Below is a carefully curated list of opportunities for students interested in having a career in Tech, Law & Security. Feel free to contact us at techlawsec@wcl.american.edu.
Opportunities
TLS Research Assistant openings
Fall 2022 Research Assistant – Addressing Harmful Content Online
The Tech, Law & Security Program seeks a fall full-time research assistant for the Addressing Harmful Content Online (AHCO) project. This project seeks to address questions relating to the hard choices necessary: At what point and according to what standards should companies deny services to individuals, entities, or sites? What are the follow-on consequences of doing so? What kind of process should be put in place for both making these decisions and for educating and informing users? And what are the full range of tools and levers that can be used to respond to harmful content online? These are the key questions that this project will analyze and answer.
As a research assistant, the successful candidate will support AHCO’s ongoing research and writing projects. The focus areas for this particular project will be on transparency reports within the IT infrastructure stack. The research assistant will be working directly with Paul Rosenzweig and Prem Trivedi, Senior Fellows. AHCO is a collaborative work environment and greatly values the input of everyone on the team.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct legal research on WestLaw or LexisNexis relevant to AHCO’s topic areas
- Utilize research findings to prepare blog posts and articles
- Compile ongoing research notes and share them with the AHCO team
Requirements:
The ideal candidate will have the following:
- Rising 2L or 3L
- Strong written communication and research skills
- Willingness to engage and collaborate on research projects and opportunities
- Excited about technology, privacy, and national security issues
- Team-oriented, but able to work on projects independently
- Ability to meet assigned deadlines
- Responsive to internal and external emails
Compensation:
The compensation is $16.10 per hour.
To Apply:
Please send a writing sample, a short cover letter (no more than one to two paragraphs), and a resume to techlawsec@wcl.american.edu
Fall 2022 Research Assistant – Tech, Law & Security (Cyber, AI & Emerging Tech)
The Tech, Law & Security Program seeks a fall research assistant to assist the TLS team with assorted research and administrative tasks. RA's are fully integrated in to the TLS team and will have extensive interaction with TLS faculty and senior fellows.
Compensation:
Compensation is $16.10 per hour.
To Apply:
Please send a writing sample, a short cover letter (no more than one to two paragraphs), and a resume to techlawsec@wcl.american.edu.
Fall 2022 Research Assistant - Privacy Across Borders
Applications NOW CLOSED
The Technology, Law & Security Program (TLS) is an initiative at American University Washington College of Law that tackles the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technology—offering innovative solutions, engaging our students, and training the leaders of tomorrow. The projects include a cross-cutting focus on emerging tech and AI, the protection of fundamental rights, and international engagement.
About the Job:
The Tech, Law & Security Program seeks a fall research assistant for the Privacy Across Borders (PAB) project. This project brings together U.S. and European experts and practitioners from the government, the private sector, and civil society to develop practical, actionable recommendations for ensuring the viability of transatlantic data flows in light of the Schrems II decision. PAB publishes weekly blog posts and hosts a resource guide to familiarize its audience with the Schrems II decision.
As a research assistant, the successful candidate will support PAB’s ongoing research and writing projects. The focus areas for this project include transatlantic data flows, data localization, privacy, national security, and more. The research assistant will be working directly with Alex Joel, PAB Senior Project Director and Shanzay Pervaiz, PAB Senior Researcher. PAB is a collaborative work environment and greatly values the input of everyone on the team.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct legal research on WestLaw or LexisNexis relevant to PAB’s topic areas
- Utilize research findings to prepare weekly blog posts and articles
- Compile ongoing research notes and share them with the PAB team
- Participate in weekly check-in meetings with the PAB team and advisors
Requirements:
The ideal candidate will have the following:
- Rising 2L or 3L
- Strong written communication and research skills
- Willingness to engage and collaborate on research projects and opportunities
- Excited about technology, privacy, and national security issues
- Team-oriented, but able to work on projects independently
- Ability to meet assigned deadlines
- Responsive to internal and external emails
Compensation:
The compensation is $16.10 per hour.
To Apply:
Please send a writing sample, a short cover letter (no more than one to two paragraphs), and a resume to Shanzay Pervaiz at spervaiz@wcl.american.edu.
External Opportunities (as of March 2022)
Research Assistant, Technology and National Security Program | Center for a New American Security (CNAS)
Summer 2022 Internships - OTI Legal/Public Policy Interns | New America
Associate Counsel, Technology Policy & Advocacy | Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
Summer Interns | Lawfare Blog
Associate Editor | Lawfare Blog
Managing Editor | Lawfare Blog
Summer Legal Honors Internship | NASA
ABA: internship Opportunities
The Standing Committee on Law and National Security conducts studies, sponsors programs and conferences, and administers working groups on law and national security related issues. The committee's activities are designed to assist policymakers, to educate lawyers, the media and the public, and to enable the committee to make recommendations to the American Bar Association governing body.
The standing committee provides research and advice on such subjects as: the congressional role in intelligence oversight, the legal system's ability to cope with transnational terrorism, the promotion of the rule of law in the intelligence and law enforcement communities, operations international law in the conduct of the military, and the role of law in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Interns provide research in support of Committee initiatives. Strong writing skills required.