Global Human Rights Litigation Internship (Spring 2027)

Kennedy Human Rights; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 8,400 - 11,000; Part time

Job summary

Kennedy Human Rights Center seeks Spring 2027 International Advocacy & Litigation Legal Internship applicants for a 10-week program in Washington, DC (Hybrid) or Worldwide (Remote). Openings: Three.

Internship runs January 19, 2027 to March 26, 2027 with hours 15-20 per week and rolling applications, deadline November 8, 2026. Responsibilities include legal research, drafting memoranda, and supporting litigation before international bodies and advocacy before governments and UN/other bodies.

Qualifications

• Must have completed at least one year of law school at the start of the internship.
• Ideal candidate has a demonstrated base understanding of regional and international human rights law.
• Working knowledge of the UN system and regional human rights mechanisms is desirable.
• Ability to master complex human rights issues under tight deadlines.
• Fluency in Arabic, French, Spanish or Portuguese is desirable.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and discretion are essential.
• Time management and teamwork are required.
• Ability to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Conduct international human rights research and draft memoranda for litigation and advocacy.
• Prepare documents to support litigation before international mechanisms and advocacy before governments and orgs.
• Attend briefings, hearings, and symposia and report on them.
• Monitor information on relevant countries and issues; organize and analyze data.
• Collaborate with team members to develop long-term strategies and campaigns.
• Provide additional support to Kennedy Human Rights staff as needed.

Skills

Verbal & written comms

Attention to detail

Time management

Integrity & discretion

Innovative thinking

Teamwork

Cross-cultural collaboration

Foreign language skills

Education

One year of law school

Interest in human rights

Job description

Kennedy Human Rights Center seeks Spring 2027 International Advocacy & Litigation Legal Internship applicants for a 10-week program in Washington, DC (Hybrid) or Worldwide (Remote). Openings: Three.

Internship runs January 19, 2027 to March 26, 2027 with hours 15-20 per week and rolling applications, deadline November 8, 2026. Responsibilities include legal research, drafting memoranda, and supporting litigation before international bodies and advocacy before governments and UN/other bodies.