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Human Rights Attorney Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

IFMK Law, Ltd.

Litigation Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

... Human Rights Act, Illinois Freedom of Information Act, Illinois Open Meetings Act, Illinois ... Collaborate with senior attorneys and clients to develop litigation strategies. * Counsel clients ...

Amundsen Davis LLC

OSHA 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.

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.

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All JobsHuman Rights Attorney JobsHuman Rights Attorney Jobs in Illinois

Human Rights Attorney information

See Illinois salary details

$54.8K

$148.9K

$305.2K

How much do human rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights attorney in Illinois is $148,855.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $182,200.00 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 Illinois? For Human Rights Attorney jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Rights Attorney jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights Attorney jobs in Illinois are:
Human Rights Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Attorney job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $148,855 per year, or $71.6 per hour.
Labor & Employment Law Attorney (Legal Advisor II)

Labor & Employment Law Attorney (Legal Advisor II)

Illinois Secretary of State

Chicago, IL • On-site

$6.0K - $7.9K/mo

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Serve as lead attorney for arbitration, unemployment, mediation, unfair labor practice charges, Merit Commission hearings, and matters before the Department of Human Rights and Human Rights Commission as directed.

  • Provide legal advice to the Department of Personnel and Executive Office on matters involving labor relations and assist with associated hearings and union negotiations as directed.

  • Conduct research and investigative work in employee and labor relations and legal matters related to changes in Department of Personnel Rules, Code, and Policy Manual.

Job description

Office of the Illinois Secretary of State

Alexi Giannoulias


Job Title:     Legal Advisor II
Division:     General Counsel - Personnel
Union:         N/A
Location:    115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, IL – Cook County
Salary:        $6,019 to $7,917 monthly – commensurate with experience
Benefits:     https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html           
Overview: 
Under administrative direction of the General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel and/or the Director of the Department of Personnel, serves as staff attorney performing complex technical legal functions as lead attorney for arbitration, unemployment, mediation, unfair labor practice charges, and Merit Commission hearings as directed, as well as matters before the Department of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission; assists with labor relations and provides legal advice to the Department of Personnel on matters involving labor relations; provides guidance on policy changes as they relate to changes to the law; assists Director of Personnel with legislative analysis as it relates to the personnel and human resources matters.
Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serves as staff attorney performing complex technical legal functions as lead attorney for arbitration, unemployment, mediation, unfair labor practice charges, and Merit Commission hearings and appeals, as directed, as well as matters before the Department of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission;  Serves as liaison to the Attorney General’s office on legal matters assigned to them for representation, coordinating with them on all aspects of the cases.
  • Assists with labor relations, including any hearings associated with labor relations and union negotiations as directed.  Provides legal advice to the Department of Personnel and Executive Office on matters involving labor relations.
  • Conducts research and investigative work in the field of employee and labor relations, as well as legal matters as they relate to changes to the Department of Personnel Rules, Code and Policy Manual to assure adherence to procedures and policies.
  • Serves as liaison with other personnel staff, management, department staff, and various union representatives to effectively resolve matters and to assist in the administration and interpretation of union contracts, Rules, Code and Policy Manual.
  • Provides advice and counsel concerning statutory interpretations and compliance with laws and office procedures and policies as required.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Specific Skills:
  • Requires extensive knowledge of federal and state labor law including but not limited the National Labor Relations Act, the Illinois Labor Relations Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Illinois Human Rights Act, and similar laws and regulations.
  • Requires experience in litigating primarily with administrative proceedings, as well as mediations, arbitrations, unfair labor practices, unemployment, and serve as representative of the Office on matters involving litigation on employment issues in federal and state courts.
  • Requires extensive knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedure and of the rules of evidence, hearings, and trial procedures.
  • Requires working knowledge of management practices and procedures.
  • Requires ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with superiors, other attorneys, employees and the public.
  • Requires ability to present material in clear and logical form for oral or written presentation, such as briefs, orders, reports or decisions.
  • Requires ability to exercise sound judgement in appraising and evaluating problems of a procedural nature.
  • Requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull 50 lbs.
  • Requires some travel and possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license.
Education and Work Experience:
Requires possession of a license to practice law in Illinois AND one (1) year of professional experience in the practice of law. 
Preferred candidate with experience in litigating labor and employment matters, as well as experience in the skills indicated in the previous section above.   
Application Process: 
  • Please visit https://ilsos.applytojob.gov/apply to apply by completing the online application; you may also upload a resume, or other attachments as needed.
  • Preference will be given to Illinois residents in the hiring and selection process, in accordance with the Illinois Secretary of State Merit Employment Code.
  • Questions regarding this posting or Illinois Secretary of State employment practices may be directed to Job Counselors at our Personnel offices in Chicago (312-793-5515) or Springfield (217-782-4783).  

 
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability.

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