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International Human Rights Attorney Jobs in Washington, DC

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International Human Rights Attorney information

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$52.7K

$134.9K

$242.9K

How much do international human rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for international human rights attorney in Washington, DC is $134,889.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $175,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an international human rights attorney?

International Human Rights Attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in protecting and promoting human rights across international borders. They work on cases involving violations such as torture, discrimination, and freedom of expression, often representing individuals, organizations, or governments before international courts and tribunals. Their work may include legal research, advocacy, policy development, and litigation to ensure that human rights standards are upheld globally. These attorneys often collaborate with NGOs, the United Nations, and other international bodies to advance justice and hold violators accountable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an international human rights attorney?

To thrive as an International Human Rights Attorney, you need a law degree, bar admission, in-depth knowledge of international law, and experience with human rights legislation. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and sometimes fluency in multiple languages are also highly valuable. Outstanding communication, cultural sensitivity, and advocacy skills set exceptional attorneys apart in this global field. These capabilities are crucial for effectively representing clients, influencing policy, and navigating complex cross-border legal environments.

What are some common challenges faced by international human rights attorneys when working on cross-border cases?

International Human Rights Attorneys often encounter challenges such as navigating differing legal systems, language barriers, and varying cultural norms. Coordinating with local partners and organizations is essential, as is managing complex documentation and compliance with international treaties. Additionally, attorneys may face logistical issues or political sensitivities that require diplomacy and adaptability. These challenges make collaboration, cultural competence, and strong communication skills vital for success in the role.

What is the difference between International Human Rights Attorney vs Civil Rights Lawyer?

AspectInternational Human Rights AttorneyCivil Rights Lawyer
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, often international law certificationsLaw degree, bar admission, civil rights law specialization
Work EnvironmentInternational NGOs, UN agencies, government agenciesCourts, law firms, advocacy organizations within the U.S.
Employer & IndustryGlobal organizations, international courts, NGOsU.S. legal system, civil rights advocacy groups
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding international legal work in human rightsFocus on domestic civil rights issues and legal remedies

International Human Rights Attorneys and Civil Rights Lawyers both advocate for justice, but the former focuses on international issues and organizations, while the latter concentrates on domestic civil rights within the U.S. Understanding these differences helps professionals and clients find the right legal expertise for their needs.

How do you become an international human rights attorney?

To become an international human rights attorney, you typically need to earn a bachelor's degree followed by a law degree (J.D. or equivalent). Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or working with human rights organizations, and developing expertise in international law and human rights issues, are essential steps. Licensing requirements vary by country but generally include passing a bar exam or equivalent credentialing process.

What are popular job titles related to International Human Rights Attorney jobs in Washington, DC?

For International Human Rights Attorney jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching International Human Rights Attorney jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for International Human Rights Attorney jobs in Washington, DC are:

Human Rights Associate Attorney

DiCello Levitt LLP

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 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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