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Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer Jobs in New York

Human Rights First

Legal Intern - Fall 2026

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

... attorneys on case strategy. Opportunities to work on direct representation cases include legal strategy, forms completion, advocacy, legal research, and brief writing, among other tasks. Human Rights ...

City of New York

Agency Attorney 2

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city's Human ... Agency Attorneys, Level Two, work within the Law Enforcement Bureau to enforce the New York City ...

City of New York

Agency Attorney 2

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city's Human ... Agency Attorneys, Level Two, work within the Law Enforcement Bureau to enforce the New York City ...

City of New York

Agency Attorney 2

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Company Description The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to ... Agency Attorneys, Level Two, work within the Law Enforcement Bureau to enforce the New York City ...

City of New York

AGENCY ATTORNEY L3

Manhattan, NY · On-site

... an attorney to litigate significant and complex employment and fair housing matters before state ... S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights, and the ...

City of New York

AGENCY ATTORNEY L3

Manhattan, NY · On-site

... an attorney to litigate significant and complex employment and fair housing matters before state ... S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights, and the ...

City of New York

AGENCY ATTORNEY L3

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

... an attorney to litigate significant and complex employment and fair housing matters before state ... S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights, and the ...

NYLAG

Immigration Staff Attorney

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$101.01 - $111.56/hr

This position reports to their supervising attorney. Duties and Responsibilities ... Responsible for in‑person legal clinic at The Primary Care Human Rights Clinic at NYC H+H ...

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Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer information

See New York salary details

$51.4K

$110.1K

$151K

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level human rights lawyer in New York is $110,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $112,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 such roles and limited openings. Candidates typically need a law degree, relevant internships, and strong research and advocacy skills to improve their chances of employment.

What jobs can I get with an entry level human rights lawyer degree?

An entry-level human rights lawyer degree can qualify you for roles such as legal assistant, advocacy coordinator, or policy analyst at non-profit organizations, government agencies, or international bodies. These positions often require strong research, communication skills, and knowledge of human rights laws and policies.

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

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

Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,089 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Non-Legal Intern - Fall 2026

Human Rights First

Manhattan, NY • Hybrid

Internship

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Non-Legal Intern - Fall 2026

The NY office of Human Rights First seeks motivated non-legal interns for the Fall 2026 semester to assist in providing pro bono non-legal representation to asylum seekers before the Asylum Offices and Immigration Courts in the New York and New Jersey area. Interns will have the opportunity to work directly with clients on interviewing and document drafting and collaborate with attorneys on case strategy. Opportunities to work on direct representation cases include non-legal strategy, forms completion, advocacy, non-legal research, and brief writing, among other tasks.
Human Rights First is dedicated to inclusivity and will assist interns with externship credit, work-study, or securing funding from external sources. This position is unpaid, will support mostly the NY team of HRF and may be performed remotely. A computer and internet connection are required for this position. People of color, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT community are encouraged to apply.
How will you make a difference in the Human Rights space through this internship?
Non-legal interns meaningfully contribute to the Refugee Representation program, which provides non-legal assistance to asylum seekers who cannot afford an attorney and need help with a claim for asylum or other humanitarian-based forms of immigration relief. Interns actively engage in furthering Human Rights First mission of working in the United States to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law. Through direct engagement with refugees, non-legal interns assist in the furtherance of clients’ cases, applying their non-legal skills to the furtherance of human rights.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Interns have the opportunity to engage in client interviewing, to conduct screening interviews with potential clients, and to draft case summaries.
  • Interns will work with Human Rights First staff on asylum cases, providing support with country conditions and other non-legal advocacy efforts.
  • Interns will assist with updating and maintaining databases.
  • Interns will conduct non-legal research in developing areas of immigration law and country conditions for analysis and reporting.
  • Interns will have opportunities to attend non-legal trainings, advocacy groups, and discussion panels in the greater NY/NJ area and virtually.
Desired Skills and Experiences
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines at once
  • Non-legal research and writing skills, particularly in immigration law, administrative law, federal law, and federal regulations
  • Dedicated interest and passion for immigration advocacy, direct client representation, and protecting the rights of migrants
  • Experience working with vulnerable populations and survivors of trauma
  • Ability to work collaboratively with staff, clients, and community organizations
  • Motivated to work independently to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
  • Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish, is a plus.
Education: Enrollment in an undergraduate bachelor’s degree program.
Compensation: Unpaid
Submission Deadline: July 24, 2026
Start Date: September 8, 2026
End Date: December 11, 2026
Time Commitment: 15-20 hours/week
Application Instructions: Cover Letter, Resume, Writing Sample (no more than 5 pages).


Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing staff from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives make us stronger and more effective.

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