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Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer Jobs in California

CHIRLA

Staff Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$78K/yr

... human rights, and true participatory democracy. CHIRLA organizes and serves individuals ... The Staff Attorney will provide consultations to potential new clients on a regular basis, in ...

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Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$99.3K

$136.2K

How much do entry level human rights lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level human rights lawyer in California is $99,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to start a career in entry level human rights law?

To start a career as an entry-level human rights lawyer, obtain a relevant law degree and pass the bar exam. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering with human rights organizations, and developing strong research and advocacy skills are essential steps to entering the field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level human rights lawyers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level human rights lawyers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex international laws, handling emotionally charged cases, and working with limited resources. Developing strong research and communication skills is essential, as is seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues to better understand case nuances. Building resilience and maintaining a balanced workload can also help manage the emotional demands of advocating for vulnerable individuals or communities. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including social workers, advocates, and translators—is common and can provide valuable support and insight.

What does an entry level human rights lawyer do?

An entry level human rights lawyer assists in protecting and advocating for individuals' basic rights and freedoms under the law. Their work often involves conducting legal research, drafting documents, and supporting senior lawyers in cases related to discrimination, asylum, freedom of expression, and other human rights issues. They may also help educate clients about their rights and represent them in court or before government agencies. Entry level human rights lawyers typically work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or international bodies focused on human rights advocacy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level human rights lawyer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer, you need a law degree (JD or equivalent), bar admission, and a solid understanding of constitutional and international human rights law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as experience with case management systems, is highly beneficial. Strong written and verbal communication, cultural sensitivity, and resilience under pressure set outstanding candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively advocating for clients, navigating complex legal frameworks, and driving positive social change.

Is it hard to get a job as an entry level human rights lawyer?

Securing an entry-level human rights lawyer position can be competitive due to high demand for internships and volunteer work in the field. Candidates typically need a law degree, relevant internships, and strong research and advocacy skills to improve their chances of employment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Human Rights Lawyer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Human Rights Lawyer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer job openings:

Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer jobs near you

Staff Attorney

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

JOB POSTING - Staff Attorney
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986. CHIRLA is a California leader with national impact made of diverse immigrant families and individuals who act as agents of social change to achieve a world with freedom of mobility, full human rights, and true participatory democracy. CHIRLA organizes and serves individuals, institutions and coalitions to build power, transform public opinions, and change policies to achieve full human, civil and labor rights. Guided by power, love and vision of our community, CHIRLA embraces and drives progressive social change.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is seeking a Staff Attorney who will be a member of the legal department and who may be assigned to work primarily with one or more of the legal teams as needed. Accordingly, the types and amounts of cases assigned to a staff member will reflect the needs of the clients serviced by the team(s) they are assigned to or the needs of clients across the legal department as a whole.
The Staff Attorney will assist clients pursue immigration benefits for, and provide representation of clients in applications, hearings or proceedings before a variety of courts, tribunals and agencies as needed to safeguard and/or improve their immigration status within the United States. Further, the Staff Attorney is also responsible for pursuing community-based systemic reform and advocacy aimed at reforming unforgiving federal immigration laws. The Staff Attorney will provide consultations to potential new clients on a regular basis, in particular at Legal Triage, and other events. The staff attorney will provide clients with effective, responsive, compassionate, efficient and zealous representation. The staff attorney supervises and directs the efforts of paralegals or other support staff assigned to help their client's cases.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Immigration Legal Assistance:
  • Provide representation to clients with cases involving issues such as criminal history, immigration law violations, family law issues, current or previous removal proceedings, appeals, or other issues related to their immigration matters as needed.
  • Responsible for the preparation, review, revision and submission of any documents needed to address a client's immigration issues, including but not limited to, applications, motions, legal memos or briefs, petitions or requests, before USCIS and/or immigration court proceedings.
  • Represent individuals before federal, state or local courts, agencies or tribunals at all levels as needed to properly address and resolve issues for clients in their cases. Such a representation should follow both ethical and professional responsibility obligations as well as funder requirements.
  • Responsible for creating and communicating timelines and tasks to supervisors, colleagues, and subordinate staff that will properly and efficiently resolve issues to achieve the best possible outcome for clients. Also responsible for communicating this information to clients.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure with urgent deadlines.
  • Research and analyze complex and straightforward legal matters pertaining to own caseload and assuming responsibility and risk for outcomes of client cases.
  • Screen potential clients for all potential and available immigration benefits that they may qualify for and use that information to assess their ability to successfully pursue and obtain those benefits.
  • Communicate to potential clients an assessment or evaluation of their immigration cases or circumstances, including but not limited to any rights these individuals possess, any requirements these individuals must complete, and any deadlines they must comply with.
  • Stay up to date with changes in immigration law and other immigration related developments to be able to provide clients with the best representation possible in their immigration matters.
  • Make appropriate referrals as necessary for immigration legal services beyond the scope of the program or one's own competencies, and for other social service needs.
  • Assume caseload of any departing staff member as needed.
Staff Supervision:
  • Conduct review of all applications and other documents prepared by subordinate staff that are to be filed with USCIS, the Immigration Court, or other courts, agencies or tribunals prior to their submission. Provide revisions and directions for other staff assigned to the case in order to effect necessary changes or to take actions to properly represent the client.
  • Provide coaching and mentorship whenever possible to colleagues and subordinate staff to improve their knowledge, skills, accuracy, and efficacy in understanding the practice of the various areas law related to our clients' cases and to improve the quality of service provided to clients.
Customer Service and Community Outreach:
  • Communicate and interact with clients with professionalism, respect, compassion, and sensitivity to their life circumstances and potential or actual trauma that they have suffered.
  • Maintain regular communication with clients and provide them with updates regarding their cases no later than 90 days after the last case update provided to them.
  • Respond to any client communications or inquiries no later than within 48 - 72 hours of receipt of message from client(s).
  • Participate at in-person legal screening events, community presentations, and other special events as scheduled. For example, participation is required on Saturday Legal Triage events, which are scheduled monthly on Saturday mornings (7A - 11A) throughout the year.
Reporting Obligations and Program Efficiency:
  • Update case notes with any developments or client interactions within 48 - 72 hours to provide accurate and up to date information for other staff to rely on in a timely manner.
  • Update and maintain all current databases, tracking sheets or other documents mandated by policies and procedures issued by CHIRLA, the legal department, and any legal team(s) to which they are assigned.
  • Work closely and diligently with all other staff to represent clients in their legal matters ethically, efficiently and properly to maximize client outcomes and deliverable requirements for funders.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary to address urgent issues or priorities either within their assigned team(s), other legal department teams, or for the legal department as a whole.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
  • Active attorney license and good standing with a CA State Bar
  • At least one year's experience practicing immigration law.
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice, progressive social change, empowering communities' rights and justice
  • A high level of integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Must be flexible to work early morning, evenings and Saturdays during clinical/consultations times as needed
  • May require some travel in and out of California
Preferred
  • Fluency or high proficiency in the Spanish language and/or other languages that would allow communication with existing, new or potential clients is preferred as the job requires extensive legal counseling and representation with clients who primarily speak languages other than English.
  • Experience in assisting noncitizens applying for a wide variety of immigration benefits and processes before USCIS and/or the Immigration Court.
  • Engaging communication skills that can effectively and independently communicate with diverse audiences and network collaboratively among a variety of stakeholder groups.
  • Excellent creative problem solving, strategic thinking, and analytical skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
  • Experience with providing direct services to the community, ideally in a nonprofit setting.
  • Experience working with survivors of trauma, victims of violence, and human trafficking
  • Experience working with underserved and diverse populations.
  • Ability to be comfortable in a collaborative, consultative environment.
Desired Traits or Characteristic
  • Highly self-motivated, creative, takes initiative, ability to learn quickly, flexible and able to work as part of an interdisciplinary team of legal staff.
  • Demonstrated experience working effectively as part of a team and with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, both in person and within a remote work environment.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships within their team, within the legal department and throughout the organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to be proactive in their approach to assigned responsibilities, completing tasks and/or using technology and systems to maximize efficiency.
  • Strong commitment to CHIRLA's mission of empowering low-income community groups.

JOB TITLE: Staff Attorney
Salary & Benefits: $78,000 range based on experience
CHIRLA offers a competitive salary based on qualifications and an excellent benefit package, which includes generous time off benefits, 401K Plan, health, dental and vision plans.
FLSA Classification: Exempt/Hourly, full-time regular
Classification: CHIRLA recognizes a staff bargaining unit affiliated with AFSCME Local 4501. This position is included in CHIRLA's bargaining unit and covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
REPORTS TO: Managing Attorney or Supervising Staff Attorney
CLOSING DATE OF THIS POSITION: Position will remain open until filled
LOCATION: Multiple branch office locations available
CHIRLA is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and administers all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, appointment, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, training and educational opportunities without regard to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information as defined by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age (40 or older), sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status, pregnancy or pregnancy related disability, military or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation. All such discrimination is unlawful. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.
Open Positions are available at: www.CHIRLA.org/Career Center use link -
Career Center - The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights
All Applicants will be required to complete an Application for Employment prior to any scheduled interview.

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