Job Opening | JRF Taipei Office: Trainee Attorney (Closed)

The Judicial Reform Foundation (JRF) has walked a path of 28 years and has now reached its 29th anniversary. JRF began hiring full-time staff attorneys in 2016, and a total of 8 staff attorneys have worked with the organization so far (including current staff). JRF has always relied on the participation and assistance of volunteer attorneys in various thematic committees. However, unlike "volunteer attorneys," serving full-time as an "NGO staff attorney" at the foundation is a completely different nature of work. In addition to case rescue, staff attorneys actively participate in the legislative process, combine case experiences to connect with academia, practitioners, the parliament, the media, and allied groups, and formulate legislative advocacy. In recent years, alongside domestic work, Taiwan's democratic, legal, and human rights efforts have actively connected with the international community, making the work profile of "NGO staff attorneys" within the organization increasingly diverse.

This year, we have decided to recruit trainee attorneys for the first time. In terms of work content, a foundation will be built starting from the front-end case screening work of the complaint center. Through the rapid screening of approximately 1,500 grievance cases each year, trainees will cultivate sensitivity to judicial reform issues, engage practically with extraordinary relief cases, and learn the thinking and strategies of different attorneys across various legal teams. At the same time, through the management of committee meetings and agenda preparation, trainees can learn the methodology of thinking about systemic issues starting from individual cases and formulating systematic solutions. Additionally, in response to current events and relevant judicial reform issues, trainees will learn how to draft legal documents such as statements and press releases.

This will not be a traditional litigation or non-litigation trainee attorney position. Aside from contacting clients and handling cases like in a general law firm, you will also gain unique experiences distinct from a firm internship and grow alongside us. Our work culture emphasizes bottom-up ideas, expecting all staff members to think actively and propose different ideas for ongoing projects. The organization also encourages colleagues to propose new projects or offer different approaches to existing ones, expanding the judicial reform or human rights issues JRF cares about. Discussions in committee meetings are free from seniority-based hierarchies, emphasizing collaborative discussion to reach resolutions, allowing everyone at JRF to find the judicial reform field they wish to dedicate themselves to.

If you look forward to change, hope to foster change, and have a passionate drive to reform society through the law, we warmly look forward to having you join us!

I. Position

Trainee Attorney

II. Location

1. 7F, No. 3, Lane 90, Sungjiang Rd., Chungshan District, Taipei City 104 (JRF Taipei Office)

2. Business travel required as needed

III. Job Description (Includes the following aspects, not a single person's workload)

1. Case Work: Assist the Complaint Center in accepting and interviewing cases, conducting case services and progress control; conduct committee and legal team meeting agenda preparation, follow-up on execution items, and promote discussions on related advocacy actions based on monitoring and assistance goals.

2. Organizational Work: Train volunteers and interns; cooperate with bar associations and human rights groups; assist with lectures, exhibitions, and related advocacy activities.

3. International Cooperation: Promote and monitor international human rights conventions, participate in international legal professional organizations, etc.

4. Other tasks assigned by supervisors.

IV. Qualifications

1. Passed the Higher Examination for Attorneys for Professional and Technical Personnel.

2. Highly enthusiastic about promoting judicial human rights issues.

3. Identify with non-profit organization work and be willing to commit to NGO work long-term.

4. Sensitive to current affairs and possesses organizational skills.

5. Enjoys interacting with people and teamwork, with patient coordination and communication skills.

V. Working Hours

Full-time work (generally 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM), two days off per week. Evening or weekend shifts are required for events or meetings.

VI. Employment Conditions

1. Starting salary of NT$30,000, adjusted according to JRF's salary scale and education/experience.

2. Other conditions comply with the Labor Standards Act and JRF's Personnel Management Regulations.

VII. Application Materials Required

1. 1 copy of Resume (including a brief description of education/experience and thoughts on judicial reform, please refer to Attachment 1).

2. Copies of highest academic degree certificate and other education/experience certificates.

3. Other relevant supporting documents.

Interested applicants should email electronic application files by March 29, 2024 to mj@jrf.org.tw, addressed to Deputy Executive Director Attorney Li Ming-ju, 0928777201
(Please indicate in the subject line: Position Applied For and Your Name)