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Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Legal Aid Chicago

Staff Attorney - Public Benefits

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$70K - $77K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... and Illinois Department of Human Services and will report to a Supervisory Attorney ... rights impacting low-income persons * Participate in other activities related to poverty law ...

Legal Aid Chicago

Staff Attorney - Public Benefits

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... and Illinois Department of Human Services and will report to a Supervisory Attorney ... rights impacting low-income persons * Participate in other activities related to poverty law ...

Legal Aid Chicago

Staff Attorney - Public Benefits

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... and Illinois Department of Human Services and will report to a Supervisory Attorney ... rights impacting low-income persons * Participate in other activities related to poverty law ...

Delta-T Group

Direct Support Provider

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth ... Introduction to Intellectual Disabilities Human Rights Abuse/Neglect & Exploitation Safety CPR ...

Delta-T Group

Direct Support Professional

Glenview, IL

$14.75 - $18/hr

Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth ... Introduction to Intellectual Disabilities Human Rights Abuse/Neglect & Exploitation Safety CPR ...

Amundsen Davis LLC

Litigation Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

... original human thoughts, arguments, and ideas. During the hiring process, it is particularly ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Delta-T Group

Direct Support Professional

Joliet, IL

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth ... Introduction to Intellectual Disabilities Human Rights Abuse/Neglect & Exploitation Safety CPR ...

Delta-T Group

Direct Support Professional

Morton Grove, IL

$15 - $18.25/hr

Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth ... Introduction to Intellectual Disabilities Human Rights Abuse/Neglect & Exploitation Safety CPR ...

Delta-T Group

Direct Support Professional

North Chicago, IL

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth ... Introduction to Intellectual Disabilities Human Rights Abuse/Neglect & Exploitation Safety CPR ...

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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

$48.4K

$103.7K

$142.2K

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level human rights lawyer in Chicago, IL is $103,660.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $106,100.00 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 $103,660 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Legal Supervisor (DOJ Accredited Rep)-Immigrant Legal Defense

National Immigrant Justice Center

Chicago, IL • On-site

$87K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

About NIJC
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 over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.
Job Summary:
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) seeks an energetic, visionary, and committed legal supervisor to join our Immigrant Legal Defense Project in our Chicago office. The team provides legal representation and counseling to immigrants appearing before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State (DOS), and if appropriate, before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
In this role, the supervisor will supervise a team of attorneys, paralegals, and interns to ensure high-quality legal services, as well as the ongoing training and professional development of team members. The supervisor will collaborate with other teams, including management, litigation, policy, and communications.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Supervises legal services and oversees paralegals, attorneys, interns and support staff providing legal services; including the development of case strategy, preparation, and representation before governmental agencies.
  • Ensure accurate data entry by paralegals, attorneys, and interns.
  • Oversees and reviews legal intakes; makes legal assessments and determinations regarding representation. Ensure timely case preparation, including case opening process, preparing filings, trial preparation, appeals, case closures, and other case management practices.
  • Works with a supervisory team to build a strong team and oversee the team's projects. Provides recommendations based on case trends to inform project-based strategic decisions. Maintains and develops strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.
  • Conducts factual and legal research.
  • Provides legal representation to immigrants in immigration proceedings, including before an immigration officer, an immigration judge, and before the Board of Immigration Appeals as appropriate.
  • Drafts correspondence and documents, including applications, briefs, and reports.
  • Improves delivery of legal services, including the use of technology to improve efficiency. Trains lawyers and non-lawyers in immigration law.
  • Conducts legal presentations regarding law and case(s) to NIJC staff and members of the immigrant community. Maintains accurate, thorough, and timely records.
  • Identifies trends and emerging issues and responses to issues.
  • Maintains current knowledge regarding immigration laws, policies, and procedures. Advances an anti-racist organization that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion Reacts to change productively and handles other essentials duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies:
  • Strong legal research, writing, and argumentation skills.
  • Stays up to date on current knowledge regarding immigration law, policies and procedures.
  • Effectively manages cases ensuring accuracy, efficiency and timely decision-making in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Exhibits sound, independent legal judgment and the ability to work autonomously while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with teammates, supervisors and cross-functional teams.
  • Experience analyzing the impact of laws on vulnerable populations and advocating for improved laws and policies.
  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and adapt quickly to change.
  • Adept at delivering trainings and presentations, conveying complex legal concepts to diverse audiences including legal practitioners, community partners, and impacted immigrant communities.
  • Demonstrates cultural awareness and actively contributes to an anti-racist, inclusive organizational culture.

Qualifications:
  • Education and/or Experience: Department of Justice fully accredited representative with 3 years of immigration legal experience. Previous supervisory experience preferred but not required.
  • Language Skills: This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish. Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills required. Additional non-English language skills are preferred.
  • Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Technology Knowledge/Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Physical Abilities Statement
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
  • The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
  • Constantly operating 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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