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

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Human Rights Paralegal information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34K

$61.5K

$91.7K

How much do human rights paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights paralegal in Chicago, IL is $61,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $70,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Human Rights Paralegal, you need strong research and legal writing skills, a foundational understanding of human rights law, and preferably a paralegal certificate or relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as LexisNexis or Westlaw), case management software, and document review tools is often required. Attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this position. These abilities are crucial to supporting attorneys, advocating for vulnerable populations, and ensuring thorough, accurate case preparation.

What is a human rights paralegal?

A Human Rights Paralegal supports lawyers and organizations working on human rights issues by conducting legal research, drafting documents, managing case files, and assisting clients. They may work on cases involving asylum, discrimination, humanitarian law, and social justice. Their role often includes client interviews, advocacy, and ensuring legal compliance with human rights laws. Strong research, communication, and organizational skills are essential in this field.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a human rights paralegal?

As a Human Rights Paralegal, your day-to-day tasks often include researching case law, drafting legal documents, organizing evidence, and assisting attorneys with case preparation related to human rights issues. You may frequently interact with clients, gather facts, and help coordinate with advocacy organizations or government agencies. The workload can be dynamic, especially when working on time-sensitive cases or high-profile matters. Additionally, you might participate in outreach or awareness initiatives, further supporting your organization's mission and impact.

What are the most commonly searched types of Human Rights Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Human Rights Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Human Rights Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL? For Human Rights Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Rights Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Human Rights Paralegal job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,531 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Human Resources Generalist NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center

Chicago, IL • On-site

$55K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana and San Diego, NIJC's team of 100 attorneys, paralegals and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.
Summary:
The Human Resources Generalist supports NIJC's Human Resources operations by assisting with recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, HR compliance, training coordination, reporting, and day-to-day HR inquiries. This is a newly created position designed to strengthen HR infrastructure and expand support across the organization. As NIJC continues to grow, this role offers opportunities to develop deeper expertise, take on increased responsibility, and contribute to building more consistent and equitable HR processes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Supports full-cycle recruitment, including posting positions, screening applicants, coordinating interviews, and assisting with offer processes.
  • Facilitates onboarding and offboarding, ensuring timely completion of documentation, system setup, and orientation tasks.
  • Responds to HR inquiries from staff and supervisors, providing guidance on policies, procedures, and general HR matters.
  • Assists with maintaining HR records, including personnel files, training documentation, and compliance-related materials.
  • Coordinates required trainings and tracks completion through NIJC's learning management system.
  • Supports employee relations by documenting concerns, assisting with follow-up, and escalating issues as appropriate.
  • Helps maintain and update HR policies, templates, and standardized documents.
  • Assists with salary determination documentation, job description updates, and staffing change processes.
  • Generates reports and supports data tracking related to recruitment, turnover, training, payroll, and other HR metrics.
  • Ensure confidentiality, compliance, and adherence to legal and organizational standards in all HR practices.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Competencies:
  • HR Knowledge: Understanding of HR practices including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and compliance. Ability to interpret policies and apply them consistently.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly with staff, supervisors, and external partners.
  • Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems, manage multiple tasks, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Technology Knowledge/Skills: Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office applications and comfort working with HR systems, reporting and managing databases.

Qualifications:
  • Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree required. At least 2-3 years of experience in Human Resources or a related administrative role preferred. Experience working in nonprofit or mission-driven environments is a plus.
  • Language Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Spanish fluency preferred but not required.
  • Other Requirements: Excellent organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Physical Abilities Statement:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time.
  • This position occasionally requires moving about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
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