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International Human Rights Legal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Work with internal audit, legal, and compliance teams to ensure due diligence meets requirements ... Master's degree strongly preferred in a relevant field such as International Development, Law ...

Work with internal audit, legal, and compliance teams to ensure due diligence meets requirements ... Master's degree strongly preferred in a relevant field such as International Development, Law ...

A bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in human rights, international relations, social science, or a related field is required. Experience : A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work ...

A bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in human rights, international relations, social science, or a related field is required. Experience : A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work ...

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International Human Rights Legal information

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$27K

$48.2K

$74K

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

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for international human rights legal in the United States is $48,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an International Human Rights Legal professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an International Human Rights Legal professional, you need a law degree with specialization in international law, strong knowledge of human rights treaties, and relevant legal experience. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and fluency in multiple languages are often required, along with certifications such as a bar admission. Exceptional analytical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and resilience are valuable soft skills in this field. These skills ensure effective advocacy, accurate legal analysis, and the ability to navigate complex international legal systems to protect human rights.

What are International Human Rights Lawyers?

International Human Rights Lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in advocating for and protecting fundamental rights and freedoms as outlined by international law and treaties. They work to ensure that governments and organizations uphold human rights standards, often representing clients in courts, advising NGOs, or participating in policy development. Their work may include litigation, research, advocacy, and monitoring human rights abuses globally. They often collaborate with international organizations such as the United Nations or the International Criminal Court. This role requires a deep understanding of international law, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to justice.

What is the difference between International Human Rights Legal vs International Human Rights Advocate?

AspectInternational Human Rights LegalInternational Human Rights Advocate
Required CredentialsLaw degree, legal certifications, knowledge of international lawDegree in social sciences, communications, or related fields; advocacy training
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, international courts, NGOs with legal focusNonprofits, community organizations, international agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal institutions, international tribunals, NGOs with legal departmentsAdvocacy groups, human rights organizations, UN agencies

International Human Rights Legal professionals primarily focus on legal analysis, litigation, and ensuring compliance with international laws. In contrast, International Human Rights Advocates concentrate on raising awareness, campaigning, and influencing policy. Both roles are vital in the human rights sector but differ in their approach and skill set.

How does an International Human Rights Legal professional typically collaborate with NGOs and government bodies?

International Human Rights Legal professionals often work closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and international institutions to advocate for and protect human rights. Collaboration usually involves conducting legal research, drafting reports or policy recommendations, and participating in meetings or negotiations. Effective communication and cultural sensitivity are essential, as teams are often multidisciplinary and may span different regions or legal systems. Building strong networks with stakeholders is key to successfully influencing policy and driving change.
More about International Human Rights Legal jobs
What cities are hiring for International Human Rights Legal jobs? Cities with the most International Human Rights Legal job openings:
What states have the most International Human Rights Legal jobs? States with the most job openings for International Human Rights Legal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching International Human Rights Legal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for International Human Rights Legal jobs are:
Infographic showing various International Human Rights Legal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $48,215 per year, or $23.2 per hour.
Fall 2026 Legal Intern, Human Rights Program

Fall 2026 Legal Intern, Human Rights Program

ACLU - Internships

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

Part-time, Internship

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

About the Role
The ACLU seeks a Legal Intern in the Human Rights Programof the ACLU's National office in New York City. This is a Hybrid, part-time position for course credit only.
Qualifying applicants must currently be matriculated legal students and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
The Team:
The Human Rights Program is part of the ACLU's Center for Democracy, which works to strengthen democratic institutions and values, including the values of government transparency and accountability, and to reinforce the United States' commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The Center for Democracy includes - in addition to the Human Rights Program - the Speech, Privacy and Technology Project and the National Security Project, and also works closely with staff from the ACLU's Communications Department, Affiliate Support and Advocacy Department, and Washington Legislative Office.
The Human Rights Program (HRP) is dedicated to holding the U.S. government accountable to its international human rights obligations and commitments. The Program uses human rights strategies to complement existing ACLU legal and legislative advocacy primarily in the areas of immigrants' rights, prisoners' rights, criminal law reform, and racial justice. HRP conducts human rights documentation and related advocacy to combat human rights violations in the U.S., and it engages in advocacy and litigation before U.S. courts and international bodies, including the United Nations and regional human rights bodies (such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights).
What You'll Do:
Our legal internship is designed to provide interns with the opportunity to conduct human rights and legal research and to work on all aspects of domestic and international advocacy HRP is working on. Interns will learn about creating change through an array of domestic and international advocacy opportunities, will work under the direct supervision of the Program's Director, and will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with other Program staff.
Your Day to Day:
Interns will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience by working alongside the Human Rights Program team on the following:
  • Conducting legal and policy research
  • Drafting memoranda, affidavits and briefs
  • Researching prospects for new litigation, including both factual and legal claims
  • Researching and drafting materials for public education and human rights documentation
  • Researching and drafting materials for advocacy before regional and international bodies
What You'll Bring:
This internship is open to law students from the United States who will have completed their first semester of school before the internship commences. Interns should possess the following:
  • A demonstrated / strong interest in protecting and expanding civil and human rights
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently, as well as in a team
  • Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
  • Strong computer skills, particularly web-based research including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Word, Excel)
  • The initiative to see projects through to completion
  • Knowledge and experience using the human rights framework and the international human rights system are a plus
  • Knowledge and experience working on immigration and criminal legal system issues, especially extreme punishment, sentencing and juvenile justice are a plus
Future ACLU'ers Will:
  • Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
  • Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
  • Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts
Internship Logistics
  • Location: Our internship program offers a limited number of hybrid intern positions. This internship is hybrid based in our New York City office.
  • Time Commitment: This internship is part-time (10,15 or 20 hours/week)
  • Internship Duration: Part-time internships span 12 consecutive weeks. This internship has a start date of September 8 or September 21.
  • Stipend: This position is course credit only. This internship must be tied to the intern's formal education program by integrated coursework or the receipt of academic credit.
Why the ACLU
For over 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Whether it's ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all people.
Our Commitment to Accessibility, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. For us diversity, equity and inclusion are not just check-the-box activities, but a chance for us to make long-term meaningful change. We are a community committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization - one that respects and embraces difference; treats everyone equitably; and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible. We are as committed to anti-oppression and anti-racism internally as we are externally. Because whether we're in the courts or in the office, we believe 'We the People' means all of us.
With this commitment in mind, we strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email benefits.hrdept@aclu.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request accommodations for the interview process.
In order to be considered for this position, all candidates must formally submit an application. The ACLU does not accept unsolicited calls or emails from candidates regarding their application status.