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Human Rights Lawyer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

HR Generalist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$65 - $95/hr

... attorneys, we are committed to not only upholding the law and safeguarding the rights of all ... The goal is to ensure the HR department's operations run smoothly and effectively, to deliver ...

Posted today

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Human Rights Lawyer information

See Illinois salary details

$45.5K

$97.5K

$133.7K

How much do human rights lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights lawyer in Illinois is $97,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $99,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a human rights lawyer do?

A Human Rights Lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in cases involving the protection and promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms. They represent individuals or groups whose rights have been violated and may work on issues such as discrimination, freedom of speech, or asylum cases. Human Rights Lawyers can work for non-governmental organizations, government agencies, or in private practice, and they often engage in litigation, advocacy, and policy development to uphold human rights standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a human rights lawyer?

To thrive as a Human Rights Lawyer, you need a law degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of international human rights law and legal research. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and international legal frameworks is typically required. Excellent advocacy, cross-cultural communication, and resilience are vital soft skills for working with diverse clients and sensitive cases. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively protecting individuals' rights and achieving justice in complex legal environments.

What are some common challenges faced by human rights lawyers in their daily work?

Human rights lawyers often deal with complex cases that can be emotionally and mentally demanding, especially when representing vulnerable populations or confronting systemic injustices. They may encounter resistance from authorities, limited access to resources, and lengthy legal processes that require persistence and resilience. Additionally, balancing advocacy with legal strategy while maintaining client confidentiality and security is a frequent challenge. Collaboration with NGOs, international organizations, and multidisciplinary teams is essential to build strong cases and drive meaningful change.

What is the difference between Human Rights Lawyer vs Civil Rights Attorney?

AspectHuman Rights LawyerCivil Rights Attorney
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, specialization in international or human rights lawLaw degree, bar admission, focus on domestic civil rights law
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, international courts, government agenciesLaw firms, government agencies, advocacy groups
Industry UsageInternational human rights organizations, NGOs, UN bodiesLegal practice focusing on discrimination, voting rights, and equality issues

Human Rights Lawyers primarily focus on international and global issues, often working with NGOs or international bodies. Civil Rights Attorneys concentrate on domestic issues like discrimination and voting rights. Both roles require legal credentials but differ in scope and work environment.

What can you do with a human rights lawyer degree?

A human rights lawyer degree prepares individuals to work on cases involving civil liberties, social justice, and international law. Graduates can work for non-governmental organizations, government agencies, or as legal advocates, often requiring strong research, negotiation, and litigation skills. The role typically involves analyzing legal issues, drafting documents, and representing clients or causes in court or policy settings.

What does a human rights lawyer make?

A human rights lawyer's salary varies based on experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions tend to pay less, while experienced lawyers working for large organizations or in high-cost areas can earn higher salaries. Many also pursue specialized training or certifications to enhance their earning potential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Human Rights Lawyer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Human Rights Lawyer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Human Rights Lawyer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Human Rights Lawyer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Human Rights Lawyer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Human Rights Lawyer job openings:

Infographic showing various Human Rights Lawyer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,510 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Labor & Employment Law Attorney (Legal Advisor II)

Illinois Secretary of State

Springfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$67 - $88/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Office of the Illinois Secretary of State

Alexi Giannoulias

Job Title: Legal Advisor II

Division: General Counsel - Personnel

Union: N/A

Location: 501 S Second St, Springfield, IL โ€“ Sangamon County

Salary: $6,019 to $7,917 monthly โ€“ commensurate with experience

Benefits: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

Overview

Under administrative direction of the General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel and/or the Director of the Department of Personnel, serves as staff attorney performing complex technical legal functions as lead attorney for arbitration, unemployment, mediation, unfair labor practice charges, and Merit Commission hearings as directed, as well as matters before the Department of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission; assists with labor relations and provides legal advice to the Department of Personnel on matters involving labor relations; provides guidance on policy changes as they relate to changes to the law; assists Director of Personnel with legislative analysis as it relates to the personnel and human resources matters.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Serves as staff attorney performing complex technical legal functions as lead attorney for arbitration, unemployment, mediation, unfair labor practice charges, and Merit Commission hearings and appeals, as directed, as well as matters before the Department of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission; Serves as liaison to the Attorney Generalโ€™s office on legal matters assigned to them for representation, coordinating with them on all aspects of the cases.
  • Assists with labor relations, including any hearings associated with labor relations and union negotiations as directed. Provides legal advice to the Department of Personnel and Executive Office on matters involving labor relations.
  • Conducts research and investigative work in the field of employee and labor relations, as well as legal matters as they relate to changes to the Department of Personnel Rules, Code and Policy Manual to assure adherence to procedures and policies.
  • Serves as liaison with other personnel staff, management, department staff, and various union representatives to effectively resolve matters and to assist in the administration and interpretation of union contracts, Rules, Code and Policy Manual.
  • Provides advice and counsel concerning statutory interpretations and compliance with laws and office procedures and policies as required.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Specific Skills
  • Requires extensive knowledge of federal and state labor law including but not limited the National Labor Relations Act, the Illinois Labor Relations Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Illinois Human Rights Act, and similar laws and regulations.
  • Requires experience in litigating primarily with administrative proceedings, as well as mediations, arbitrations, unfair labor practices, unemployment, and serve as representative of the Office on matters involving litigation on employment issues in federal and state courts.
  • Requires extensive knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedure and of the rules of evidence, hearings, and trial procedures.
  • Requires working knowledge of management practices and procedures.
  • Requires ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with superiors, other attorneys, employees and the public.
  • Requires ability to present material in clear and logical form for oral or written presentation, such as briefs, orders, reports or decisions.
  • Requires ability to exercise sound judgement in appraising and evaluating problems of a procedural nature.
  • Requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull 50 lbs.
  • Requires some travel and possession of a valid Illinois driverโ€™s license.
Education and Work Experience

Requires possession of a license to practice law in Illinois AND one (1) year of professional experience in the practice of law.

Preferred candidate with experience in litigating labor and employment matters, as well as experience in the skills indicated in the previous section above.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability.

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