Human Rights Lawyer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era where human rights are increasingly under scrutiny, the role of human rights lawyers has never been more crucial.

As societal consciousness evolves, and with each unfolding event, the demand for dedicated legal minds who can advocate, uphold, and protect our human rights intensifies.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricate world of human rights law,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Human Rights Lawyer Duties and Responsibilities

Human Rights Lawyers are devoted to issues surrounding human rights and laws at domestic, regional and international levels.

They advocate for the protection of civil liberties and human rights.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide legal advice and guidance on matters related to human rights
• Represent clients in court who are victims of human rights violations
• Prepare legal documents, draft pleadings and briefs
• Conduct research and analysis of legal problems to interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and entities
• Advocate for policy changes and legislative advancements in the field of human rights
• Liaise with local, national, and international human rights bodies
• Develop strategies to influence public opinion and lobby decision-makers
• Keep up-to-date with the latest legal and policy developments in human rights
• Educate individuals, communities, and policymakers about human rights and protections
• Collaborate with other human rights organizations to coordinate strategies and actions

 

Human Rights Lawyer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Human Rights Lawyer to join our dynamic team.

The successful candidate will provide legal support to individuals or groups alleging violations of their human rights.

They will engage in litigation, policy development, and advocacy to promote and protect human rights.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to clients who have had their human rights violated.
• Prepare and present cases in court.
• Conduct research and analysis of legal problems to ensure legal advice provided is accurate.
• Develop policy and legislation that improve human rights.
• Engage in advocacy and public speaking on human rights issues.
• Work in collaboration with human rights organizations and activists.
• Monitor developments in human rights law and practice.
• Participate in fieldwork such as fact-finding missions and trial observations.

 

Qualifications

• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to the bar in the jurisdiction of practice.
• Experience in human rights law or a related field.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to human rights and social justice.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing legal education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Human Rights Lawyer
• Work Environment: Office setting with some travel for court appearances, meetings, and fact-finding missions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Human Rights Lawyer or Legal Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a writing sample to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Human Rights Lawyer Do?

Human Rights Lawyers primarily work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, and law firms.

They can also be independent legal consultants or advisers.

They specialize in laws and legal issues related to human rights, such as social freedoms, equality, dignity, and the rights of the vulnerable sections of society.

Their primary job is to provide legal assistance and advice to clients who have suffered human rights abuses.

This can include representing victims in court, filing lawsuits against individuals or organizations responsible for human rights violations, and advocating for policy changes to prevent such abuses.

Human Rights Lawyers research and interpret human rights laws, draft legal documents, negotiate settlements, and use legal strategies to uphold their clients’ rights.

They may also participate in public awareness campaigns, give public talks, and use media outlets to educate the public about human rights issues.

In some cases, Human Rights Lawyers work on international cases, representing victims of war crimes, genocide, torture, and other serious violations of human rights.

They are often in charge of gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and presenting the case in international tribunals or courts.

Their work is not only about fighting for justice but also about contributing to the development and understanding of human rights laws and principles.

 

Human Rights Lawyer Qualifications and Skills

Human Rights Lawyers should have a host of significant skills and qualifications that align with the nature of their work, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of domestic and international human rights laws and legal procedures to build strong cases and provide effective counsel.
• Strong analytical skills to assess cases, interpret complex legal documents, and develop effective strategies.
• Excellent communication skills to present arguments persuasively in court, discuss cases with clients, and liaise with other legal professionals.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients who may come from diverse backgrounds and may be going through significant distress.
• Critical thinking skills to anticipate potential legal issues and prepare appropriate responses or strategies.
• Attention to detail to ensure all relevant evidence, laws and regulations are considered when preparing a case.
• Strong advocacy skills to represent clients in court and other legal settings, arguing their case effectively.
• Research skills for in-depth investigation into case law, precedent, and legal facts relevant to each case.

 

Human Rights Lawyer Experience Requirements

Aspiring human rights lawyers often start their journey by completing an undergraduate degree in Law, Political Science, or related fields, which provides them with theoretical knowledge on civil liberties, constitutional rights, and international law.

These candidates then attend law school, typically for three years, where they focus on human rights law and may take part in relevant moot court competitions, internships, or clinics to gain practical experience in the field.

After graduating from law school, prospective human rights lawyers must pass their state’s bar examination before they can legally practice law.

Some may begin their careers in other areas of law before transitioning to human rights cases, accruing vital experience in the process.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often work in legal aid, non-profit organizations, or government agencies, where they handle human rights cases and start to specialize in specific areas, such as asylum, women’s rights, or children’s rights.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience and could be ready for positions such as Lead Counsel or Director at human rights organizations.

They may also have experience presenting cases in international forums such as the United Nations or International Criminal Court.

Additionally, many employers value experience gained through volunteering or working with human rights organizations, as this demonstrates a strong commitment to the field.

 

Human Rights Lawyer Education and Training Requirements

To become a human rights lawyer, one needs to first complete a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field such as political science, sociology, or international relations.

The next step is to attend law school and earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Law school typically lasts three years and includes courses in legal writing, constitutional law, civil procedure, and ethics.

Along with general law subjects, students should focus on courses related to international law and human rights.

In order to practice law, graduates must pass the bar exam in their respective state.

This exam is administered by each state’s bar association and tests the candidate’s understanding and application of law.

It is also beneficial for aspiring human rights lawyers to gain experience through internships or externships in organizations that work on human rights issues.

This provides practical exposure and a chance to apply academic learning.

Further, many lawyers decide to specialize in a particular area of human rights and may pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in human rights law.

This can enhance their expertise and increase their job prospects.

Additionally, fluency in multiple languages can be an asset in this field due to the international nature of human rights work.

Continuous professional development through seminars, workshops, and additional certifications is highly recommended to stay updated with current human rights issues and laws.

 

Human Rights Lawyer Salary Expectations

A Human Rights Lawyer earns an average salary of $119,250 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can vary greatly depending on factors such as the level of experience, specialized knowledge, geographical location, and the law firm they are associated with.

Some highly experienced lawyers in this field can make well over $200,000 a year.

Entry-level positions may start at around $60,000 per year.

 

Human Rights Lawyer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Human Rights Lawyer need?

Human Rights Lawyers need excellent communication and analytical skills, as their work involves a great deal of research, reading, and writing.

They also need to be persuasive, as they must present cases in a compelling manner in court.

Additionally, empathy and understanding of different cultures and societies are crucial, given the nature of the issues they deal with.

 

What qualifications does a Human Rights Lawyer need?

A Human Rights Lawyer needs to hold a bachelor’s degree, followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

They must also pass the bar examination to practice law.

Some lawyers may also choose to specialize in human rights law through a postgraduate degree or specialized courses.

 

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

Firstly, look for the requisite qualifications, including a law degree and bar association membership.

Experience in human rights law, through internships, fellowships or prior work, should also be highlighted.

It’s also beneficial to look for involvement in human rights advocacy groups or initiatives, as well as any additional languages spoken.

 

What qualities make a good Human Rights Lawyer?

A good Human Rights Lawyer is passionate about social justice and equality and committed to advocating for those whose rights have been violated.

They must be diligent and thorough in their research, and able to remain calm and composed under pressure.

Excellent negotiation skills are also crucial, as they may need to negotiate settlements on behalf of their clients.

 

What is the typical caseload for a Human Rights Lawyer?

The caseload for a Human Rights Lawyer can vary significantly based on the nature of their practice.

Some lawyers may work on a few long-term, complex cases at once, while others may handle a larger number of smaller, shorter-term cases.

The work is often intense and demanding, given the serious and sensitive nature of human rights issues.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a human rights lawyer.

Surprise:

It’s not just about arguing cases.

It’s about forging the path towards justice, one case at a time.

With our comprehensive human rights lawyer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Go beyond with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating spot-on job listings or honing your resume to sheer perfection.

Remember:

Every case fought is a stride towards a better world.

Let’s champion that change. Together.

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