Human Rights Attorney Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly globalized world, the focus on human rights attorneys has never been sharper.

As societies grow more diverse and interconnected, the demand for skilled advocates who can champion, safeguard, and expand our human rights framework intensifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a human rights attorney?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of human rights law,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable human rights attorney job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Human Rights Attorney Duties and Responsibilities

Human Rights Attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in cases involving basic human rights.

They work tirelessly to protect and uphold the rights and dignity of individuals and communities across the globe.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Represent clients in court on cases involving human rights violations.
• Conduct extensive research and analysis of legal issues relating to human rights.
• Prepare and draft legal documents such as contracts, affidavits, briefs, and appeals.
• Negotiate settlements for legal disputes in favor of human rights.
• Advise clients and potential clients about their legal rights.
• Keep abreast of current legislation, regulations, and significant court decisions related to human rights law.
• Work proactively to change laws and legal precedents that negatively affect human rights.
• Perform outreach and advocacy work to educate the public and policymakers about human rights issues.
• Collaborate with human rights organizations, non-profits, and international bodies in the promotion and protection of human rights.
• Ensure adherence to professional ethics and maintain client confidentiality.

 

Human Rights Attorney Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Human Rights Attorney to provide legal advice, prepare and submit legal documents, and offer legal representation to clients in human rights-related matters.

The Human Rights Attorney will assist in protecting individuals’ rights and ensuring fair treatment from public and private entities.

Our ideal candidate is passionate about human rights, has a deep understanding of international and national human rights laws, and possesses excellent litigation skills.

The role of the Human Rights Attorney is to advocate for the rights of individuals, handle cases of discrimination, human rights abuses, and strive for justice and equality.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on human rights laws and norms
• Prepare and submit legal documents such as lawsuits, appeals, and motions
• Represent clients in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses
• Analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents
• Pursue legal actions to uphold human rights standards
• Collaborate with human rights advocacy groups
• Conduct legal research and gather evidence
• Educate clients and the public about their rights and responsibilities

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Human Rights Attorney
• Experience in presenting and arguing cases in court
• Familiarity with international human rights laws and norms
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• J.D. degree and a state license to practice law

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Human Rights Attorney
• Work Environment: Legal office setting with regular court appearances. Some travel may be required for client meetings or legal proceedings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Human Rights Attorney or Legal Department Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, law school transcripts, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Human Rights Attorney Do?

A Human Rights Attorney works to protect and promote human rights on both domestic and international levels.

They are legal professionals who specialize in laws and legal practices related to human rights issues.

They represent clients who have been victims of human rights abuses, such as discrimination, hate crimes, or abuse by law enforcement, in court.

They prepare and present arguments, negotiate settlements, and use legal strategies to get justice for their clients.

Human Rights Attorneys also work on policy advocacy, where they might propose, support, or challenge legislation related to human rights issues.

They might also engage in raising awareness about human rights and legal protections, through public speaking, writing, and other forms of advocacy.

They work with non-profit organizations, government agencies, international organizations, or private law firms.

They often collaborate with other professionals like social workers, psychologists, or medical professionals to ensure holistic support for their clients.

Additionally, they conduct research and investigations into human rights abuses and gather evidence to support their cases.

They also provide legal advice to individuals, organizations, or governments about human rights laws and issues.

In some cases, they might work on an international level, representing clients in international courts or working with international human rights organizations.

They might also focus on specific areas of human rights, like refugee rights, children’s rights, or the rights of indigenous peoples.

 

Human Rights Attorney Qualifications and Skills

A competent Human Rights Attorney should possess the necessary skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong knowledge of human rights laws and regulations, both nationally and internationally, to adequately represent clients and cases
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to understand and interpret complex legal documents and laws, and develop effective strategies for cases
• Exceptional communication skills to clearly convey legal information and advice to clients, and to effectively argue cases in court
• Strong negotiation skills to potentially resolve disputes outside of court and reach beneficial agreements for clients
• Interpersonal skills to build trust and establish strong relationships with clients, who may be facing difficult personal situations
• Resilience and emotional strength to handle potentially distressing cases involving human rights abuses
• Strong ethical standards and integrity to ensure all work is conducted honestly and in the best interests of clients
• Research skills to thoroughly investigate aspects of cases and laws, and stay up-to-date with recent legal developments

 

Human Rights Attorney Experience Requirements

To become a Human Rights Attorney, a candidate is required to complete their Bachelor’s degree in Law, followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

This academic curriculum provides them with a theoretical understanding of law.

Apart from this, aspiring Human Rights Attorneys must successfully pass the bar examination in the state where they intend to practice.

This exam certifies their understanding of law and their readiness to practice.

Internship experience during or after law school is vital.

It provides practical exposure to legal proceedings and human rights cases.

This hands-on experience is often crucial in securing entry-level roles in law firms or non-profit organizations focusing on human rights.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience in practicing law, specifically dealing with human rights cases, are considered experienced Human Rights Attorneys.

They may have developed their investigative and litigation skills, and have a deep understanding of the various laws, treaties, and conventions related to human rights.

Human Rights Attorneys with more than 5 years of experience often have a track record of handling complex human rights cases.

They may also possess leadership experience, having led teams or managed cases independently.

These seasoned professionals may be ready for senior or managerial roles in law firms, non-profit organizations, or government agencies.

Continual professional development through seminars, workshops, and courses are also encouraged to stay updated on the dynamic field of human rights laws and conventions.

 

Human Rights Attorney Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Human Rights Attorney typically begins with earning a bachelor’s degree.

While there is no specified major, courses in sociology, political science, history, and international relations may provide useful background knowledge.

After completing a bachelor’s degree, aspiring Human Rights Attorneys must attend law school to earn their Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Some law schools may offer programs or courses specifically focused on human rights law.

Once they have earned their JD, they must pass their state’s bar examination to become licensed to practice law.

This involves intensive study and a comprehensive understanding of the law.

In addition to these formal education requirements, Human Rights Attorneys should have a strong foundation in international law and often need to be skilled in languages besides English, due to the global nature of their work.

Some Human Rights Attorneys may choose to further their education by pursuing a master’s degree in law (LLM) or a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) with a focus on human rights.

Furthermore, many Human Rights Attorneys participate in continuing education programs, seminars, and workshops to stay updated on the latest legal developments and to broaden their knowledge in specific areas of human rights law.

Experience through internships or volunteer work at human rights organizations, NGOs or legal aid services can be an added advantage for aspiring Human Rights Attorneys.

This not only provides practical experience but also demonstrates a commitment to human rights issues.

 

Human Rights Attorney Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Human Rights Attorney is approximately $115,820 (USD) per year.

However, actual earnings can greatly vary depending on factors such as level of experience, geographic location, and the size and prestige of the employing organization.

Some highly experienced attorneys working for major organizations can earn significantly more.

 

Human Rights Attorney Job Description FAQs

What type of law does a Human Rights Attorney practice?

A Human Rights Attorney focuses on issues related to human rights and civil liberties.

They protect and fight for the rights of individuals or groups who have suffered from human rights violations, such as discrimination, violence, or other forms of injustice.

This can be at a national or international level.

 

What skills does a Human Rights Attorney need?

Human Rights Attorneys must have a deep understanding of international and national laws, treaties, and regulations related to human rights.

They need strong communication and persuasion skills, as they often represent clients in court and need to convincingly present their case.

Research, analytical skills, and the ability to handle high-stress situations are also crucial.

Understanding different cultures and languages can also be a major advantage.

 

Do Human Rights Attorneys need a specific degree?

Yes, to become a Human Rights Attorney, one must first obtain a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a law school.

It’s beneficial to choose courses related to human rights, international law, or social justice during these studies.

After obtaining the J.D., they must pass the Bar examination in the state where they wish to practice.

 

What should you look for in a Human Rights Attorney’s resume?

Firstly, verify that they have the required education and have passed the Bar exam.

Look for experience in human rights cases, internships or work with human rights organizations, or involvement in relevant research projects.

Proficiency in foreign languages and experience working or studying abroad can be valuable.

Strong references and a demonstrated passion for human rights are also positive signs.

 

What qualities make a good Human Rights Attorney?

A good Human Rights Attorney is deeply committed to justice and the protection of human rights.

They are determined, empathetic, and able to handle emotionally taxing situations.

They need to be tenacious in their fight for their clients’ rights and have a high level of resilience.

Excellent negotiation and advocacy skills are also important, as is cultural sensitivity.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the complex role of being a human rights attorney.

And guess what?

It’s not just about arguing in court.

It’s about championing justice, one human rights case at a time.

With our comprehensive human rights attorney job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into the breach.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your indispensable tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every human rights case contributes to a bigger cause.

Let’s champion justice. Together.

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