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Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer Jobs in Washington, DC

U.S Comm for Refuge

Law Student Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

... and human rights issues and be able to conduct advocacy, education, and other outreach activities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist attorneys with affirmative and removal-based ...

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All JobsHuman Rights Lawyer JobsEntry Level Human Rights Lawyer JobsEntry Level Human Rights Lawyer Jobs in Washington, DC

Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$53.2K

$114K

$156.3K

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 Washington, DC is $113,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $116,600.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Human Rights Lawyer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Human Rights Lawyer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 20% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 20% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,952 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

Human Rights Accountability Legal Intern - Fall 2026

Human Rights First

Washington, DC

Internship

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Human Rights Accountability Legal Intern - Fall 2026

The Accountability Legal Intern will assist with research and analysis aimed at strengthening our team’s ability to effectively advocate for targeted sanctions against human rights abusers and corrupt officials around the world using Magnitsky-style sanctions programs from the U.S., UK, EU, Canada, and Australia. In particular, the intern will be asked to perform legal and policy background research and maintain databases to improve our understanding of the applicability, use, and effects of different sanctions programs. The intern will also be asked to perform research and writing related to specific instances of serious human rights abuse and/or corruption as we work to identify individuals for consideration as possible designees under various government sanctions programs, including the Global Magnitsky sanctions program and similar programs from other jurisdictions. In addition, the intern will be asked to conduct research and draft materials to support Congressional advocacy efforts related to this and other related work to promote and protect Magnitsky sanctions and other accountability tools and institutions, such as the International Criminal Court. The intern will gain professional experience in legal analysis, persuasive writing, and engagement with a diverse range of partners. The intern may also be involved in our efforts to protect accountability institutions and human rights activists from attack by the Trump administration and other actors.
Interns must be located in the United States.
How will the intern make a difference in the Human Rights space through this internship?
The intern’s work will make Human Rights First and its partners more effective advocates in seeking accountability for human rights abuses and corruption, by helping make the strongest case possible for sanctions in specific instances and by improving our overall understanding of the impact and implementation of these tools. The intern’s work will also support Human Rights First’s efforts to protect accountability tools and institutions from attacks and misuse.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Support attorneys in policy, legal, and data research projects to inform our efforts and those of our coalition partners related to human rights and anti-corruption sanctions and advocacy.
  • Monitor and report on events occurring around the world that are relevant to our work.
  • Work with attorneys reviewing Magnitsky case files to provide information and answer questions.
  • Conduct research to gather information and assist in preparing files for Global Magnitsky recommendations for the U.S. and other major Magnitsky jurisdiction governments involving serious human rights abuse or corruption.
  • Track, via internal databases, different government, NGO coalition, and HRF metrics.
  • Assist with coordinating NGO training sessions on targeted sanctions.
  • Assist with advocacy to government entities and the public regarding the Global Magnitsky sanctions program and other related Magnitsky-style programs (drafting blogs, op-eds, factsheets, other publications).
  • Opportunity for additional responsibilities based on performance.

Desired Skills and Experience

  • Strong research and writing skills.
  • Significant knowledge of the human rights context in at least one region of the world, and/or significant knowledge of human rights issues facing vulnerable and marginalized groups.
  • Ability to apply legal standards to the facts of specific cases.
  • Knowledge of human rights and/or anti-corruption concepts, methods, statutes, and instruments desirable.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Foreign language skills desirable.
Education: Law student (J.D. or LLM) preferred.
Compensation: Unpaid
Submission Deadline: July 24, 2026
Start Date: September 8, 2026
End Date: December 11, 2026
Time Commitment: 10-12 hours/week
Application Instructions: Please include a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (ideally related to human rights or corruption).


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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