The New York City Bar, in cooperation with the Law Society of South Africa, is seeking applicants for the South African Visiting Lawyer Programme. The Programme brings lawyers from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to participate as Vance Center Fellows in a working fellowship program at corporate law firms and the legal departments of investment and commercial banks in New York City for one year. The 2011/2012 programme year will begin in late 2011.
Applicants should have a minimum of two years practice experience. Some corporate practice experience is essential. Only attorneys practicing in law firms will be considered for participation in the Programme. In addition to commercial practice experience, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to community service and pro bono work.
Applicants are requested to provide the following information
• curriculum vitae;
• law school transcript;
• a written statement by a lawyer familiar with the applicant’s work indicating his/her capacity to work well at the junior level in a commercial transaction; and
• a cover letter indicating how participation in the Programme will assist the applicant’s professional development; community service activities; and how the applicant will share the skills on return to South Africa.
The Visiting Lawyer Programme will provide transportation and initial lodging for the participants. Vance Center Fellows will receive an annual fellowship stipend of $115,000 along with health benefits provided by the firms and/or banks at which they are placed. After an initial two-week period they will be expected to provide for their housing expenses.
Attorneys interested in applying for the Visiting Lawyer Programme should send the required materials electronically to: Kris Devan, Law Society of South Africa, kris@lssa.org.za
Applicants should submit the required materials no later than 18 April 2011.
Candidates who have been selected for interviews will be notified in May. Interviews will take place in Johannesburg on 14 and 15 May 2011.
