ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Human Rights Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHuman Rights Attorney JobsHuman Rights Attorney Jobs in California

Human Rights Attorney information

See California salary details

$55.8K

$151.6K

$310.9K

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.

What are popular job titles related to Human Rights Attorney jobs in California? For Human Rights Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Rights Attorney jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights Attorney jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Human Rights Attorney jobs? Cities in California with the most Human Rights Attorney job openings:
Human Rights Attorney jobs near you
Staff Attorney - Housing Rights Project

Staff Attorney - Housing Rights Project

Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

About Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach
API Legal Outreach is the largest social justice legal organization focused on the Asian/Pacific Islander, Latinx, and immigrant communities of the Greater Bay Area and the Central Valley. A growing community-based organization founded in 1975, our mission is to provide culturally competent and linguistically appropriate direct services to the most marginalized segments of our community including low-income women, seniors, immigrants, and youth. With offices in Oakland and San Francisco, our work is focused in the areas of Gender-based Violence, Immigration and Immigrant Rights, Disability Rights, Senior Law and Elder Abuse, Anti-Human Trafficking, Youth Violence Prevention, Anti API Hate Violence, the preservation of affordable housing and small businesses, and other social justice issues.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Staff Attorney holds a key position in providing legal representation to low-income tenants and homeowners in the areas of eviction defense, affordable housing preservation, mortgage fraud, and other related areas. This role is based primarily in our San Francisco office, with additional responsibilities linked to our East Bay office. The role requires a strong commitment to social justice, with frequent interactions with a wide range of stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to serving underserved Asian and Pacific Islander communities and BIPOC communities in the Greater Bay Area.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide legal representation to low-income tenants and homeowners in the areas of eviction defense, affordable housing preservation, mortgage fraud, and other related areas.
  • Conduct community education and outreach.
  • Staff clinics at sites accessible to consumers.
  • Provide technical assistance and training to community and public agencies.
  • Represent the organization at community, legal, funding, and other meetings and functions.

Minimum Qualifications
  • A member in good standing of the California Bar; provisional bar candidates considered.
  • Minimum of two years of litigation and/or housing advocacy work experience in low-income communities, on behalf of seniors, families, and/or recent immigrants.
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice and the advancement of underserved communities of color.
  • Ability to work independently; self-starter; detail oriented; to work well in a team-oriented, multicultural work environment.
  • Strong advocacy and courtroom skills representing LEP clients.
  • Residence within 75 miles of API Legal Outreach office.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bilingual/bicultural skills (Spanish, Cantonese, or other API language)
  • Successful experience in serving tenants facing eviction.
  • Working knowledge of Legal Server and Essential Forms.
  • Strong preference will be given to: work the hours necessary to accomplish the assigned duties, including evenings and weekend hours.
  • Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to work: in a standard office environment; attend meetings at off-site locations; converse over the telephone, in person and at meetings; and operate a computer.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Pre-tax 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching funds
  • 14 paid holidays, including floating holiday
  • PTO, sick leave
  • 100% employer-paid options for medical, dental, and vision plans
  • pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts

To Apply:
Please click on the links below to apply and send your cover letter and resume with three professional references. In the subject line, please write Staff Attorney - Housing Rights Project. In your cover letter, please address the following questions: Why did you apply to APILO? How does the mission inspire you? How does your background and experience support APILO's work?
Equal Employment Opportunity:
API Legal Outreach is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Apply