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Human Rights Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seton Hall University

Managing Attorney

Newark, NJ · On-site

Administrator The Immigrants' Rights/International Human Rights Clinic at Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, New Jersey, is seeking to hire an experienced attorney to serve as the ...

City of New York

Agency Attorney 2

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city's Human ... Agency Attorneys, Level Two, work within the Law Enforcement Bureau to enforce the New York City ...

City of New York

Agency Attorney 2

Manhattan, NY

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city's Human ... Agency Attorneys, Level Two, work within the Law Enforcement Bureau to enforce the New York City ...

City of New York

Agency Attorney 2

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Company Description The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to ... Agency Attorneys, Level Two, work within the Law Enforcement Bureau to enforce the New York City ...

State of Alaska

Special Projects Attorney

Juneau, AK · On-site

$102K/yr

Human Rights Commission Opening Date: 11/19/2024 Closing Date: Continuous Position Open To: All ... The Commission is seeking a Special Projects Attorney I/II/III to: * Serve as the outreach ...

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$56.5K

$153.6K

$315K

How much do human rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights attorney in the United States is $153,614.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $188,000.00 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.

More about Human Rights Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Human Rights Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Human Rights Attorney job openings:
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Human Rights Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Attorney job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,614 per year, or $73.9 per hour.
Non-Legal Intern - Fall 2026

Non-Legal Intern - Fall 2026

Human Rights First

Manhattan, NY • Hybrid

Internship

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Non-Legal Intern - Fall 2026

The NY office of Human Rights First seeks motivated non-legal interns for the Fall 2026 semester to assist in providing pro bono non-legal representation to asylum seekers before the Asylum Offices and Immigration Courts in the New York and New Jersey area. Interns will have the opportunity to work directly with clients on interviewing and document drafting and collaborate with attorneys on case strategy. Opportunities to work on direct representation cases include non-legal strategy, forms completion, advocacy, non-legal research, and brief writing, among other tasks.
Human Rights First is dedicated to inclusivity and will assist interns with externship credit, work-study, or securing funding from external sources. This position is unpaid, will support mostly the NY team of HRF and may be performed remotely. A computer and internet connection are required for this position. People of color, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT community are encouraged to apply.
How will you make a difference in the Human Rights space through this internship?
Non-legal interns meaningfully contribute to the Refugee Representation program, which provides non-legal assistance to asylum seekers who cannot afford an attorney and need help with a claim for asylum or other humanitarian-based forms of immigration relief. Interns actively engage in furthering Human Rights First mission of working in the United States to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law. Through direct engagement with refugees, non-legal interns assist in the furtherance of clients’ cases, applying their non-legal skills to the furtherance of human rights.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Interns have the opportunity to engage in client interviewing, to conduct screening interviews with potential clients, and to draft case summaries.
  • Interns will work with Human Rights First staff on asylum cases, providing support with country conditions and other non-legal advocacy efforts.
  • Interns will assist with updating and maintaining databases.
  • Interns will conduct non-legal research in developing areas of immigration law and country conditions for analysis and reporting.
  • Interns will have opportunities to attend non-legal trainings, advocacy groups, and discussion panels in the greater NY/NJ area and virtually.
Desired Skills and Experiences
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines at once
  • Non-legal research and writing skills, particularly in immigration law, administrative law, federal law, and federal regulations
  • Dedicated interest and passion for immigration advocacy, direct client representation, and protecting the rights of migrants
  • Experience working with vulnerable populations and survivors of trauma
  • Ability to work collaboratively with staff, clients, and community organizations
  • Motivated to work independently to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
  • Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish, is a plus.
Education: Enrollment in an undergraduate bachelor’s degree program.
Compensation: Unpaid
Submission Deadline: July 24, 2026
Start Date: September 8, 2026
End Date: December 11, 2026
Time Commitment: 15-20 hours/week
Application Instructions: Cover Letter, Resume, Writing Sample (no more than 5 pages).


Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing staff from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives make us stronger and more effective.

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