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Digital Rights Fellow, International Justice Clinic in the School of Law

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Position description

The University of California, Irvine School of Law invites applications for the position of Digital Rights Fellow in its International Justice Clinic (IJC). This is a full-time one-year fellowship beginning on August 1, 2019, with the possibility of extension for an additional year.

The principal aim of the fellowship is to provide an individual with mentorship and the opportunity to launch or deepen a career in digital rights lawyering and human rights education. The successful candidate will work principally on projects defending and promoting human rights online, with a specific focus on rights to freedom of opinion and expression and privacy. IJC supports the mandate of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the protection and promotion of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, currently held by Clinic Director David Kaye. As such, the Fellow will have an opportunity to help develop global strategies for internet freedom, shape thematic reports to the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council, conduct research and supervise student projects related to human rights online, and develop and implement innovative approaches to advocacy through international mechanisms. Additionally, the Fellow will support the transition to the next holder of the UN mandate and advance the mandate’s findings and recommendations on digital rights issues in key international, regional and domestic fora. Through working with Clinic students on these projects and providing relevant clinical training, this post-graduate fellowship will also provide an opportunity to develop and practice the pedagogical skills required to be an effective and creative human rights clinician.

The Digital Rights Fellow's key responsibilities will be as follows:

  • Conducting (and leading clinic students in conducting) in-depth legal and policy research that supports the UN mandate's digital rights priorities, particularly in the areas of electronic surveillance and online content regulation;
  • Conducting analysis with respect to State and non-State actors on key digital rights concerns, such as drafting and coordinating legislative or policy comments and recommendations to governments, inter-governmental organizations, and tech companies;
  • Assisting the Clinic Director in identifying digital rights priorities and projects as part of the transition of the Special Rapporteur's mandate in June 2020;
  • Supervising students on digital rights projects;
  • Organizing and participating in meetings and consultations with civil society, policymakers, the private sector and academics; and
  • Representing the Clinic at digital rights and internet policy conferences, workshops and consultation as required, domestically or globally.

The Fellow will also have opportunities to pursue a teaching and research agenda that is consistent with the work of the Clinic.

J.D. from an A.B.A.-accredited law school or equivalent is required. Candidates should possess a record of exceptional academic and extracurricular success in law school. At least two years of experience working on digital rights issues, such as commercial content moderation, intermediary liability, online manifestations of hate speech, disinformation and terrorism-related content, electronic surveillance, and the responsibilities of the Information and Communications Technology sector.

Founded just ten years ago, the UC Irvine School of Law is a visionary law school focused on training talented and passionate lawyers and driven by professional excellence, intellectual rigor, and a commitment to enrich our communities through public service. In keeping with this mission, the Law School has a dynamic and innovative clinical program. The cornerstone of the clinical program is a core clinical course required of every student. Students may enroll in their core clinic for additional semesters.

Review of applications will begin immediately. To ensure full consideration, applications and supporting materials must be received by May 15, 2019.

Please go to the following link to apply for this position: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF05253

The University of California Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. A recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity, UCI is responsive to the needs of dual career couples, supports work-life balance through an array of family-friendly policies, and is dedicated to broadening participating in higher education.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching - See our guidance for writing a reflective teaching statement.
    (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing how past and/or potential contributions to diversity will advance UCI's Commitment to Inclusive Excellence.

  • Writing Sample - Please include a writing sample, not to exceed 15 pages, with application.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

Job location

Irvine, CA