Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Position: Environment Officer (P-4) at Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy (Deadline: Nov. 21, 2013)


This is strictly speaking not a legal position, but with sufficient environmental law background, I would think that an junior environmental lawyer might be competitive for this interesting position.  The opening is with the Europe, Central Asia, Near East, North Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean Service,  Investment Centre Division, Technical Cooperation Department.

For details, see this link.

http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/VA/pdf/IRC2398e.pdf

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Fellowship: GWU 2-year (2014-2016) Environment & Energy Fellowship (Deadline: Apr. 25, 2014)


GW is seeking a top law graduate for a two-year Environment and Energy Fellowship to begin during the summer of 2014. A description of the Fellowship follows.

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL
Environment and Energy Law Fellowship

The George Washington University Law School announces the availability of a graduate Fellowship for the academic years of 2014-16. The Fellow will enroll on a part-time basis in the Environmental LL.M. program and will receive an LL.M. degree after completing all course requirements.  The Fellow will engage in research, teaching, conference organizing and other activities in support of the environmental and energy law program.
The 2014-16 Fellow will begin in the summer of 2014. The Fellow will be expected to assist in teaching a course on Environmental Lawyering offered each semester, including the summer semester.  The Fellow will also help supervise students participating in GW’s Environment and Energy Policy Practicum, a clinic-like program in which students undertake a semester-long research project on behalf of an environmental or energy organization or a government agency.  The Fellow will also engage in environmental research related to the work of the environment and energy program and may have the opportunity to publish articles that result from the research.  For example, our 2012-2014 Fellow co-authored two book chapters, co-edited a book and co-wrote a law review article with GW faculty while at GW, in addition to publishing one of her own articles.  The Fellow will also assist in the organization of a major environment each year and help with organization of policy dialogues for our energy programs.  Finally, the Fellowship will be responsible for some routine administrative tasks.
 We are currently seeking applications from candidates with strong academic, writing, research and environmental and, or energy policy development experience. Some previous law practice and teaching experience are a plus. Fellows receive an annual stipend between $45,000 and $50,000, tuition remission for the LL.M. program, health insurance and other benefits, and possible student loan deferment.
 Applicants should send letters of interest, resumes, a list of references, and a complete law school transcript by April 25, 2014 to Associate Dean Lee Paddock. The preferred submission method is by email to lpaddock@law.gwu.edu. In the alternative, applications can be mailed to Lee Paddock, Associate Dean for Environmental Law Studies, 2000 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20052. The George Washington University Law School is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. The University undertakes special efforts to employ a diverse workforce.

Fellowship: Columbia Law School 1-year Climate Change Law Fellowship (Deadline: rolling, January 1, 2014)



Applications are invited for a fellowship in climate change law at Columbia Law School’s Center for Climate Change Law.  The salary will be $60,000/year plus benefits.  Applicants must have received a J.D. degree within three years prior to the beginning of the Fellowship. Strong academic qualifications and background in environmental or energy law and policy will be expected. The Fellow will function as Associate Director of the Center; will supervise various fellows, visiting scholars and interns; will work on a wide variety of research and writing projects; and will help organize conferences, seminars, collaborative publications, and other projects concerning climate mitigation and adaptation.

The Fellowship will be for a one-year period, from September 2014 through August 2015.
Applications will be reviewed and interviews offered on a rolling basis.  Candidates are encouraged to apply before January 1, 2014.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, C.V. and law school transcript (unofficial and scanned versions are acceptable) to meredith.wilensky@law.columbia.edu (no calls, please).

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Position: Attorney-Adviser, Office of General Counsel, Dept. of Energy, Wash DC (Deadline: Nov. 22, 2013)

On USJobs.gov.  For original ad, see here https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/354585800

Job Title: Attorney-Adviser
Department: Department Of Energy
Agency: Department of Energy
Job Announcement Number: DOE-GC-14-0001

SALARY RANGE:     $62,467.00 to $155,500.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:     Friday, November 01, 2013 to Friday, November 22, 2013
SERIES & GRADE:     GS-0905-11/15
POSITION INFORMATION:  Full-time - Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:   15
DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy in the following location:  Washington DC, DC 
WHO MAY APPLY: Applications will be accepted from United States citizens.

JOB SUMMARY:
DOE's overarching mission is to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the U.S. through scientific and technological innovation and the environmental clean up of the national nuclear weapons complex. With DOE you'll have the flexibility and freedom to explore a world of possibilities through a wealth of exciting and challenging career opportunities. By joining DOE, you can hone your career skills while helping to secure the U.S. future and make a real difference in the lives of Americans and people around the world. To learn more about the DOE, please visit our website at the following link DOE
The Office of the General Counsel in the Department of Energy is looking for an attorney to provide legal support, advice, and counsel on matters concerning DOE energy efficiency and renewable energy programs and activities, including proposed and final rulemakings and other regulatory oversight issues.
KEY REQUIREMENTS


You must be a U.S. Citizen.
This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
Relocation expenses will not be provided.
See "Other Information" section regarding Selective Service Requirements.
________________________________________

DUTIES:
Back to top
Provide legal support, advice and counsel to the Principal Offices and Assistant Secretaries of the Department on matters concerning DOE energy efficiency and renewable energy programs and activities.  Support is provided concerning OMB review of energy efficiency and renewable energy proposed and final rulemakings and other regulatory oversight issues.  The attorney will have responsibility for providing legal support to, among others, the Department's vehicle efficiency, Federal energy management, weatherization and intergovernmental assistance and appliance and building standards programs.
________________________________________

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Resumes of qualified candidates must describe the experience necessary to perform the duties of the position.

Such experience would be demonstrated by an attorney who was engaged in the general practice of law; or experience which afforded the candidate knowledge of legal theories, principles, methodologies, and practices or the application of legal skills in a field closely related to the position to be filled.

Specific experience is defined as professional legal experience, which enabled the candidate to acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work relevant to a specific legal component.
  
GS-11:  Have a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and membership in a State or District of Columbia bar association and one year of professional (attorney) legal experience and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform legal work.  The educational background should include course work beyond the first professional degree in a field directly related to the work for which he/she is being considered.  

GS-12: Have a professional law degree (LL.B or J.D.) and membership in a State or District of Columbia bar association and one year of professional (attorney) legal experience and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work. The educational background should include course work beyond the first professional degree in a field directly related to the work for which he/she is being considered.

GS-13: Have a professional law degree (LL.B or J.D.) and membership in a State or District of Columbia bar association and one year of professional (attorney) legal experience and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work and one additional year of professional (attorney) experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled 
  
GS-14: Have a professional law degree (LL.B or J.D.) and membership in a State or District of Columbia bar association and one year of professional (attorney) legal experience and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work, plus one additional year of professional (attorney) experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled. 
  
GS-15 have a professional law degree (LL.B or J.D.) and membership in a State or District of Columbia bar association and one year of professional (attorney) legal experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the next lower grade level of the work described in the vacancy announcement. 

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:  All candidates must meet the minimum education requirements of successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) with a professional law degree (LLB or JD) and be a current member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THIS VACANCY: A preliminary background investigation must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background investigation. If selected for this vacancy, you will be required to file the OGE Form 450 (Confidential Financial Disclosure Statement).

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required; and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with this position as defined below. When describing your knowledge, skills, and abilities, please be sure to give examples and explain how often you used these skills, the complexity of the knowledge you possessed, the level of the people you interacted with, the sensitivity of the issues you handled, etc. 

1. Preparation of legal memoranda, opinions, and other legal documents, and prepare or approve rulemaking notices, orders, directives and delegations.  Provision of legal advice on the legal form and effect of regulations, rules, orders, briefs, and other legal documents, and participation in the final preparation of such documents. 
2. Provision of interpretations outlining the facts and applicable law on the legal aspects of reports to the Administration and Congress on energy conservation and renewable energy issues.  Preparation and review of correspondence, comments, policy statements, speeches, and Congressional testimony of agency officials. 
3. Agency representation in connection with public rulemaking hearings and other proceedings.
4. Assistance and support in connection with litigation including, but not limited to, review of the record, review of and comment on draft briefs, participation in preparatory sessions for oral argument, and representation as program attorney oral argument.

To preview questions please click here.
________________________________________

BENEFITS:
The Department of Energy offers comprehensive and competitive benefits. You may be eligible for some or all of the following:
Health, life, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance
Retirement program
Paid holiday, sick, and vacation time
Flexible work schedules and telework
Training and education opportunities
Transit benefit
Flexible Spending Account
Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
Health and wellness programs
Employee Assistance Program
Worklife4You Resource
For more information on these benefits, see the USAJOBS Resource Center's Interactive Benefits Page

OTHER INFORMATION:
This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service.
The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
Some positions may require completion of a probationary period or a background investigation.
Males must abide by Selective Service registration regulations. To learn more about this requirement, visit the Selective Service website's Who Must Register page.
________________________________________

HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit a narrative response to each knowledge, skill or ability listed.  Your response should describe what you did, how often you performed this activity, the guidelines available, the complexity of the assignment, and who you performed the activity for or with.
Submit a narrative statement responding to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) identified in the announcement.  This information will be used to determine your eligibility and/or rating and is required.

ATTENTION 
YOU MUST APPLY VIA E-MAIL 

Please submit all inquiries and your application by email to GC-14-0001@hq.doe.gov. 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
You must have a bar membership and professional law degree. You do not need to provide official documentation at the time of application; official proof of bar membership and law degree will be requested if selected.
 
1. SUBMIT YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION WHICH INCLUDES YOUR RESUME and all required supplemental documents in order to be considered.
2. Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Energy considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their online application. If applicant is eligible to claim a 10-point preference, the applicant must also submit an SF-15 and any other proof that the applicant is eligible for a 10-point preference. If you are currently on active duty, you must submit an official statement of service from your command or other official documentation that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. You can find additional information on veteran's preference at VET GUIDE

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
See "How to Apply"
Phone: 000-000-0000
Fax: 000-000-0000
Email: GC-14-0001@hq.doe.gov

Agency Information:
Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC
20585
US
Fax: 000-000-0000

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
Once completed applications are received an evaluation will be performed and the most qualified candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration and possible interview.  A selection is expected to be made within 60 days.  Notification to non-selected candidates is optional, but not expected. 

Position: Earthjustice Staff Attorney, International Program (Deadline: Ongoing review of applications)

Staff Attorney, International Program

Location: San Francisco, CA or Washington, D.C.
Job Type: Full Time

Earthjustice is seeking an experienced lawyer to work on international environmental issues. The attorney will be based in our offices in San Francisco or Washington, D.C.
Earthjustice’s International Program uses the power of the law to protect the environment and human health worldwide. We represent public interest and community groups in international tribunals, domestic courts, and international institutions to defend the right to a healthy environment around the world. Areas of recent and current work include advocacy to establish strong standards to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and short-lived climate pollutants; establish the human right to a healthy environment; protect the Arctic environment; promote citizen participation in environmental protection in Latin America; and increase the resilience of the marine environment to the effects of ocean acidification.
Responsibilities:
The attorney will develop and implement cases and/or legal advocacy campaigns in domestic and international fora to protect the environment worldwide. The attorney must be able to exercise significant program initiative and responsibility as a member of a multi-faceted advocacy team. The International Program is a small team that values collaboration and collegiality.
Qualifications:
  • At least 10–15 years of experience and a proven record of accomplishment in international law (ideally international environmental law).
  • Excellent written and oral communication and advocacy skills.
  • A demonstrated commitment to international environmental issues.
  • Experience working in cross-cultural settings.
  • Membership in the bar of the U.S. jurisdiction in which the attorney will be located, or willingness to apply for membership within 6 months of employment.
  • An ability to travel.
The ideal candidate will also have substantial experience in:
  • At least one substantive area of international environmental law or policy.
  • International treaty negotiations or the operation of international institutions.
  • Litigation in domestic (U.S. or foreign) or international fora.
  • Working with foreign attorneys or diplomats.
Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience, and we offer an exceptional benefits package.
Application Procedure: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position is open immediately. Please send a cover letter, resume, a legal writing sample that has not been edited by another person, and names and contact information of three references to:eajusintl@earthjustice.org. Subject line should read: International Program Attorney Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No telephone calls.
About Earthjustice:
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters and citizens to engage the critical environmental issues of our time, and bring about positive change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring the best and brightest who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with nine offices across the U.S.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

Friday, November 08, 2013

Positions: IP Project Officers for "IP KEY" (see below), Beijing, China (Deadline: Nov. 30, 2013)

Here's an announcement for IP-related positions in China that came across a listserve I am on.

* * * * *

All,
 
IP Key (“Intellectual Property: A Key to Sustainable Competitiveness”) is a three year project running from July 2013 - June 2016 intended to make China’s intellectual property (IP) framework more effective, fair, transparent, and otherwise based upon best practices. The project, funded by the European Commission and implemented and co-funded by the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) with support from the European Patent Office (EPO), builds on the past EU-China IPR2 project amongst other EU-China initiatives. IP Key aims to meet its objective via implementing a number of activities covering all types of IP rights that advocate for change in the Chinese system and provide awareness on the workings of the Chinese and European IP systems.
 
Over the next few months we will be recruiting 3 Project Officers (see first job ad here: http://www.europeanchamber.com.cn/en/job-vacancies/979) and 1-2 Interns (see first job ad here: http://europeanchamber.com.cn/en/job-vacancies/978) to join our Beijing office. Candidates that are Chinese nationals are preferred. Much appreciated if members on this list can send these ads to interested candidates.
 
Thanks,
Dan

Dan Prud'homme
IP Key Project of the European Commission, OHIM, and EPO
Room 2480, Sunflower Tower, No. 37 Maizidian West Street, Beijing, China 100125
dan.prudhomme@ipkey.org
www.ipkey.org

Sunday, November 03, 2013

Fellowships: 2014-15 Teaching Fellowships, Peking University School of Transnational Law, Shenzhen, China (application review ongoing)

The selection process for these teaching fellowships is supposed to start in a few weeks, so there still seems to be time to apply.




Job Posting: 2014-15 Teaching Fellowships
at Peking University School of Transnational Law (STL)
in Shenzhen, China


In 2008, Peking University, China’s oldest and most distinguished university, opened the first law school to offer a J.D. program in mainland China.  The program closely follows the model of J.D. education in the United States, focusing on American law, but within a transnational perspective. The Peking University School of Transnational Law (STL) is located on the University’s graduate and professional campus in Shenzhen, which is adjacent to Hong Kong. Shenzhen is a vibrant, modern international city of fifteen million people. Enrollment at STL is very small compared to law schools in the United States – there are about 90 students in each class. Virtually all students are native speakers of Chinese, who speak English as a second language.  Admission is highly selective based on prior academic performance, scores on a national qualifying examination and the LSAT, and a rigorous interview.  The quality of the student body is comparable to that at the most prestigious law schools in the United States. Instruction is entirely in English.

For 2014-15, STL will appoint up to ten C.V. Starr Lecturers (CVSLs) in the Transnational Legal Practice Program. The program provides first-year and second-year students with intensive instruction in legal analysis, legal research and writing, and other professional and legal skills necessary for the practice of law in a global environment.  The Starr Lecturers work with students in small classes of about 10-12 to develop written and oral skills.  The CVSLs also co-teach the Legal Method course. The CVSLs are considered to be part of the faculty of STL and play a fully integrated, active role in the intellectual life of the law school. The appointments are for one year with the possibility of extension.

To be considered, a candidate for this position must hold a J.D. degree (or expect graduation in this academic year) and have native fluency in English.  Candidates should be responsible, enthusiastic, hard working, and adventurous.  Ability to speak Mandarin is useful for living in Shenzhen, but not necessary for the program.

CVSLs will be expected to arrive in Shenzhen in mid-August 2014, and be in residence throughout the academic year, which runs to the end of June 2015 (with an approximate one month break around the lunar new year).  Fellows will receive a private room with bath in the student and faculty campus housing complex, comprehensive medical insurance, roundtrip transportation from the United States or other country of origin, and a stipend of US$2000 per month (or the equivalent in RMB). While this is a modest amount by United States standards, given the cost of living in China prior CVSLs have found it to be sufficient to cover board, incidental living expenses and some travel in and around China during school breaks.

For more information about the STL see our website http://stl.pku.edu.cn/en/. Please submit resumes and covering material via email to: 


Vice Dean Stephen Yandle
                          styandle@gmail.com
      
We will begin reviewing applications September 1, 2013, with the goal of completing the selection process by the end of 2013.  We will accept applications until all of the positions have been filled.