15 January 2021.
The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD), an international human rights organisation based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, will host up to four interns for the summer of 2021. The position will involve a range of substantive legal work in areas such as freedom of expression, media law, digital rights and access to information.
CLD provides expert legal services on foundational rights for democracy for the support and promotion of these rights around the world. Select recent projects include:
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- Supporting Myanmar’s democratic transition, including by fostering the development of a robust and independent media sector and the drafting of new laws governing broadcasting, digital speech and access to information.
- Supporting strategic litigation in various countries to establish stronger standards of respect for freedom of expression.
- Developing innovative new tools to assess implementation of access to information laws as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Providing expert input into law reform processes in a range of countries, such as Jordan, Samoa, Vietnam and Nepal.
- Campaigning against global threats to digital rights, such as mass surveillance, content restrictions, Internet shutdowns and efforts to undermine encryption and digital security.
- Providing training and support to journalists, lawyers, judges and activists in countries around the world on media law and human rights issues.
- Maintaining a comprehensive rating of the strength of access to information laws globally (www.rti-rating.org).
We ask interns to commit to at least three months full-time work during the months of May to August. We normally ask interns to be based in our office in Halifax, since we believe being with us in-person provides a richer all-round experience for interns. However, given the ongoing pandemic, we will select interns on a competitive basis and, where necessitated by travel restrictions or other pandemic-related restrictions, accommodate remote internships. These positions are unpaid and we encourage prospective interns to seek funding from their law schools or other sources.
CLD is known for providing its interns with a rich and varied substantive legal experience. As such, interns will have the opportunity to be directly involved in advancing the cause of human rights, normally in a range of countries, over the summer. For more information on CLD’s work, visit our website at www.law-democracy.org.
Those interested in applying should send a copy of their resume, cover letter and unofficial law school transcripts to laura@law-democracy.org by 8 February 2021. Final candidates may be asked to provide a writing sample.
Successful candidates will have a strong academic record, excellent research skills, the ability to multi-task, and a demonstrated commitment to international law and human rights. Languages and international experience are assets. Applicants should be current law students or recent graduates; on an exceptional basis we will consider candidates without a law background.
CLD is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of characteristics such as age, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion or sexual orientation.
