Strategic Litigation Officer - Europe

Competitive salary + benefits

Brussels/Berlin/London

Do you want to help make the world a better place with your expertise in integrating litigation with out of court legal advocacy and community engagement? We’re seeking a Strategic Litigation Officer, Europe based in Brussels, Berlin or London within the OSJI Program to engage in strategic litigation through representation of clients, preparation of pleadings, legal and factual research, and the provision of legal advice to team members and foundation partners.

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.

The Open Society Justice Initiative undertakes strategic litigation in national, regional, and international courts and administrative forums across the globe to advance Open Society Foundations’ goals. The Justice Initiative is comprised of lawyers with a wide range of practice experience who combine in-court interventions with out of court legal advocacy and community engagement. The Justice Initiative works closely with OSF’s regional and global programs to deploy the tool of strategic litigation effectively, and to provide support to OSF grantees and partners.

As a Strategic Litigation Officer, you will:

• Conceptualize, develop, and manage strategic litigation tactics, including related advocacy and client and community engagement, to pursue OSF goals in Europe.
• Conduct and/or oversee the conduct of in-courtroom work and out-of-court legal advocacy relating to cases; establish, manage, and oversee relationships with external litigation counsel, clients, affected community members, other litigants, and technical experts.
• Engage with lawyers, NGOs, activists, members of communities and movements outside of OSF to identify community needs that might effectively be advanced through strategic litigation.
• Draft legal applications, briefs, pleadings and other documents for submission to domestic and international administrative forums, tribunals and courts.
• Provide technical assistance and strategic advice to Open Society Foundations network and Justice Initiative partners. Provide litigation advice to and guide on development of subject-matter knowledge for team members and other programs of the Open Society Foundations.
• Manage and execute litigation strategy for selected/assigned cases, including leading/overseeing case litigation teams of lawyers and experts.

What we are looking for:

• 7-10 years’ experience litigating cases in at least one jurisdiction in the region, as well as experience undertaking associated advocacy.
• License to practice in at least one jurisdiction in the region required.
• Expertise in any of the following practice areas is preferred: digital rights, freedom of expression, climate justice, anti-corruption, corporate accountability, equality and non-discrimination, worker rights, and international criminal justice.
• Experience with public international law and especially human rights law.
• Demonstrated experience in conceptualizing and managing complex litigation.
• Demonstrated experience in managing litigation teams and in working with technical non-legal experts to support litigation, including analysis and preparation of complex expert evidence for use in litigation.
• Practical experience with case and document management in a busy law practice or with an organization involved in complex litigation.
• Experience in providing litigation support throughout the different stages, including research, intake interviews with clients, preparing legal filings, collecting and organizing evidence; preparing case summaries, and managing litigation teams.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research, write and edit a range of different materials including legal documents, blogs and submissions for different audiences.
• Proficiency in English, with strong written and oral communication skills.
• Availability to engage in substantial travel.
• Commitment to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and social justice.
• Commitment to listening and working with humility; ways of working that are respectful to all people; and that support space and voice for all diverse perspectives in our workplace.

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience in strategic litigation in different jurisdictions is an added advantage.
• Practical experience of working with non-governmental organizations highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of other languages relevant to the region.

What we offer:

• Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite trainings and learning conversations with visiting experts.
• Top-notch benefits and perks designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance. With some variability according to location, this includes generous time off, flexible work arrangements, employer-paid health insurance, generous retirement savings plan, progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more.
• A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world.

If this sounds like the position you have been looking for, please submit your cover letter and CV; we look forward to learning more about you.

Closing date: 31 August 2022.

We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.