Senior Legal Researcher

Title: WCRO Senior Legal Researcher

Location: Washington United States

Part time

job requisition id

R4310

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

 

Department:

 

Washington College of Law

 

Time Type:

Part time

 

Job Type:

Regular

 

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

 

Work Modality:

 

Union:

Excluded

 

Job Description:

Summary:

 

This position coordinates and supervises legal research and writing projects in the fields of international criminal law and procedure for War Crimes Research Office (WCRO) partner organizations. Together with the Executive Director, the position is responsible for producing the final product for WCRO partner organizations. In addition, this position assists the Executive Director with some administrative duties, including event-panning and fundraising activities.

 

Essential Functions:

 

1.) Legal Research and Writing

• Conducts in-depth legal research and drafting in areas of public international law, particularly international criminal law and procedure, for WCRO partner organizations.

• Analyzes complex legal issues, interprets international legal standards, and produces memoranda, reports, and policy briefs to support litigation and advocacy efforts.

• Ensures research is well-documented, accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with the strategic legal objectives of partner organizations.

 

2.) Work-Product Development

• Works closely with the WCRO Director to refine and finalize legal work products for partner organizations.

• Conducts comprehensive reviews, edits, and revisions to ensure clarity, coherence, accuracy and adherence to international legal standards.

• Integrates WCRO Director and partner feedback, strengthens key arguments, and delivers high-quality legal resources that support advocacy and litigation efforts.

 

3.) Training and Technical Assistance

• Assists in the provision of tailored training sessions and technical assistance to WCRO partner organizations.

• Assists in the design of training materials on critical legal topics relevant to international criminal law.

• Works closely with the WCRO Director to ensure that training programs are practical, interactive, and effectively address specific needs of legal practitioners and stakeholders.

 

4.) Other Managerial Duties

• Helps plan and coordinate the speaker series events focused on key topics in international criminal law.

• Assists in developing discussion materials, moderating sessions, and facilitating meaningful conversations on pressing legal issues.

• Helps identify grant opportunities to support WCRO’s research, training, and advocacy initiatives.

• Works closely with leadership to develop funding strategies, strengthen donor relationships, and secure financial resources for long-term sustainability.

 

Competencies:

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

• Prioritizing and Organizing.

• Acting Ethically and with Integrity.

• Supporting Coworkers.

• Displaying Creativity.

• Serving Customers.

• Supporting a Diverse and Inclusive Community.

 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.

• 20 - 27 hours per week.

• Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

 

Salary Range:

• $41.20 per hour.

 

Required Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor or equivalent.

• 3 - 5 years of relevant experience.

 

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor.

• 4 - 6 years of relevant experience.

 

Travel Required:

• Some travel required.

 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Outstanding research and writing skills.

• Minimum three years’ work experience, preferably in international legal research or international or criminal litigation, with specialized expertise in international criminal or humanitarian law.

• Outstanding English language skills.

• Good communication skills and ability to work with lawyers and students from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds.

 

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

 

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

 

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.