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QSAC

Human Resources Internship

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

... of HR (Recruitment, Onboarding, & Benefits) This is an unpaid internship, but we offer College ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for human rights internship in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Human Rights Internship vs Human Rights Associate?

AspectHuman Rights InternshipHuman Rights Associate
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates, some internships may require coursework in human rights or related fieldsBachelor's degree often required; some roles prefer or require additional certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary, entry-level, often in NGOs, international organizations, or advocacy groupsFull-time, professional setting with more responsibilities, often in similar organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by NGOs, UN agencies, and advocacy groups for training and developmentUsed by organizations for ongoing projects, policy work, and advocacy efforts

In summary, a Human Rights Internship is an entry-level, temporary position ideal for students or recent graduates gaining initial experience. A Human Rights Associate is a more permanent, professional role requiring some experience or education, with greater responsibilities in human rights work.

What do human rights interns do?

As a Human Rights Intern, you can expect to be involved in a variety of projects such as conducting research on human rights issues, drafting reports or policy briefs, assisting with advocacy campaigns, and supporting event planning or outreach efforts. Interns often work closely with experienced staff and may also help monitor developments in human rights law or policy. This role typically involves collaboration with team members from diverse backgrounds, offering opportunities to learn about legal, social, and international perspectives. Interns gain valuable experience in both independent work and group projects, helping to develop critical thinking and communication skills.

What is a human rights internship?

A Human Rights Internship is a temporary position, often aimed at students or recent graduates, that provides hands-on experience in organizations focused on promoting and protecting human rights. Interns may assist with research, advocacy, event planning, or communications related to issues such as social justice, legal rights, or humanitarian efforts. These internships help individuals gain practical skills, build professional networks, and deepen their understanding of human rights work. They can take place at non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, or international bodies. Most positions are unpaid or offer modest stipends, but they are valuable stepping stones for careers in law, public policy, or international relations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a human rights intern?

To thrive as a Human Rights Intern, you need foundational knowledge of international human rights laws, research skills, and often enrollment in or completion of a related degree such as political science or international relations. Familiarity with research databases, Microsoft Office Suite, and sometimes data analysis or case management systems is beneficial. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and organizational skills help you collaborate effectively and advocate for vulnerable populations. These capabilities are crucial for contributing to impactful projects, supporting advocacy efforts, and navigating complex global human rights issues.
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Infographic showing various Human Rights Internship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,995 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Internship - Fall 2026 - MHLD

Committee for Public Counsel

Salem, MA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview

The Mental Health Litigation Division of CPCS is seeking applicants for Fall 2026 internship positions in our Civil Commitment trial offices located in Brockton, Northampton, and Worcester offices and in our Trial Support and Oversight unit located in Boston. We are interested in law students both with and without SJC Rule 3:03 Certification for opportunities with the Mental Health Litigation Division.     

We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals.  We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all.

Our Values

Courage      Accountability      Respect      Excellence

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT

 

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation. We are dedicated to building and maintaining strong professional relationships, while striving to accept, listen to and respect the diverse circumstances of each client, as we dedicate ourselves to meeting their individual needs.  It is our CPCS mission to achieve these goals, and in furtherance thereof, we embrace and endorse diversity, equity and inclusion as our core values as we maintain a steadfast commitment to: (1) Ensure that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experience; (2) Provide a work climate that is respectful and supports success; and (3) Promote the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS leadership is responsible for ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ability to achieve these goals with any level of certainty is ultimately the responsibility of each member of the CPCS community.

AGENCY OVERVIEW

 

CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one. The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, child welfare, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters.

The clients we represent are diverse across every context imaginable and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters we address. This reality creates a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency, among other protected characteristics.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Mental Health Litigation Division provides individuals with attorneys for Civil Commitment proceedings in the District and Superior Courts and provides attorneys for appointment by  the Probate and Family Courts to represent persons in Guardianships and Substituted Judgment proceedings, including cases involving Conservatorship, Elder Abuse, the Validation of Health Care Proxies, Nursing Home Admission and Do Not Resuscitate orders. Civil Commitments are handled by both staff and private attorneys, while most cases in the Probate Court are handled by private panel attorneys.

In addition to our staff offices in Brockton, Roxbury, Northampton, and Worcester, the MHLD has attorneys in our trial support and oversight office and our training department. All our attorneys receive training in issues relating to mental health and the statutory and constitutional rights of our clients. The Mental Health Litigation Division offers interns a variety of experiences and assignments under the supervision of highly experienced attorneys.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Interested candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the protection of fundamental constitutional and human rights.

Candidates must also have access to:

  • Reliable transportation or public transportation to travel to courts and hospitals, and,
  • A personal computer with home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Interested applicants should submit (1) Resume, (2) Personal Mission Statement (one  page detailing your interest in the internship, your personal qualities and background, and what draws you to this work, and (3) Writing Sample. 

Applicants should specify preferred office locations for the Fall 2026 Internship Program.  

Applications received prior to August 21, 2026 will be given preference. 

 

INTERNSHIP FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Please note that this is an unpaid internship. CPCS can work with students to support the receipt of externship credit or outside funding.

Responsibilities

Mental Health Commitment Defense Units

The MHLD offices located in Brockton, Northampton, and Worcester seeks interns and law coop students who have completed their 2L year and are or can be 3:03 certified to assist attorneys with representation of citizens facing involuntary civil commitment to mental health facilities, and involuntary medical treatment for mental illness, including the administration of anti-psychotic medications. 1Ls are welcome to intern with the commitment defense offices to assist with client calls, reviewing medical records and legal research. Interns in MHLD commitment offices will

  • Shadow several attorneys during their internship,
  • Develop a working understanding of G.L. c. 123 and the requirements for civil commitment, District and Municipal Court commitment proceedings, court-ordered medication proceedings, and the rules of evidence as applied in mental health cases,
  • Visit clients and conduct interviews to obtain relevant information and ascertain the client's position on their pending petition(s)
  • Work with independent medical experts including psychiatrists, psychologists, social service experts, and other mental health professionals as requested by staff attorneys,
  • Work with attorneys to prepare motions for funds, motions for in person hearings, review medical records, direct examinations, cross-examination of Designated Forensic Psychologists and Psychiatrists and closing arguments,
  • Develop research on race and equity issues in civil commitments and assist in developing a litigation guide for such issues, Conduct research into support for novel issues or arguments.

 

Mental Health Litigation Division Trial Panel Support  Unit

The Mental Health Trial Panel Support Unit based in Boston supports and oversees the private panel attorneys handling civil commitments and probate court matters. TSOU seeks law students who have completed their 1L year to

  • Conduct legal research on systemic and specific issues affecting clients with mental disabilities,
  • Draft practice materials for attorneys representing clients in mental health matters,
  • Handle intake line calls from patients and clients in mental health facilities and provide information about their legal status, assignment of counsel or referral,
  • Trial Support interns also assist the MHLD Training Unit attorneys to create and edit training materials, and to develop and maintain Mental Health online training and resource initiatives.

EEO Statement

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies.  Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Sandra DeBow-Huang at sdebow@publiccounsel.net

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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