Spring 2027 International Advocacy & Litigation Legal Internship

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

Spring 2027 International Advocacy & Litigation Legal Internship

Department: International Advocacy & Litigation
Part-time, Non-Exempt
Openings: Three*
Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid) or Worldwide (Remote)

Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center is seeking Spring Legal Interns to advance the work of the International Advocacy and Litigation team for the Spring of 2027. The internship is a 10-week commitment, from January 19, 2027, to March 26, 2027. Applications are considered and positions are offered on a rolling basis, but preference will be given to applications received by 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

About the Int’l Advocacy & Litigation Team:

Our team of lawyers and issue experts work hand-in-hand with local partners across the globe to create lasting social and legal change. Through bold advocacy and strategic litigation, we have freed political prisoners, upheld the rule of law in autocratic regimes, and amplified the voices of human rights defenders in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

We focus on the protection of civic space, combating violence and discrimination, and demanding accountability for gross human rights violations, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Additionally, each year we present the annual Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award , honoring a courageous individual whose activism embodies Robert F. Kennedy’s belief that each person has the power to make a difference and build a more just and peaceful world.

Legal Intern Responsibilities:

• Conducting international human rights legal research and drafting memoranda in support of litigation, fact-finding reports, and advocacy materials, as well as on recent developments of thematic issues and in-country conditions relevant to the work of the Kennedy Human Rights Center;
• Assisting in the preparation of documents to support litigation before international mechanisms (e.g. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, UN Treaty Bodies), and in support of advocacy before domestic and foreign governments, international organizations, and UN special procedures;
• Attending and reporting on briefings, Congressional hearings, symposia, and other meetings;
• Monitoring sources of information on countries and issues of concern to the Kennedy Human Rights Center; and collecting, organizing, and analyzing relevant information;
• Working closely with International Advocacy and Litigation team members to develop long-term strategies, legal actions, and advocacy campaigns to support the RFK Human Rights Award laureates and other partners;
• Providing additional support to Kennedy Human Rights staff as needed.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must have completed at least one year of law school at the start of the internship and have a well-established interest in human rights;
• The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated base understanding (academic/research/work experience) of regional and international human rights law;
• Working knowledge of the United Nations system (e.g. UN treaty bodies, special procedures, Universal Periodic Review, etc.) and/or the regional human rights mechanisms (e.g. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, etc.);
• An ability to master complex human rights issues under tight deadlines;
• Fluency in one of the following languages is desirable but not required: Arabic, French, Spanish or Portuguese;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Attention to detail; you’re able to spot errors and are willing to fix mistakes;
• Time management: you have the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at once;
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information;
• Innovative thinking, a willingness to voice opinions, and a strong work ethic are essential;
• Teamwork: you are able to build positive relationships with your colleagues and are willing to help others;
• Ability to work with colleagues with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives from your own.

Availability and Compensation:

• This part-time internship will commence as early as January 19, 2027, and end by March 26, 2027, with a commitment of 15-20 hours per week.
• Institutional/University funding for part-time internships should cover at least $750 per month for internship allocation;
  • Funding from Kennedy Human Rights Center is contingent on institutional/university funds not being available. Funding accessibility does not impact hiring decisions;
  • Interns may be eligible to receive a $750 monthly stipend.

Application Deadline:

• Applications are due by 11:59 pm EST on November 8, 2026.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, Kennedy Human Rights Center will follow up with qualified candidates directly regarding the interview process. No phone calls, please.

You are welcome here…

Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center is an equal opportunity employer and believes we are stronger and more effective by working internally and externally with people of all abilities, diverse backgrounds, and a range of perspectives, particularly those historically marginalized or underrepresented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We do not discriminate in our hiring practices, and in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seek a diverse applicant pool. If you’re in need of an accommodation at any time during the application and hiring process please contact us by emailing your request to [e-mail] with the subj. line "Accommodation Request". Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Having documents in alternate formats or read aloud
• Having interviews in a more accessible location/format

Please give now. Your contribution will make a difference in the critical effort to achieve equal rights for all.