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Human Rights Attorney Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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Lawyer

Washington, DC · On-site

$40/hr

... human rights law, international law, cybersecurity and privacy law, contract law, securities law, bankruptcy law, and alternative dispute resolution. Responsibilities * Give AI chatbots diverse and ...

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Human Rights Attorney information

See Washington, DC salary details

$63.8K

$173.3K

$355.4K

How much do human rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights attorney in Washington, DC is $173,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $212,100.00 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 Washington, DC? For Human Rights Attorney jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Rights Attorney jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights Attorney jobs in Washington, DC are:
Human Rights Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Attorney job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 90% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 72% In-person, 23% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $173,329 per year, or $83.3 per hour.

Law Student Intern, Fall Semester

U.S Comm for Refuge

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in migration by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of migrants in community life. For over 100 years, we have shaped history with the belief that immigrants strengthen our communities, economy and social fabric through freedom, hard work, and family unity. To learn more about our work, please go to our official website at www.refugees.org.

OVERVIEW

The USCRI Law Student Intern, Fall will assist USCRI legal offices with substantive legal case work. The successful candidate must be committed to immigration 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 immigration caseloads: provide drafting support, compile supporting documentation, and manage client calendars.
  • Draft, review, and file affirmative immigration petitions: Under attorney supervision, full life-cycle case support
  • Review cases under extending processing times: gather updated facts and documents, submit Congressional Inquiries where appropriate, and submit updates or supplemental memos to USCIS as needed.
  • Address additional legal needs: such as filing FOIA requests, updating case records, and collaborating with pro bono attorneys.
  • Prepare clients for on-site legal clinics: such as pre-screening clients, pre-drafting biographic data, gathering supporting documents, and drafting cover letters.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions. All job duties indicated are not be considered an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN UNPAID INTERNSHIP

REQUIREMENTS

  • Due to the nature of this work, this is an in-person internship at the Arlington, VA Headquarters, ideally 12-24/hr week.
  • Dedication to human rights of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and displaced people
  • Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school.
  • Proficient in data entry and data management.
  • Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint), Adobe Acrobat, and database programs
  • Excellent written, oral, and speaking communication skills in English. A second language is a plus.
  • Excellent time-management and organizational skills and ability to meet goals and deadlines in fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work collaboratively as a team member and independently with a high-level of self-motivation (with a proactive approach to assignments, to address needs when noticed or received)
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and accomplish work assignments
  • Attention to detail and quality of work outputs
    • Positive attitude, can-do approach, and pleasant, diplomatic manner

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Lifting of boxes of files (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.
  • Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
  • Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partnership status, marital status, physical or mental disability, AIDS/HIV status, age, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.