry them to completion are required.
- Intellectual curiosity, eagerness to take on new responsibilities, and ability to master new topics when needed are required.
- Strong experience in working with (and potentially in recruiting) outside counsel in the US and in other countries is required.
- Self-motivation, excellent organizational skills, meticulousness, and ability to work well under pressure and work effectively towards deadlines are required.
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills in English are required; proficiency in other languages is a plus.
- Proficiency in various computer packages, including MS Office applications, and the ability to quickly learn other applications are required.
- Interest and familiarity with employment law, investigations, non-profit or foundation law, and international human rights are an advantage.
HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, an outstanding retirement savings plan and twenty (20) days of vacation per year.