Posted on by Earth Refuge

Legal Researcher

We are seeking reliable and creative volunteers to research for Earth Refuge. As a Legal Researcher, you will be expected to produce content for each of our research projects, amongst them our regional Legal Toolkits. 

The aim of this project is to provide legal recourse to climate migrants, because as of yet there are no significant regional or international frameworks that protect them. You will be asked to critically analyse, summarise and (re-)interpret relevant case law, treaties, conventions and soft law, both regionally and internationally.

Our toolkits will be published by region, starting with the United States, Bangladesh and regions in South America (though this is subject to change). The toolkits will cover different areas of law:

  • International frameworks
  • Regional frameworks
  • Case law by region/disaster
  • Soft law by region/disaster

You will be referenced as an Author, along with other contributors/editors and will work very closely with the Co-Founders and respective Advisors in the drafting process. Longer term commitments are prefered, with an average of 3-4 hours a week spent researching (subject to change depending on how many volunteers are taking part in the drafting process). Areas of work will be allocated according to interest, if possible. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Research into international and regional environmental/climate and migration law 
  • Draft sections of the Legal Toolkit, some of which are litigation, international customary law, international and regional case law, soft law etc independently or with a team
  • Critically reinterpret existing international and regional frameworks as well as case law 
  • Review other editors’ contributions and make comments 
  • Reach out to lawyers, professors or other professionals for expert advice 

Requirements and Qualifications

  • A law student/graduate (LLB, JD, LLM or equivalent) is preferred; otherwise one year of experience in the legal sector with a focus in climate change or migration, with demonstrable experience in research.
  • Must demonstrate research ability, and detail any previous projects 
  • Experience in drafting legal documents 
  • Excellent written skills
  • Critical and analytical thinking 
  • Up to date with current state of international law
  • Self-directed and able to work without supervision
  • Energetic and eager to tackle new projects and ideas
  • Professional research experience is preferred 

Application Procedure

If you are interested in becoming a Legal Researcher for Earth Refuge, please send an email with your desired role and name in the subject header to [email protected], e.g. ‘LEGAL RESEARCHER – FULL NAME’.

Please submit the following documents with your application:

  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • If published and/or marked academic piece of writing, preferably relevant to the field (not necessary but desired)
  • Details of at least one academic or professional reference 
  • A short research proposal for legal toolkits is also welcome