Pro Bono Legal Specialist Program

American Bar Association; United States; Remote; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Bar Association is seeking Pro Bono Legal Specialists to support global initiatives aimed at promoting justice and legal empowerment. Volunteers will contribute their extensive legal expertise and experience toward programs that address critical legal issues worldwide, with support for travel and living expenses for assignments over 90 days.

Benefits

Support package for travel and housing

Foreign language training

Medical evacuation coverage

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience required.
• International experience and foreign language skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in programs implemented virtually or overseas.
• Conduct desk reviews and virtual training sessions.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Legal expertise

Initiative

Education

J.D. or equivalent

Job description

American Bar AssociationCenter for Global ProgramsPro Bono Legal Specialist

Since 1990, nearly 10,000 volunteers—judges, attorneys, law professors, and legal specialists—have contributed more than $350 million in pro bono assistance to promote justice, economic opportunity, and human dignity through the rule of law around the world. The ABA’s Center for Global Programs (CGP) mobilizes legal professionals to join the Rule of Law Initiative and Center for Human Rights defend threatened advocates, protect vulnerable communities, hold governments accountable under law, and promote the rule of law.

Requirements

For volunteer positions, the ABA Center for Global Programs considers professionals with a minimum of five years of relevant experience, a high level of energy and initiative, strong interpersonal skills, and relevant substantive legal expertise. International experience and foreign language skills are preferred but not always required.

Support Package

Pro bono volunteers are recruited to assist programs implemented virtually, short-term assignments overseas, or for long-term posting in one of CGP’s country offices.

Many assignments can be conducted virtually, without the need for travel. Examples include desk reviews of reports, virtual training sessions of legal practitioners abroad, and other remote work.

All volunteer participants serving over 90 days abroad receive a support package that covers travel, housing, and general living and business expenses. In-country foreign language training and medical evacuation are also included. Participants serving for shorter periods will receive a similar but less comprehensive package. These Legal Specialists reside in host countries for varying periods and work closely with legal professionals, local governments, nongovernmental organizations, law schools, and other institutions to identify legal reform priorities and implement technical assistance projects.

Please indicate if you are a judge or lawyer:*

Academic Degree(s) Attained (DEGREE, University):*

Years of Relevant Experience

Legal Specialization* Access to Justice & Legal Empowerment Alternative Dispute Resolution Anti-Corruption Bar Association Organization & Management Commercial Law Reform Criminal Justice Gender Governance Grant Writing Health and Environment Human Rights International Law Judicial System Strengthening Legal Education Reform Legal Practice Trafficking in Persons

Previous international experience, including teaching and training (provide date, country, and description):*

Have you served on a CGP Board or Council? If yes, please indicate below. Center for Human Rights Board Rule of Law Initiative Board Africa Council Asia Council CEELI Council Latin America and the Caribbean Council Middle East and North Africa Council Other