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Human Rights Lawyers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Civil Rights Attorney

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

CAIR-CA is seeking a dedicated attorney to advance and defend the civil and human rights of the American Muslim community at a time when those rights are increasingly under threat. This role offers a ...

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How much do human rights lawyers jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for human rights lawyers 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 is the difference between Human Rights Lawyers vs Immigration Lawyers?

AspectHuman Rights LawyersImmigration Lawyers
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, specialization in human rights lawLaw degree, bar admission, specialization in immigration law
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, NGOs, government agencies, international organizationsLegal firms, government agencies, immigration offices
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, international bodies, governmentPrivate law firms, government agencies, immigration services

Human Rights Lawyers and Immigration Lawyers both require law degrees and bar admission, but they focus on different areas. Human Rights Lawyers advocate for individuals' rights on a broad scale, often working with NGOs or international bodies. Immigration Lawyers specialize in assisting clients with immigration processes and visas, primarily working within legal firms or government agencies. While their credentials overlap, their work environments and client focus differ significantly.

Is it hard to get a job as a human rights lawyer?

Securing a job as a human rights lawyer can be competitive due to the specialized nature of the field and limited openings, often requiring a law degree, relevant experience, and strong advocacy skills. Building a network through internships, volunteering, and gaining expertise in international law or human rights issues can improve employment prospects.

What can you do as a human rights lawyer?

A human rights lawyer advocates for individuals and groups whose rights have been violated, often working on cases related to discrimination, freedom of speech, and social justice. They research laws, prepare legal documents, and represent clients in court or negotiations, often requiring strong research and advocacy skills. Their work may involve international law, non-profit organizations, or government agencies.

What does a human rights lawyer make?

Human rights lawyers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer, but typically range from $50,000 to over $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions tend to pay less, while experienced attorneys working for large organizations or in private practice can earn higher salaries. Many also pursue specialized training or certifications to enhance their earning potential.

What cities are hiring for Human Rights Lawyers jobs?

Cities with the most Human Rights Lawyers job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Human Rights Lawyers job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,005 per year, or $26 per hour.

Human Rights Associate Attorney

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Overview

Human Rights Associate Attorney โ€“ DiCello Levitt LLP, Washington, DC. Join a firm that pursues justice by litigating significant civil and human rights cases and holding companies accountable for harm.

DiCello Levitt is a leading national plaintiffsโ€™ law firm representing clients in class actions, business-to-business, public client, whistleblower, personal injury, civil rights, and mass tort litigation. The firm has delivered $20B+ in awards and settlements and has been recognized for excellence in litigation by Chambers USA, Law360, Benchmark Litigation, Lawdragon, and The National Law Journal.

Position Summary: The Human Rights Associate Attorney will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting complex civil litigation for victims of genocide, war crimes, terrorism, sexual violence, and other human rights abuses in federal, state, and international courts. This position will build cases through international investigations; brief and argue questions of constitutional and national security law, state and foreign tort law, and public international law; substantially lead discovery; and participate in trials and appeals.

Responsibilities
  • Interview victims and conduct open-source investigations on perpetrators and corporate enablers of human rights violations, both domestic and foreign.
  • Analyze and evaluate historical materials, human rights reports, sanctions and export-control regulations, as well as military procurement and command structures to ascertain liability.
  • Consult and develop experts on country conditions, sanctions and anti-money-laundering compliance, U.S. foreign policy, military systems and technology, international finance, and foreign law.
  • Prepare and file complaints, motions, appeals, and correspondence to courts.
  • Present oral argument.
  • Propound and respond to written discovery and conduct meet-and-confers with opposing counsel.
  • Take expert and fact depositions and present witnesses to a jury.
  • Participate in settlement negotiations.
  • Draft commentaries and amicus briefs on issues of human rights and transnational litigation.
  • Follow strict standards of legal ethics when dealing with clients.
  • Work closely with a team of lawyers and collaborate with paralegals and legal assistants.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to write and argue complex legal issues through trial and appellate briefs, oral argument, clerkships, or scholarly publications.
  • Understanding of the investigation and prosecution of transnational human rights abuses, money-laundering, sanctions evasion, and/or terrorism financing.
  • Advanced research skills, with the ability to analyze and synthesize complex legal, historical, and international relations issues.
  • Foreign language proficiency a plus.
  • Commitment to advancing human and civil rights through rigorous lawyering.
Education & Experience
  • Four plus years of litigation experience.
  • Substantive training and experience in transnational civil litigation, complex civil procedure, international human rights law, international criminal law, and/or national security law (particularly sanctions and export controls).
  • J.D. from an accredited law school.
  • Bar admission in a U.S. jurisdiction; willingness to be admitted in D.C. if not already.
What DiCello Levitt Offers
  • Salary varies; starting salary is dependent on experience and location.
  • Comprehensive benefits package effective the first day of the month following start date: medical, dental, vision.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA).
  • Life Insurance; additional insurance plans: Life and AD&D and Short-Term Disability.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with 3% employer contribution.
Time Off
  • Personal Time Off (PTO)
  • Sick Leave Time (SLT)
  • 10 Paid Holidays Annually

DiCello Levitt LLP is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination. The Firm prohibits unlawful discrimination in any term or condition of employment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, membership or service in the armed forces, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application note: DiCello Levitt LLP does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of DiCello Levitt LLP. Please, no phone calls or emails. DiCello Levitt LLP provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities during the interviewing process and on the job. Please include any reasonable accommodation needs in your application.

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