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Human Rights Law Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aptiv

Engineer - RTOS US

Walnut Creek, CA

Wind River is committed to meeting its obligations to candidates under applicable human rights law and privacy law in this regard. #LI-MG1 Privacy Notice - Active Candidates: Aptiv is an equal ...

Aptiv PLC

Engineer - RTOS US

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

Wind River is committed to meeting its obligations to candidates under applicable human rights law and privacy law in this regard. #LI-MG1 Privacy Notice - Active Candidates: Aptiv is an equal ...

Child Mind Institute

Staff Associate

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$60K/yr

In New York, we extend this prohibition to include status as a victim of domestic violence, familial status, or any other characteristic protected by the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)

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Wilshire Law Firm

Human Resources Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Human Resources Manager Wilshire Law Firm is a distinguished, award-winning legal practice with over 18 years of experience, specializing in Personal Injury, Employee Rights, and Consumer Class ...

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All JobsHuman Rights Law JobsHuman Rights Law Jobs in California

Human Rights Law information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$41

How much do human rights law jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for human rights law in California is $25.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is human rights law?

Human rights law is a branch of law that focuses on protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. It covers legal standards, both international and domestic, that ensure people are treated fairly and with dignity, regardless of nationality, gender, ethnicity, or other status. Human rights lawyers work on cases involving issues like discrimination, freedom of speech, torture, and the right to a fair trial. This field often involves advocacy, litigation, and policy work to uphold human rights standards globally.

What can you do with a human rights law degree?

A human rights law degree prepares individuals for roles such as human rights lawyer, legal advocate, policy analyst, or nonprofit director. Graduates often work for NGOs, international organizations, or government agencies, utilizing skills in legal research, advocacy, and understanding international law. Certification or experience in litigation and international law can enhance employment opportunities.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Human rights law typically requires advanced education and legal qualifications, making high weekly pay without a degree uncommon in this field. However, some high-paying sales, real estate, or entrepreneurial roles can earn around $4,000 weekly with experience and strong skills. These jobs often rely on commissions, performance, or business ownership rather than formal degrees.

What is the difference between Human Rights Law vs Immigration Law?

AspectHuman Rights LawImmigration Law
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, specialization in human rightsLaw degree, bar admission, specialization in immigration
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, international courts, NGOsGovernment agencies, law firms, immigration courts
Employer & IndustryInternational bodies, NGOs, advocacy groupsFederal/state agencies, private firms, immigration services

Human Rights Law focuses on protecting fundamental rights globally, often involving advocacy and international legal frameworks. Immigration Law centers on assisting individuals with visas, asylum, and residency issues within a specific country. While both require legal expertise and involve advocacy, their scope, work environment, and client focus differ significantly.

Do human rights lawyers make money?

Human rights lawyers' salaries vary widely depending on experience, location, and employer type, such as non-profit organizations or private firms. Entry-level positions may offer modest pay, while experienced lawyers working for international organizations or in private practice can earn higher salaries. Many also pursue additional certifications or specialized skills to increase earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Human Rights Lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Human Rights Lawyer, you need a law degree, admission to the bar, and a solid understanding of international and domestic human rights law. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and relevant international legal instruments is typically required. Strong advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication are critical soft skills for representing diverse clients and working with various organizations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure effective legal representation, influence policy, and protect fundamental rights in complex legal environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Human Rights Law?

Professionals in Human Rights Law often encounter challenges such as managing emotionally intense cases, navigating complex international and domestic legal frameworks, and dealing with limited resources when advocating for vulnerable populations. Balancing client needs with the demands of advocacy and litigation can be demanding, especially when cases involve sensitive issues or exist in politically charged contexts. However, working collaboratively with NGOs, government agencies, and international bodies helps build support systems and enhances the overall impact of their work.

What can I do with human rights law?

A career in human rights law involves advocating for the protection and promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms. Human rights lawyers work on cases related to discrimination, abuse, and social justice, often working for NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations. Skills in research, legal analysis, and understanding international law are essential, and some roles may require specialized certifications or language skills.
What are popular job titles related to Human Rights Law jobs in California? For Human Rights Law jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Rights Law jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights Law jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Human Rights Law jobs? Cities in California with the most Human Rights Law job openings:
Human Rights Law jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Law job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,298 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
2027 International Program Clerkship

2027 International Program Clerkship

Earthjustice

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM
Drawing on deep experience in foreign, US and international environmental, energy and human rights law, and foreign and international litigation, Earthjustice’s International Program works with partners in Africa, Indonesia, Australia, Latin America and elsewhere on domestic and international legal advocacy to reduce dependence on dirty fossil fuels and speed the transition to clean energy. International program staff represent and collaborate with public interest environmental organizations and communities to establish, strengthen, and enforce national and international legal protections for the environment, public health, and human rights.
 
ABOUT US 
Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting  environmental protections. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; preserve magnificent places and wildlife; advance clean energy; and combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups and supporters to take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country and have a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. 
  
We welcome all interested law students from across the country to apply for a summer law clerk position.  We expect that students will work proximate to or in an office where the program is located. 
  
RESPONSIBILITIES 
Summer Law Clerks will have the opportunity to work with several attorneys on case development and litigation strategy. Students may draft pleadings and briefs, do legal research, develop strategy and legal theories, gather evidence, and attend client meetings and court proceedings. Earthjustice’s summer law clerk program also includes various programmatic offerings, such as in-person and virtual seminars with attorneys and guest speakers on current environmental issues, interactions with other local and regional environmental groups, and a job interview workshop.  
  
COMPENSATION 
Earthjustice summer law clerkships are paid positions. The total stipend amount will be dependent on any external funding a student secures, such as through their law school’s summer funding program. Earthjustice will provide a one-time stipend at the start of the clerkship in the amount of $1,382.00 per week, minus the total amount received from any other sources and applicable taxes. The summer law clerkship is designed to be 10 weeks long at full-time hours (37.5 hours/week).  
  
You are welcome to pursue outside funding. The ability to secure outside funding will not be considered as part of the hiring process.  
  
HOW TO APPLY 
Eligibility: Candidates must be enrolled in a U.S. law school through fall 2027 (i.e., not graduating before December 2027) and be available to commit ten weeks during summer 2027. Summer law clerks must work from the U.S. during their clerkship.  
  
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their complete application via Jobvite by September 7, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  
  
Each Earthjustice litigation team participates in clerk hiring; candidates may submit applications to whichever and however many litigation teams they are interested. Please be prepared to respond to our  September follow-up e-mail, requesting your ranked choice of the teams for which you have applied. Do not include such rankings within your Jobvite application. 
 
Application Materials Requested:  
  • Resume. 
  • Cover letter that addresses:  
    • (1) relevant aspects of your background that are not apparent or fully explained in your resume; 
    • (2) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and the litigation teams for which you are applying; and 
    • (3) whether there are particular environmental or public interest issues that inspire you. 
  • Additional documents (select “Add Files” in Jobvite): 
    • (1) A recent legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages that primarily reflects your work. Please include a cover page indicating the extent to which your writing sample reflects edits and feedback from others.  
    • (2) Unofficial transcript. 
  • Finalists will be asked to submit two references; these may be law school faculty or legal professional, clinical, or volunteer supervisors. 
 
RESOURCES  
While identical applications for each team will be considered, we recommend tailoring your cover letter to describe why you are interested in that specific team. Additional information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process.   
  
If you experience any technical difficulties or require any accommodations throughout the hiring process, please contact us at jobs@earthjustice.org. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.