Lawyer / Senior Attorney

Job Summary

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) is seeking two Senior Attorneys to provide pre-trial legal aid services to detainees in police stations. The role involves offering direct legal representation, supervising local legal aid providers, preparing court documents, conducting capacity-building sessions with justice-sector stakeholders, and ensuring strict adherence to human rights standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide free legal services, representation, and advice to pre-trial detainees in accordance with LHR guidelines.
• Supervise and mentor local paralegals/legal aid service providers, review intake logs, and ensure technical quality in all pre-trial interventions.
• Prepare pleadings, bail applications, habeas corpus petitions, and court briefs for pre-trial detainees.
• Lead capacity-building sessions, stakeholder dialogues, and legal guidance initiatives targeting police officers and justice-sector stakeholders.
• Report and document the details of free legal aid services following LHR guidelines and submit monthly technical reports.
• Discharge duties in strict adherence to the ethical standards of lawyers and human rights frameworks.

Qualifications

• Education: University degree in law (LL.B).
• Experience: Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive practical experience in criminal litigation, pre-trial defense, or human rights advocacy, accompanied by a valid advocacy license authorizing legal practice before regional or federal courts.

Required Skills

• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of the Ethiopian legal system, criminal justice framework, procedural laws, constitutional rights, Microsoft Office, and KoboToolbox.
• Core Skill Tags: Proven experience in conducting similar policy reviews or legal assessments, strong interest in legal aid and access to justice, communication, report writing, and organizational skills.