Become a Legal Fellow (Litigation) at Legal Action Worldwide (LAW): Apply by 6 February 2026

Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) | Human Rights & International Justice

Location: Brooklyn, New York (Hybrid) or Remote (Eastern Time Zone)
Programme Area: Litigation & Accountability
Duration: Flexible (Semester-based or One-Year Post-Graduation)
Start Date: Summer or Fall 2026
Application Deadline: 6 February 2026 (Rolling Review)

About Legal Action Worldwide (LAW)

Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) is an independent, non-profit organisation composed of creative human rights lawyers and jurists committed to ensuring that survivors of human rights violations and international crimes can access justice.

LAW operates with a survivor-centred, gender-competent, and trauma-informed approach, prioritising the voices, needs, and wishes of those directly affected by violence and injustice.

LAW works across 18 countries, combining national and international legal expertise with deep contextual knowledge of conflict-affected and fragile environments.

The organisation partners directly with survivors and their communities, strengthening their capacity to engage meaningfully in justice and advocacy processes. In parallel, LAW provides technical assistance to justice institutions and collaborates with legislators to promote accountability, the rule of law, and sustainable peace.

Through strategic litigation at national, regional, and international levels, LAW advances innovative accountability pathways to challenge impunity. Its vision is clear: a world where all victims and survivors have access to justice, and where impunity is no longer a barrier to sustainable peace.

Fellowship Overview

The Legal Fellow (Litigation) role offers a unique opportunity for emerging legal professionals to work closely with LAW’s global litigation team and support programmes operating across diverse and complex contexts, including Geneva, Kyiv, Beirut, Juba, Mogadishu, Nairobi, Cox’s Bazar, and New York.

Fellows gain hands-on exposure to international human rights and international criminal law practice while contributing meaningfully to accountability efforts for victims and survivors of international crimes.

The fellowship provides valuable insight into the operations of a distinctive international organisation working at the intersection of law, justice, and survivor protection.

Location, Duration, and Structure

• Location:
  • New York City (hybrid, with in-office presence a few days per week), or
  • Fully remote, provided the fellow is based in the Eastern Time Zone
• Duration Options:
  • Part-time or full-time for a minimum of one law school semester, or
  • Full-time for one year post-graduation
• Start Period:
  • Summer or Fall 2026

Compensation and Funding Conditions

LAW does not provide direct financial compensation for this fellowship. Legal Fellows will be considered under the following conditions:

• The candidate has secured external funding (e.g. university, foundation, or government funding)
• The candidate wishes to collaborate with LAW to apply for external funding opportunities
• The candidate will receive academic credit through their law school in lieu of financial compensation

Key Responsibilities

The Legal Fellow will support LAW’s justice and accountability initiatives by undertaking the following tasks:

• Conduct legal research and draft criminal complaints related to international crimes under principles of universal jurisdiction
• Draft submissions to international and regional mechanisms, including:
  • International Criminal Court (Office of the Prosecutor)
  • International Court of Justice
  • UN Treaty Bodies
  • Regional human rights systems
• Assist litigation leadership and programme teams with case file management, organisation, and tracking
• Take detailed notes during litigation meetings and witness interviews
• Monitor developments in relevant conflict contexts and national, regional, and international policy
• Track and analyse key developments in international law
• Support LAW in responding to the justice and protection needs of survivors
• Contribute to policy, advocacy, and research outputs, including public reports

Candidate Profile

LAW is seeking candidates who demonstrate strong legal skills, ethical commitment, and adaptability.

Required Qualifications

• Enrolment in a J.D. or LL.M. programme, with a focus on international human rights or international criminal law
• At least one year of relevant experience in access-to-justice work or engagement with vulnerable communities
• Demonstrated research, analytical, and organisational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong technical literacy
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Fluency in English

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with international NGOs
• Experience working with survivors of gender-based violence
• Proficiency in additional languages such as French, Arabic, Ukrainian, or Burmese

Application Process

Applicants must submit an application through the official LAW application link. In the cover letter, candidates are required to clearly address the following:

• Financial Sponsorship or Academic Credit:
  • Confirmation of secured funding (including amount), intent to apply for funding with LAW, or academic credit arrangements
• Proposed Timing and Duration:
  • Preferred start date, duration, and flexibility
• Location:
  • Intended work location and preference for remote or in-office work
• Area of Interest:
  • Preferred thematic or programmatic focus within LAW’s work

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is strongly encouraged.

Commitment to Diversity

LAW is strengthened by the diversity of its team and actively values colleagues from different nationalities, backgrounds, and lived experiences. This diversity enhances LAW’s ability to understand complex cultural and political contexts and deliver survivor-centred, context-responsive justice initiatives.

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