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Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer Jobs in Chicago, IL

State of Illinois

DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL

Chicago, IL · On-site

$137K - $157K/yr

... of Human Services. The Deputy General Counsel supervises other attorneys within the Office of ... Rights and Privacy Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Omnibus Budget ...

State of Illinois

DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL

Chicago, IL

$137K - $157K/yr

... of Human Services. The Deputy General Counsel supervises other attorneys within the Office of ... Rights and Privacy Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Omnibus Budget ...

State of Illinois

DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL

Chicago, IL · On-site

$137K - $157K/yr

... of Human Services. The Deputy General Counsel supervises other attorneys within the Office of ... Rights and Privacy Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Omnibus Budget ...

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All JobsHuman Rights Lawyer JobsEntry Level Human Rights Lawyer JobsEntry Level Human Rights Lawyer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.5K

$103.7K

$142.3K

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level human rights lawyer in Chicago, IL is $103,742.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $106,200.00 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.
Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,742 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Human Resources Generalist NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center

Chicago, IL • On-site

$55K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana and San Diego, NIJC's team of 100 attorneys, paralegals and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.
Summary:
The Human Resources Generalist supports NIJC's Human Resources operations by assisting with recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, HR compliance, training coordination, reporting, and day-to-day HR inquiries. This is a newly created position designed to strengthen HR infrastructure and expand support across the organization. As NIJC continues to grow, this role offers opportunities to develop deeper expertise, take on increased responsibility, and contribute to building more consistent and equitable HR processes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Supports full-cycle recruitment, including posting positions, screening applicants, coordinating interviews, and assisting with offer processes.
  • Facilitates onboarding and offboarding, ensuring timely completion of documentation, system setup, and orientation tasks.
  • Responds to HR inquiries from staff and supervisors, providing guidance on policies, procedures, and general HR matters.
  • Assists with maintaining HR records, including personnel files, training documentation, and compliance-related materials.
  • Coordinates required trainings and tracks completion through NIJC's learning management system.
  • Supports employee relations by documenting concerns, assisting with follow-up, and escalating issues as appropriate.
  • Helps maintain and update HR policies, templates, and standardized documents.
  • Assists with salary determination documentation, job description updates, and staffing change processes.
  • Generates reports and supports data tracking related to recruitment, turnover, training, payroll, and other HR metrics.
  • Ensure confidentiality, compliance, and adherence to legal and organizational standards in all HR practices.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Competencies:
  • HR Knowledge: Understanding of HR practices including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and compliance. Ability to interpret policies and apply them consistently.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly with staff, supervisors, and external partners.
  • Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems, manage multiple tasks, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Technology Knowledge/Skills: Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office applications and comfort working with HR systems, reporting and managing databases.

Qualifications:
  • Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree required. At least 2-3 years of experience in Human Resources or a related administrative role preferred. Experience working in nonprofit or mission-driven environments is a plus.
  • Language Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Spanish fluency preferred but not required.
  • Other Requirements: Excellent organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Physical Abilities Statement:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time.
  • This position occasionally requires moving about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
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