Funded Global Human Rights Litigation Fellow

Kennedy Human Rights; Washington; Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennedy Human Rights offers a funded postgraduate public interest fellowship through the International Advocacy & Litigation Program in the United States. The role focuses on legal advocacy, research, and collaboration with partners worldwide to advance human rights and provide support for ongoing litigation and campaigns.

Applicants must secure funding (e.g., law school, foundation, or law firm). The fellowship requires a JD/LLM and US work authorization, with a baseline salary of $60,000 and

Qualifications

• Must have secured funding from a law school, foundation, or law firm to support the postgraduate fellowship.
• A J.D., J.D. equivalent, or LL.M degree is required.
• Demonstrated experience with regional and international human rights law and norms.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Working knowledge of the UN system or regional human rights mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct factual research and draft memoranda on human rights; thematic issues and country conditions.
• Research application of international human rights norms to country conditions and domestic laws.
• Prepare documents for litigation before international tribunals and for advocacy before governments and organizations.
• Maintain communication with clients, human rights defenders, and civil society partners worldwide.
• Attend and report on briefings, hearings, symposia, and other meetings.
• Monitor sources and analyze research relevant to program priorities.
• Work with staff to develop long-term strategies and campaigns.
• Provide administrative support as needed; track hours and submit timecards.

Skills

Human rights law knowledge

Strong communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Integrity

Education

J.D./LL.M

Job description

Kennedy Human Rights offers a funded postgraduate public interest fellowship through the International Advocacy & Litigation Program in the United States. The role focuses on legal advocacy, research, and collaboration with partners worldwide to advance human rights and provide support for ongoing litigation and campaigns.

Applicants must secure funding (e.g., law school, foundation, or law firm). The fellowship requires a JD/LLM and US work authorization, with a baseline salary of $60,000 and