1

Human Rights Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city's Human ... Agency Attorneys, Level Two, work within the Law Enforcement Bureau to enforce the New York City ...

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 ...

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city's Human ... Agency Attorneys, Level Two, work within the Law Enforcement Bureau to enforce the New York City ...

Human Rights Commission Opening Date: 11/19/2024 Closing Date: Continuous Position Open To: All ... The Commission is seeking a Special Projects Attorney I/II/III to: * Serve as the outreach ...

Showing results 41-60

Human Rights Lawyer information

See salary details

$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do human rights lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights lawyer in the United States is $100,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,000.00 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.
More about Human Rights Lawyer jobs

What cities are hiring for Human Rights Lawyer jobs?

Cities with the most Human Rights Lawyer job openings:

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

The most popular types of Human Rights Lawyer jobs are:

What states have the most Human Rights Lawyer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Human Rights Lawyer jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Human Rights Lawyer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Labor & Employment Law Attorney (Legal Advisor II)

Chicago, IL • On-site

Illinois Secretary of State
Civic and Social Organizations • 1 - 5K employees

$6.0K - $7.9K/mo

Full-time

Posted 17 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:    115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, IL – Cook County
Salary:        $6,019 to $7,917 monthly – 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 General’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 driver’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.   
Application Process: 
  • Please visit https://ilsos.applytojob.gov/apply to apply by completing the online application; you may also upload a resume, or other attachments as needed.
  • Preference will be given to Illinois residents in the hiring and selection process, in accordance with the Illinois Secretary of State Merit Employment Code.
  • Questions regarding this posting or Illinois Secretary of State employment practices may be directed to Job Counselors at our Personnel offices in Chicago (312-793-5515) or Springfield (217-782-4783).  

 
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.

Powered by JazzHR

vyUoxzMkBt