The Russia Antidiscrimination Litigation Project, a joint undertaking of the Nizhny Novgorod Committee Against Torture and the Open Society Justice Initiative, is seeking a Russian-trained attorney, fluent in the English language. The Russia Antidiscrimination Litigation Project litigates cases of ethnic minority groups’ rights, ethnic/race discrimination, and related issues in Russian, European and international courts. The project works with a diverse group of Russian nongovernmental organizations and local lawyers, representing a range of victims of racial and ethnic discrimination throughout Russia. Its mandate also includes documentation of discrimination, reporting, and non-legal advocacy.

The Project Lawyer will be involved in implementing ongoing activities and will be responsible for identifying and developing new cases in consultation with the Senior Project Lawyer. Travel to Russian regions will be required. A full time one–year contract subject to renewal will be offered for the position. While the location of the Project Lawyer is flexible, the Project Lawyer must be based in a major Russian city; the precise location will be determined on an individual basis after discussion with select candidates. The Project Lawyer will be supervised by the Senior Lawyer located at the Nizhny Novgorod Committee Against Torture.

The Project Lawyer will:

• Monitor media and NGO publications for political and legislative developments throughout Russia implicating discriminatory practices to identify cases for strategic litigation;
• Investigate potential cases in different parts of Russia, traveling to collect information and meet with potential clients and local lawyers;
• Participate in team decision-making to select cases for the project and devise litigation and advocacy strategies;
• Assist in evidence collection and the development and drafting of legal arguments for cases before Russian or international courts, in cooperation with the Senior Lawyer, local partner organizations or lawyers, and Justice Initiative staff;
• Explore and develop new initiatives where appropriate.

Qualifications:

• Law degree from an accredited Russian law school;
• At least two years’ prior litigation experience;
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights;
• Firm understanding of human rights norms and enforcement mechanisms at the regional and international levels, particularly the European Convention and European Court of Human Rights;
• Demonstrated capacity to develop and apply successfully innovative legal strategies;
• Excellent Russian language legal writing skills and fluency in written and spoken English.

Preferred attributes:

Ability to deal with time pressure and a demanding work environment;
• Experience with public interest organizations focusing on human rights and antidiscrimination;
• Russian Bar membership;
• Knowledge of the social and political situation in Russia.

TO APPLY: Applicants should submit a letter explaining their interest in the position, an English writing sample, a c.v., and two references to Vladimir Luzin, Senior Project Lawyer, with ‘Russia Antidiscrimination Project Lawyer’ in the subject line: vladimirluzin@hotmail.com. All applicants will be notified of receipt of application. Short-listed candidates will be required to attend a formal interview. Deadline for applications:
26 November 2007      

             Projected start date:
1 January 2008

Location of Project Lawyer position:
Flexible within Russia - to be discussed with candidates

Salary:
Competitive, depending on education and experience