Ann Israel is the legal profession's Dear Abby. A New York legal recruiter since 1979, Ann is a past president of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants. Advice for the Lawlorn is updated every week.

This week's column is going to be a bit different ... . I know times are tough out for so many of you (and for so many of the headhunters as well!) and it's time we all tried to help one another in whatever way possible.

Lately we have been reading about all of those 3Ls who thought they were about to begin their careers at BigLaw firms in September as first year associates, but then suddenly found out that their start dates have been deferred to 2010. To help them through this jobless year, they have been told that they will receive an extra stipend if they are employed by pro bono employers. Of course, those jobs are now going to be at a premium. So, I thought that this column might be able to offer up some help, if at all possible.

If there are any pro bono employers out there who would like to have their job opportunities listed at the end of each week's column, please feel free to e-mail the job specs to the column with all the pertinent contact information [free registration required for submissions]. The readers of the column will then contact you directly.

My friend Lisa Moran brought this idea to me when she called today to ask if I knew of any incoming first-year associates who might be looking for just this kind of opportunity. Lisa is affiliated with the International Rescue Committee in New York. The International Rescue Committee serves refugees and communities affected by oppression or violent conflict worldwide. It was founded in 1933. The IRC is committed to freedom, human dignity and self-reliance. This commitment is expressed in emergency relief, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement assistance and advocacy.

Lisa wrote to me this afternoon:

"Take a look at the website http://www.theirc.org/ -- if you want to cry, watch The IRC Voices videos and this video http://www.theirc.org/journeys-video-flashhigh.html -- the work we do here is compelling and life changing."

Now for some really good news -- Lisa told me specifics about their needs: The IRC is looking for some employment attorneys. There is a ton of work for them to do on compliance, investigations, policies, code of conduct issues, etc. They are going to be doing a lot of ERISA work this year as well. In addition, they are rebuilding their prevention and compliance programs, specifically focused on the issues of sexual abuse and exploitation of beneficiaries of UN funds. There will be a lot of very interesting work being done on improving a global program of training and investigations.

More good news -- Lisa also told me about some other job opportunities: Additionally, the IRC is looking for some folks with a general corporate background, preferably folks with a strong academic record from a top school if they have no training, or someone from a good firm with 2-5 years. They would work with the general counsel and associate general counsel regarding all legal matters pertaining to the IRC's international field programs and domestic refugee resettlement offices.

These attorneys will assist with inter-organizational legal issues, including visa applications, state and country registrations, regulatory and government donor compliance, contract drafting and review, and establishment of legal policies for the organization. In addition, they will provide legal advice on a variety of matters related to working for an international U.S.-based nonprofit, including issues concerning employment law, tax law, economic sanctions, and export compliance laws and regulations.

Lisa wants to make sure (and this is more than likely the case with most pro bono opportunities) that "people should understand there is lots of heavy lifting and no one has a secretary, we are an NGO after all. That said, we have great offices on 42nd and Lex and work with dedicated and smart people!"

So, if these opportunities appeal to you, here's what you should do (and do it fast because these jobs are going to be grabbed up fast!):

Immediately go to the International Rescue Committee's job site at www.ircjobs.org and fill out an application for one of these great opportunities listed under PRO BONO JOB OPPORTUNITIES. Please let us know if you are one of the people hired at the IRC. Good luck!

Sincerely,
Ann Israel
President, Ann Israel & Associates