Advocate - Bangalore, India

The Need

IJM retained advocates manage and litigate an active caseload of criminal cases throughout South India. Advocates must research and write extensively on issues of procedure, evidence and substantive law. This position is based in Bangalore, Karnataka and requires significant travel throughout South India. This position reports to the Director of Legal.

Responsibilities

• Fully understand laws and procedures relative to bonded labour (e.g. Bonded Labour Systems (Abolition) Act of 1976, relevant Indian Penal Code provisions and the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989).
• Be prepared to lead IJM teams that, together with the government, rescue victims of bonded labour from the facilities that enslave them.
• Prepare written briefs, memoranda and arguments for various courts with well-researched authorities.
• Develop and implement litigation plans for each assigned case.
• Manage multiple cases in various jurisdictions simultaneously.
• Appear in various courts to prosecute police initiated and private complaint cases.
• Assist other staff members in investigating and providing aftercare services when needed.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local contacts, bar associations and government leaders.
• Timely, concisely and thoroughly provide written reports of all activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information.
• Comply with all laws and ethical cannons.
• If necessary, be available to testify as a fact witness in IJM bonded labour litigation.
• Carry out additional assignments at the direction of the Director of Legal and/or the Field Office Director.

Skills and Experience

• Past relevant work experience preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B.).
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite Software, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
• Experience with various government social service programs and NGOs working in South India is preferred.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Kannada is required. Ability to speak and write Tamil preferred.

Critical Qualities

• Embodies IJM core values
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Professional in demeanor and all written and oral communications
• Strong service ethic
• Patient, works well under stress
• Personable, sustained positive attitude
• Diplomatic and flexible
• Effective team player and leader
• Consistently punctual and genuinely reliable
• Demonstrates good stewardship of time and resources 

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The Mission

International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems.