Lawfare News

The Week That Will Be

Cody M. Poplin
Monday, March 23, 2015, 12:00 AM

Event Announcements (More details on the Events Calendar)

Published by The Lawfare Institute
in Cooperation With
Brookings

Event Announcements (More details on the Events Calendar)

Monday, March 23rd at 12 pm: The Wilson Center will host a conversation with Mark Katz on Russian-Iranian Relations in the Shadow of Ukraine. As Russian-Western ties deteriorate, how will Moscow and Tehran negotiate their relationship? RSVP here.

Monday, March 23rd at 2 pm: The Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings will host a discussion examining Strained Alliances: Israel, Turkey, and the United States. What role can the United States play in uniting its traditional regional allies? How can the three work together to advance regional security? Kemal Kirsci will moderate a conversation with Dan Arbell, Nimrod Goren, and Sylvia Tiryaki. More details here.

Monday, March 23rd at 3:30 pm: At the United States Institute of Peace, Illan Goldenberg, William B. Quandt, Tamara Cofman Wittes, and Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen will outline what lessons we can draw from previous peace talks for the future of Israeli-Palestinian Diplomacy. Register here.

Tuesday, March 24th at 2 pm: Join the Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World at Brookings for the launch of Jessica Stern and J.M. Berger's new book, ISIS: The State of TerrorWill McCants will moderate a discussion on the threat posed by ISIS and how the government can respond. Brookings has more information.

Wednesday, March 25th at 12 pm: In a region succumbing to terror, Lebanon has succeeded in keeping a lid on the sources of tension and extremism in the country. A key figure in this fight, Nouhad Machnouk, Minster of Interior and Municipalities for the Government of Lebanon, will deliver an address at the Wilson Center on his government's approach entitled Facing Terrorism: A Lebanese Perspective. RSVP.

Thursday, March 26th at 8:30 am: The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on the Administration's Strategy to Confront ISIS. General John Allen, Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, and General Michael Fantini, Middle East Principal Director for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, will testify. More information on the committee's website.

Thursday, March 26th at 2 pm: The Brookings Institution will host Chief Executive Officer of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah for a discussion on the domestic and security challenges facing his country, the future of the U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership, and the future of Afghanistan after the eventual departure of American forces. Michael O'Hanlon will provide introductory remarks and Bruce Riedel will moderate the discussion. RSVP or register for the webcast here.

Employment Announcements (More details on the Job Board)

Lawfare Intern
Internship Summary This summer internship, beginning in June 2015, is a paid opportunity for undergraduate students, recent college graduates or graduate students with an interest in national security.  Interns will be responsible for helping to run and maintain Lawfare, a website devoted to serious, non-ideological discussion of national security legal and policy issues. Lawfare has emerged as the internet’s indispensable resource for information and analysis on the law of national security. Devoted to “Hard National Security Choices,” the site features top-quality writing and analysis from experts on developing stories in the national security arena, relevant legislation, and judicial opinions. It is a digital magazine that includes a podcast, a book review, research tools, a daily news roundup, an events calendar, and exhaustive coverage of events other media touch only glancingly. This internship pays an hourly rate of $10.50, and ideally applicants will work full-time (40 hours per week) but no less than 28- 32 hours per week, during regular business hours (dependent on the applicant’s school schedule), with some flexibility around an academic course schedule. The internship is based in Washington, DC and will last approximately 10- 12 weeks (depending on the start date). Primary Responsibilities The Lawfare intern’s responsibilities fall into three categories: Writing:
  • Work with Associate Editor to monitor national security and foreign policy developments, and 2-3 times per week, co-write “Today’s Headlines and Commentary.”
  • Work with Associate Editor to co-write “The Week that Will Be,” a weekly feature that outlines upcoming events, academic announcements, and employment announcements.
  • Work with the Associate Editor to co-write a regular deep-dive analytical piece on a relevant national security law and policy issue.
  • Sole-author “The Week that Was,” a weekly piece that provides a guide to the week’s Lawfare
Research:
  • Provide research support to the Lawfare editorial team as needed. Current projects include a book manuscript on data and technology proliferation and their implications for security; a paper on technology and privacy; and a paper on military justice.
  • Work to develop the Lawfare Wiki by taking a deep research dive into one or two areas of national security law. The intern will identify key primary source materials, summarize relevant documents, and create and develop the topic page on Lawfare.
Maintaining the blog:
  • Tag and categorize all Lawfare posts
  • Track relevant Congressional hearings
  • Track and add relevant events to the Events Calendar
In addition to providing support to the Lawfare directly, interns will have the opportunity to attend internal meetings, hearings on Capitol Hill, local think tank events, professional development workshops, and public Brookings events as well as participate on Brookings sports teams and network with other interns throughout the Institution. Education/Skills/ Experience Graduate or undergraduate students (who has completed their sophomore year) working towards a degree in government, political science and law are encouraged to apply.  Recent college graduates are also eligible to apply.  Our most successful interns have very strong writing, analytical, and research skills, as well as excellent verbal and organizational skills---preferably demonstrated through prior independent research or previous experience as a research assistant. Application Procedure Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To be considered, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.  A complete application will include the following items:
  • Cover letter highlighting your educational experience and skills, along with an explanation of how this internship will contribute to your professional career goals.
  • Resume
  • Names and contact information for three academic or professional references
  • Original writing sample ( no more than two pages)
Please email a complete application with "Your Name -- Lawfare" in the subject line to Cody Poplin at Cpoplin@brookings.edu.  Brookings is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, or other factors protected by law. Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. No phone calls please. For examples of previous intern projects, see the author pages below: Sebastian Brady Benjamin Bissell Tara Hofbauer
Deputy Chief 
ORGANIZATION:                          Department of Justice
SALARY RANGE: $126,245 - $158,700
DEADLINE: April 6, 2015
POSITION INFORMATION: Permanent
DUTY LOCATIONS: Washington, D.C.
WHO MAY APPLY: US Citizens
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Top Secret/SCI with CI
Job Summary: The National Security Division of the Department of Justice seeks a Deputy Chief for its Counterespionage Section, focused on cases involving the illegal export of military and strategic commodities and related issues. Under the direction of the Chief, the Deputy Chief will be responsible for providing legal advice to federal prosecutors concerning federal statutes relating to U.S. export control and sanctions laws. In these areas, the Deputy Chief will develop, implement, and coordinate sensitive Department initiatives. The Deputy Chief will:
  • work with federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to develop effective strategies in national security investigations and prosecutions, and maximize the use of federal statutes;
  • plan, supervise, administer, and review the work of staff attorneys and supporting personnel as required to fulfill the section's responsibilities;
  • provide strong support for the U.S. Attorneys, including assistance in the design of strategic investigative and prospective models, dissemination of successful enforcement strategies, and sharing of intelligence and tactics;
  • coordinate the formation of response teams of experienced prosecutors to assist in the design of investigations and the prosecution of cases;
  • coordinate cases and provide legal advice, guidance, and litigative support to U.S. Attorneys' Offices involved in national security prosecutions;
  • provide advice and assistance to the Chief and other senior officials in the Division and in the Department;
  • draft and coordinate motions filed under the Classified Information Procedures Act;
  • help to implement strategic priorities of the National Security Division relating to the enforcement of U.S. export control and sanctions laws;
  • serve as a liaison between NSD and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, other members of the USIC, Department of the Treasury, the Department of State, and various international officials on export control and economic sanctions, issues;
  • participate in national-level policy development for export control reform initiative; and
  • prepare testimony and briefings for Congressional Committees and subcommittees, briefing materials for Department officials, legal monographs for national security prosecutors, and comments on proposed legislation.
The Deputy Chief will establish program emphasis, develop operating policies and guidelines, communicate policies and priorities, and determine and implement internal organization practices, training, and improvements. Qualifications:  Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia, and have at least five years of post-JD professional experience. Applicants must have superior academic credentials, possess excellent analytical and writing skills, and have the dedication and capacity to work independently in a very demanding environment. Past experience in the national security or intelligence field is not required, but is preferred. Prior federal litigation experience also strongly preferred. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. How to Apply:  To apply, please submit a cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience, a copy of your resume with a writing sample (we encourage you to submit a legal memorandum or brief), and a current performance appraisal, if applicable, to: U.S. Department of Justice National Security Division 600 E Street, NW 10th Floor, Room 10340 Washington, D.C. 20530 Attn: Bronnetta Rawles or CESDEPUTYCHIEFHIRE@USDOJ.GOV
Legal Intern
ORGANIZATION: International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC) DEPARTMENT: International Humanitarian Law (IHL) PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: Washington, D.C. FUNCTION DESCRIPTION Intern – International Humanitarian Law OBJECTIVE:  The Intern in the IHL Department at the Washington Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provides research and writing on topics of IHL, other branches of international law, and U.S. law as needed, thus contributing to the thematic and operational priorities of the legal team.  Minimum required knowledge & experience:
  • Basic knowledge of IHL and a related legal field (e.g. National Security or Human Rights Law).
  • Excellent oral and written English skills, good understanding of French an asset
  • Currently pursuing a U.S. J.D. or LLM degree (or JD graduate pursuing another graduate degree)
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
JOB DESCRIPTION Main Responsibilities Work with the IHL team to provide legal advice to the delegation in Washington, and to the ICRC as a whole on matters of IHL, human rights law, national security law, or other U.S. legal issues.  
  1. Research and Writing. Research such topics as scope of application of IHL, detention, conduct of hostilities, cyber/new technology and weapons, and other related topics. Possibility of authoring articles or other short pieces for the ICRC’s U.S. blog (intercrossblog.icrc.org).
  1. Monitor Legal Developments Regular monitoring of legal blogs and news coverage to identify significant legal developments of interest to the delegation. In addition to research, the intern will attend conferences and meetings in order to monitor developments on specific legal issues on behalf of the legal team. 
  1. Regular and timely reporting and analysis on meetings and events attended, as well as a weekly report on any relevant legal developments reported in external sources such as legal blogs. Reports are written for the purpose of ensuring the institution is informed of developments in U.S. policy, as well as to advance its thinking on key issues.   
Management and Reporting Line. The IHL Intern reports directly to the IHL Legal Advisor.  He/she is expected to collaborate with colleagues throughout the delegation in order to carry out these and other reasonably related duties. The intern will be expected to work 30 hours a week for the months of July and August.  This is a paid internship.  For information about the position, please contact Andrea Harrison at anharrison@icrc.org.  To apply, please send CV and optional cover letter to Clare Taylor at ctaylor@icrc.org.  Applications are due May 15th, 2015.

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Cody Poplin is a student at Yale Law School. Prior to law school, Cody worked at the Brookings Institution and served as an editor of Lawfare. He graduated from the UNC-Chapel Hill in 2012 with degrees in Political Science & Peace, War, and Defense.