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Human Rights Lawyer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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Human Rights Lawyer information

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How much do human rights lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights lawyer in New York is $110,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $112,700.00 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 New York?

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

What are popular job titles related to Human Rights Lawyer jobs in New York?

For Human Rights Lawyer jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in New York are hiring for Human Rights Lawyer jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Human Rights Lawyer job openings:

Human Rights Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Lawyer job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,089 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Impact Litigation Intern

Human Rights First

Manhattan, NY

Internship

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Impact Litigation Intern - Fall 2026
The Impact Litigation team in the New York office of Human Rights First seeks a motivated legal intern for Fall 2026 to assist in the preparation of a case addressing well-documented human rights abuses abroad as to which there has been little to no accountability. Interns will have the opportunity to conduct legal and factual research, draft legal memoranda, collaborate with attorneys on case strategy, and potentially meet with clients.
How will you make a difference in the human rights space through this internship?
An intern would have the opportunity to play a formative role in developing a case aimed at securing redress for long-standing human rights abuses. The intern would develop skills in legal and factual research and analysis, the case-strategy creation, and client identification, all in the context of addressing a profound human rights crisis.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Legal research and analysis with concurrent memorandum drafting
  • Factual research and analysis in connection with formulation of claims
  • Case strategy development
Desired Skills and Experience
  • Strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, and creative problem-solving skills
  • Legal research and writing skills
  • Dedicated interest and passion for human-rights-related advocacy
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients
  • Arabic language skills a plus
Education: Enrollment in an accredited JD or LLM program
Compensation: Unpaid
Submission Deadline: July 24, 2026
Start Date: September 8, 2026
End Date: December 11, 2026
Time Commitment: 15 hours per week, minimum
Application Instructions: Please include a resume in PDF format.
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.

Apply