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Human Rights Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CAIR San Diego

Civil Rights Attorney

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

CAIR-CA is seeking a dedicated attorney to advance and defend the civil and human rights of the American Muslim community at a time when those rights are increasingly under threat. This role offers a ...

CAIR San Diego

Civil Rights Attorney

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

CAIR-CA is seeking a dedicated attorney to advance and defend the civil and human rights of the American Muslim community at a time when those rights are increasingly under threat. This role offers a ...

Human Rights First

Managing Attorney

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $130K/yr

Ensure that clients accepted into Human Rights First's pro bono representation program receive high-quality legal representation from Refugee Representation staff and pro bono attorneys by providing ...

CHIRLA

Supervising Staff Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$86K - $95K/yr

... human rights, and true participatory democracy. CHIRLA organizes and serves individuals ... The Supervising Staff Attorney will provide consultations to potential new clients regularly ...

CHIRLA

Staff Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$72K - $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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$151.6K

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How much do human rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights attorney in California is $151,602.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,300.00 and $185,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Human Rights Attorney position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Human Rights Attorney, you need a robust understanding of human rights law, strong legal research and writing abilities, and a Juris Doctor degree with relevant bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), international legal frameworks, and certifications in human rights law are often required. Excellent advocacy, negotiation skills, cultural sensitivity, and resilience under pressure distinguish outstanding professionals in this field. These skills are crucial for effectively representing clients, advancing human rights causes, and navigating complex, often emotionally charged legal challenges.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Human Rights Attorney?

As a Human Rights Attorney, your daily responsibilities may include conducting legal research, drafting briefs and legal documents, meeting with clients or advocacy groups, and representing clients in court or before administrative bodies. You will often investigate claims of human rights abuses, collaborate with non-governmental organizations or international bodies, and stay informed about relevant legal developments. The role may also involve advocating for policy changes or public awareness initiatives. These tasks require strong communication and organizational skills, as well as a deep commitment to justice and human rights.

What does a Human Rights Attorney do?

A Human Rights Attorney advocates for individuals and groups whose fundamental rights have been violated. They may work on cases involving discrimination, refugee rights, freedom of speech, or humanitarian law. Their responsibilities include legal research, representation in court, policy advocacy, and working with international human rights organizations. They often collaborate with NGOs, government agencies, and advocacy groups to promote and protect human rights globally.

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Human Rights Attorney jobs near you

Civil Rights Attorney

CAIR San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Title: Civil Rights Attorney
Work Location: San Diego, CA
Term: Full-time, occasional evening and weekends required.
Position Status: Exempt
Pay Range: $80,000 - $95,000/year commensurate with skills and experience
Reports to: Executive Director
Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 401(k) plan with an employer match, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days and 12 holidays. Budget for legal association membership fee, bar license renewal fee, CLE funding support, and malpractice insurance. Temporary hybrid work schedule, with three days in-person and two days remote.
About Us: Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, freely practicing one's faith, pursuing employment opportunities without harassment, and living as an active and engaged American without reprisal. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate and talented and are our most valuable resource. With an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who joins the efforts.
About the Role: CAIR-CA is seeking a dedicated attorney to advance and defend the civil and human rights of the American Muslim community at a time when those rights are increasingly under threat. This role offers a powerful opportunity to engage in impactful civil rights advocacy-working directly with community members, challenging systemic discrimination, and helping shape legal strategies that promote justice, safety, and dignity.
The attorney in this role will support individuals and families navigating discrimination, harassment, and civil liberties violations, while also contributing to broader legal and grassroots efforts that address patterns of misconduct and inequity. Success in this position requires sound legal judgment and a strong commitment to public interest law in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
This role is ideal for an attorney who is motivated by impact, values collaboration, and is seeking meaningful work that extends beyond individual cases to create lasting change.
Practice Areas: Civil Rights/Civil Liberties (Religious Freedom), Employment, National Security & Law Enforcement Practices, Public Accommodations, Prisoners' Rights, School Issues, Hate Crimes/Incidents, etc.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Review and investigate an array of legal claims brought by an incredibly diverse community.
  • Conduct intakes of legal claims as necessary through effective communication with members of the community.
  • Manage a considerable caseload (our attorneys currently manage approximately 200+ intakes each per year)
  • Provide assistance on assigned litigation efforts, including preparing pleadings, motions, and briefs.
  • Depending on experience, identify, develop, lead, and manage assigned litigation efforts, including preparing pleadings, motions, and briefs.
  • Perform in-depth legal research.
  • Legal writing including, but not limited to, drafting complaints, discovery, briefs, letters, and memos; and non-legal writing, including drafting community advisories, issuing briefings, and reports
  • Communicate with outside parties such as attorneys, employers, law enforcement agents, administrative agencies, media contacts, etc.
  • Work to educate and empower community members on their rights through community presentations and material distributions.
  • Prepare and assist in CAIR-California reports.
  • Travel for outreach, including participating in community events and coalition meetings
  • All CAIR staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, fundraising, and other office tasks as required

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited school
  • California State Bar admission
  • 1-3+ years of experience advocating for, representing, and/or litigating on behalf of clients in areas such as employment law, religious discrimination, public accommodation, denial of benefits by governmental and private actors in courts and administrative agencies
  • Strong time management skills with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills with outstanding attention to detail
  • Comfort working productively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking experience
  • Experience working with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
  • Access to a working vehicle and the ability to drive throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area
  • High degree of self-motivation and creativity
  • A strong commitment to civil rights and CAIR's mission
  • Basic computer proficiency including knowledge of MS Office, and MS Outlook
  • Knowledge of cloud applications such as SharePoint, Office365, WestLaw Next, Lexis Nexis and social media applications (preferred)
  • Conversational proficiency in Arabic, Farsi, or Urdu (preferred but not required)

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume with writing sample and 3 professional references.
Equal Employment Opportunity: CAIR-CA is an equal-opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

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