Treaty Lawyer Wanted

Friends often ask me what my favorite treaty is (OK, none of my friends ask me this, but they should).  I’d have to say the 1909 U.S.-Canada International Boundary Treaty (BWT) ranks right up there — for nearly a century it has dealt, mostly successfully, with all sorts of questions relating to the shared water resources of the U.S. and Canada, whether as a matter of irrigation, power, pollution, or environmental protection.  Much of that success can be attributed to the International Joint Commission (IJC) set up under the BWT.  The IJC has two sections, one American and one Canadian, comprised of three “Commissioners” each, plus various expert staff members.  Each section also has legal counsel, done most ably for the last several decades on the U.S. side by Jim Chandler.  Which brings me to the IJC’s need for a new treaty lawyer.  I understand that Jim is retiring and the U.S. government is seeking a replacement (details here).   Applications will be accepted through December 8.  So, if you’re a U.S. citizen and have always wanted a job where you could actually practice international law–interpreting treaties and dealing with the various legal issues that arise under the operation and activities of an international organization, this is your chance.  Apply today.