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$151.6K

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How much do human rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 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:
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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
Infographic showing various Human Rights Attorney job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,602 per year, or $72.9 per hour.
Post Bar Fellow - Immigration Rights

Post Bar Fellow - Immigration Rights

Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach

Oakland, CA • On-site

$70K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Provide case management and assist with legal services under supervision to eligible clients, particularly in the area of immigrant rights.

  • Staff clinics and workshops at locations accessible to clients.

  • Engage in community education and outreach activities.

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
Under the supervision of the Supervising Attorney for Immigrant Rights, the Post Bar Fellow in Immigrant Rights will assist with various legal services to low-income clients, particularly but not exclusively in the area of immigration. They will actively participate in community outreach, represent the organization at various forums, and assist in the broader administrative tasks of the organization. This role will be instrumental in our mission to serve underserved Asian, Pacific Islander, and BIPOC communities in the Greater Bay Area and is based in our East Bay office. Once the fellow passes the California Bar, there is a potential to transition to a Staff Attorney position.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide case management and assist with legal services under the supervision of a licensed attorney to eligible clients, particularly but not exclusively in the area of immigrant rights. Casework will include removal defense, asylum, naturalization services, and various petitions such as U, T, SIJS and VAWA.
• Staff clinics and workshops at locations accessible to clients.
• Engage in community education and outreach activities.
• Provide intake services with potential clients.
• Represent API Legal Outreach at meetings with community partners, funders and collaboratives.
• Assist with administrative and fundraising work of the organization.
Minimum Qualifications
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and experience working on behalf of underserved immigrant communities.
• Law school graduate and awaiting Bar results (planning to take or have taken the California Bar).
• Ability to work independently; detail-oriented; aptitude to function well in a multicultural team environment.
• Strong legal research, writing, and client-centered advocacy skills.
Preferred Qualifications
• Fluency in API language or Spanish
• Bicultural skills relevant to low-income communities.
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 Post Bar Fellow- Immigrant Rights. 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