ELSC logo
Job

Call for Applications: Senior Lawyer for the Netherlands 

Published on Fri Sep 20 2024

Job Title
Senior Lawyer (Senior Legal Officer – NL)

Location
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Reports to
Executive Director

Line Management
No direct line management

Contract
Dedicated external counsel / vaste externe advocaat

Salary
€49,000 – €54,000 (depending on experience)
Predetermined fixed fee

Start Date
Nov 2024, or as soon as possible

How to Apply
Applications should be sent to application@elsc.support, including the subject line ‘Senior Legal: NL’
Applications are due by 09:00 CET, 7 Oct 2024

ABOUT THE EUROPEAN LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE (ELSC)
ELSC is an initiative of the Palestinian NGO Network, comprising 200 Palestinian civil society organisations, developed in response to the widespread repression in Europe of advocacy for Palestinian rights and nonviolent campaigns aimed at ending Israel’s occupation. Founded in January 2019, ELSC provides free legal advice and assistance to individuals who face unjust smears, disciplinary investigations, criminal sanctions, and other repressive measures aimed at shrinking the space for Palestinian rights advocacy across Europe. We are “movement lawyers,” accountable to both individual clients and civil society partners in the Netherlands. We work hand in hand with local stakeholders, from trade unions to civil liberties groups, to defend and empower the movement to organise for justice without fear of repression.

ELSC recognises that applicants from marginalised communities are less likely to apply for jobs if they do not fulfil every single qualification. We encourage you to consider applying even if you do not meet every attribute listed. Our priority is to find the right candidate for the position.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
As ELSC’s dedicated external counsel in the Netherlands, you will work with the Legal Department to develop and execute legal strategies while providing legal advice to the Dutch Palestine solidarity movement, often in collaboration with PILP Foundation. Many clients are employees, students, or activists facing repression. You will advise them on their rights, actions, and campaigns. ELSC has a network of expert Dutch lawyers with whom you will closely collaborate. We are looking for a qualified lawyer with specialisation in labour or administrative law or a combination of these, ideally with experience in freedom of expression, protest rights, and/or the protection of political expression.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

  • Experience
  • L.L.M. in Dutch law or relevant European law specialisation
  • At least 3 years in a similar role, preferably in a law firm
  • Experience and understanding of Dutch and ECHR law, especially in fundamental freedoms and civic space protection
  • Experience in labour and/or administrative law
  • Proven legal strategy development and advice experience
  • Experience working within a team and independently to achieve success
  • Skills & Abilities
  • Excellent teamwork skills with flexibility to manage competing priorities
  • Excellent computer skills, particularly Microsoft packages
  • Ability to conduct interviews with affected persons or groups and to work with activists
  • Excellent research and analytical skills
  • Strong legal strategy development and legal document drafting skills
  • Demonstrable initiative and determination
  • Ability to manage a busy workload and prioritise tasks
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Palestinian solidarity movement
  • Proficiency in Dutch and English, with excellent written and spoken communication skills

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

  • Experience or specialisation in freedom of expression, protest rights, political expression protection, criminal law, international criminal law, corporate criminal responsibility, or civil tort litigation
  • Experience working with labour unions, Juridisch Loket, or social advocatuur law practices
  • Involvement in grassroots campaigns or non-profit organisations
  • Understanding of the role of ELSC

OTHER ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Qualified to practice or able to qualify as a lawyer in the Netherlands (Dutch Bar Association – Orde van Advocaten)
  • Demonstrated commitment to ELSC’s aims and objectives
  • Commitment to anti-racism, anti-discriminatory practices, and equal opportunities
  • Willingness to travel and work occasionally outside of regular office hours
  • Flexibility within the broad remit of the post

JOB DESCRIPTION: Senior Legal Officer – NL

  • Analyse and research Dutch, ECHR, EU, and public international law concerning:
    (i) Fundamental rights, especially freedom of expression and assembly
    (ii) Political and racial discrimination
    (iii) Protest rights
  • Develop legal strategies, draft legal opinions, notes, memos, and summaries to assist and defend individuals and organisations supporting Palestine
  • Provide legal advice to ELSC clients on Dutch and European law
  • Conduct interviews with affected persons and groups
  • Attend meetings with clients, partners, and lawyers
  • Collaborate with the Advocacy and Communications Officer to develop and execute political and legal strategies
  • Work with the Empower team to build and implement litigation strategies in the Netherlands
  • Support the Development (Fundraising) Team with research and reporting
  • Any other task related to the daily work of the wider ELSC team
Share this page