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Human Rights Law Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Human Rights Office Campus: Main Campus Union Affiliation: N/A Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD): 2026/06/18 ... University degree in law (LL.B or J.D) * University degree in discipline such as industrial ...

Lead Advisor, Human Rights Office

Campus, IL ยท Hybrid

$107K - $134K/yr

Human Rights Office Campus: Main Campus Union Affiliation: N/A Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD): 2026/05/28 ... University degree in law (LL.B or J.D) * University degree in discipline such as industrial ...

Ensure that clients accepted into Human Rights First's pro bono representation program receive high ... Play a leading role in expanding and maintaining strong relationships with local law firms, law ...

Agency Attorney 2

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Company Description The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city's Human Rights Law through enforcement, education, and outreach. The Commission seeks to ...

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city's Human Rights Law through enforcement, education, and outreach. The Commission seeks to address historic and ...

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city's Human Rights Law through enforcement, education, and outreach. The Commission seeks to address historic and ...

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Human Rights Law information

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How much do human rights law jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for human rights law in the United States is $25.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do human rights lawyers do?

Human rights lawyers advocate for individuals and groups whose rights have been violated, often working on cases related to discrimination, torture, or freedom of expression. They research laws, prepare legal documents, and represent clients in court or negotiations to promote justice and compliance with international human rights standards.

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 government agencies, international organizations, or NGOs, utilizing skills in legal research, advocacy, and case analysis to promote justice and protect vulnerable populations.

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.

How much do top human rights lawyers make?

Top human rights lawyers can earn between $100,000 and $200,000 or more annually, depending on experience, location, and the organization they work for. Senior attorneys at prominent NGOs or international agencies tend to have higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and bonuses.

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.

How to get a career in human rights law?

To pursue a career in human rights law, obtain a law degree and gain experience through internships or volunteer work with human rights organizations. Developing strong research, advocacy, and communication skills, as well as understanding international law and human rights treaties, is essential for success in this field.
More about Human Rights Law jobs
What cities are hiring for Human Rights Law jobs? Cities with the most Human Rights Law job openings:
What states have the most Human Rights Law jobs? States with the most job openings for Human Rights Law jobs include:

Lead Advisor, Human Rights Office

Uottawa

Campus, IL โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Follow us on LinkedIn

Posting Reason:

Replacement of a regular position

Job Type:

Employee

Anticipated Duration in Months (for contracts and temporary assignments):

N/A

Job Family:

Governance

# of Open Positions:

1

Faculty/Service - Department:

Human Rights Office

Campus:

Main Campus

Union Affiliation:

N/A

Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD):

2026/06/18

Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD):

2026/06/29

Hours per week:

35

Salary Grade:

Non-Union Grade NM1

Salary Range:

$107503,00 - $134379,00The Human Rights Office supports the University of Ottawa in maintaining a learning environment that fosters understanding and respect for the dignity of the University community, is free from harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence, and is inclusive and accessible.

Position purpose:

Advises on the University's legal obligations under human rights, harassment and sexual violence legislation. Conducts confidential, neutral and impartial investigations and writes investigation reports as required. Provides leadership and expertise on related policies, programs, and training and public education content. This unique and exclusive mandate carries a very high level of responsibility in ensuring that complaints of discrimination, harassment and sexual violence are addressed appropriately and in a timely and effective manner in respect to our obligations in regard to policies and legislation in place.

What you will bring:

  • University degree in law (LL.B or J.D)
  • University degree in discipline such as industrial relations or management, or relevant experience
  • At least 10 years' experience in management of situations of conflict and/or incidents of harassment and/or discrimination
  • Advanced knowledge of workplace anti-harassment and anti-discrimination legislation
  • Knowledge, training and experience in sexual violence investigations and related issues (asset)
  • Significant experience (10 years) in conflict management in a multi-union environment
  • Extensive experience in complaint investigation and confidential processes
  • Extensive knowledge and experience regarding anti-harassment and discrimination programs, including training and prevention campaigns
  • Ability to resolve disputes and problems, listen actively and facilitate dialogue
  • Initiative in development and use of intervention, training, education and prevention strategies
  • Absolute discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information
  • Sound analytical and evaluative skills, with independent judgment
  • Demonstrated ability to write reports and procedures
  • Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation software with highly developed research capabilities.
  • Bilingualism - English/French (strong oral and written skills)

*This position may be eligible for a telework arrangement. Learn more about our telework guidelines click here

#LI-Hybrid

Key Competencies at uOttawa:
Here are the required competencies for all or our employees at uOttawa:
Planning: Organize in time a series of actions or events in order to realize an objective or a project. Plan and organize own work and priorities in regular daily activities.
Initiative: Demonstrate creativity and initiative to suggest improvements and encourage positive results. Is proactive and self-starting. Show availability and willingness to go above and beyond whenever it is possible.
Client Service Orientation: Help or serve others to meet their needs. This implies anticipating and identifying the needs of internal and external clients and finding solutions on how to meet them.
Teamwork and Cooperation: Cooperate and work well with other members of the team to reach common goal(s). Accept and give constructive feedback. Able to adjust own behaviour to reach the goals of the team.
The University of Ottawa embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are passionate about our people and committed to employment equity. We foster a culture of respect, teamwork and inclusion, where collaboration, innovation, and creativity fuel our quest for research and teaching excellence. While all qualified persons are invited to apply, we welcome applications from qualified Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA2S+ persons. The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible, barrier-free work environment. The University is also committed to working with applicants with disabilities requesting accommodation during the recruitment, assessment and selection processes. Applicants with disabilities may contact hrtalentmanagement@uottawa.ca to communicate the accommodation need. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Note: if this is a union position: The hiring process will be governed by the current collective agreement related to the union affiliation noted above; you can click here to find out more.
If this is a front-line position with responsibilities to interact with students, selected candidates must be rated at the Low Advanced proficiency level or higher for both oral comprehension and reading comprehension in their second official language. The rating is determined by a proficiency test designed by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 - Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.