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Human Rights Lawyer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mercor

Civil Rights Attorney - AI Trainer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$90 - $100/hr

International: human rights treaties, EU directives), and produce reference legal briefs ... Qualifications Must-Have * 5+ years working as a public interest attorney at a legal aid ...

Chicago Legal Search, Ltd.

Be Seen First

Litigation Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... Human Rights, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, and the Illinois Department of Labor; and/or (4) litigation proceedings involving student residency, suspension/expulsion, and special education.

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All JobsHuman Rights Lawyer JobsHuman Rights Lawyer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Human Rights Lawyer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.4K

$103.7K

$142.2K

How much do human rights lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights lawyer in Chicago, IL is $103,660.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $106,100.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Human Rights Lawyer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Human Rights Lawyer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Human Rights Lawyer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Human Rights Lawyer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Human Rights Lawyer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Human Rights Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Lawyer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,660 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Civil Rights Attorney - AI Trainer

Mercor

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$90 - $100/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Public Interest Law (Civil Law / Environmental Law)
Type: Contract
Compensation: $90–$100/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Construct scenarios spanning civil rights litigation, environmental compliance and enforcement, and community advocacy or policy reform processes.
  • Build tasks across civil rights and constitutional law, environmental law and regulation, housing and consumer protection, immigration and asylum, and government accountability.
  • Develop scenarios involving tools such as legal research platforms, case management systems used by legal aid organizations and nonprofits, and regulatory filing systems (e.g., EPA dockets).
  • Apply public interest law methodologies (constitutional analysis, regulatory compliance review, impact litigation strategy) to the standards track a world targets (US: federal civil rights statutes, NEPA, environmental statutes; International: human rights treaties, EU directives), and produce reference legal briefs, regulatory comments, and advocacy memoranda.
  • Author rubrics that distinguish authentic public interest legal judgment from generic law school or bar exam-level recall.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • 5+ years working as a public interest attorney at a legal aid organization, advocacy nonprofit, or government agency (ACLU, Earthjustice, NRDC, Legal Aid Society, or a state attorney general's office).
  • Direct ownership of impact litigation, regulatory advocacy, or policy reform initiatives.
  • Fluency in public interest legal tooling, plus understanding of how regulatory processes and legislative advocacy actually work.
  • A recognized professional credential is strongly preferred (JD with bar admission, or an international equivalent); prior rubric, training, or policy authorship is a plus.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.


#hiringmercor