Human Rights Lawyer

What is a Human Rights Lawyer?

A Human Rights Lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in the protection and promotion of human rights. These lawyers work to ensure that individuals’ basic rights, such as freedom from discrimination, the right to a fair trial, and freedom of speech, are upheld according to national and international laws. They may represent clients in court, advise governments or organizations, or advocate for legislative changes to protect human rights.

Education Eligibility

To become a Human Rights Lawyer, you generally need:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree is typically required before attending law school. The degree can be in any field, but law-related fields such as political science, international relations, or sociology are common.
  • Law Degree (JD): After completing your undergraduate studies, you must attend a law school and earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. This usually takes about three years in the U.S. or equivalent in other countries.
  • Specialized Courses: While in law school, you should focus on human rights law, international law, and constitutional law.

Handicapped Eligibility

Human rights law is inclusive, and there are no specific restrictions based on physical or mental disabilities to pursue this career. However, individuals with disabilities may need to work with their educational institutions or workplaces to receive reasonable accommodations for accessibility (e.g., accessible exam formats, assistive technologies, etc.).

Admission Process

The admission process generally involves:

  1. Undergraduate Education: Completing an undergraduate degree.
  2. Law School Admission Test (LSAT): In many countries, such as the U.S., the LSAT is required to gain admission to law school. Other countries may have their own entrance exams.
  3. Application to Law Schools: You apply to law schools, submit your LSAT scores, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
  4. Law School: Completing a 3-year law degree (JD or equivalent).
  5. Bar Exam: After law school, you must pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where you plan to practice.

Entrance Exam

In many countries, aspiring lawyers must take an entrance exam to get into law school. Some common exams include:

  • LSAT (Law School Admission Test): Used in the United States and other countries.
  • National Law Admission Test (NLAT): In India, for admission to law schools.
  • Bar Exam: After completing law school, to practice law in a specific jurisdiction.

Colleges and Universities

Several universities around the world offer law degrees that focus on human rights. Some prominent law schools include:

  • Harvard Law School (USA): Offers a range of human rights-focused programs.
  • Oxford University (UK): Known for international human rights law.
  • Georgetown University Law Center (USA): Known for its human rights programs.
  • National Law School of India University (India): Offers human rights courses.
  • University of Melbourne (Australia): Specializes in international human rights law.

Scholarship

Human Rights Law students may be eligible for various scholarships, including:

  • University Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships based on merit or financial need.
  • Human Rights Advocacy Scholarships: Some organizations and foundations offer scholarships to students pursuing human rights law.
  • Government Grants: Some governments offer funding for legal studies, especially for those interested in public service.

Human Rights Lawyer Time and Expenses

Time:

  • Undergraduate degree: Typically takes 3-4 years.
  • Law school: 3 years for a JD or equivalent.
  • Post-graduation: Becoming a fully licensed lawyer can take 1-2 years after law school, depending on the jurisdiction’s bar exam process.

Expenses:

  • Undergraduate tuition: Can range from $10,000 to $50,000 annually in the U.S., and can vary in other countries.
  • Law school tuition: Typically ranges from $20,000 to $70,000 annually in the U.S. (depending on the school).
  • Bar Exam Fees: Can range from $200 to $1,000+ depending on the jurisdiction.

Average Income

The average income of a Human Rights Lawyer varies depending on the country, experience, and sector (public or private). In the U.S., the average salary ranges from:

  • Public sector (NGOs, government): $50,000 to $70,000 annually.
  • Private sector (law firms, corporate clients): $100,000 to $150,000 or more.

In developing countries, the salary may be lower, but human rights lawyers may find personal satisfaction in their work with underserved populations.

Career Growth

  • Entry-level: As a newly graduated lawyer, you may start as a junior associate in a law firm or work with human rights NGOs.
  • Mid-career: With several years of experience, you can move into senior legal roles, such as leading human rights cases or policy advocacy.
  • Experienced Professionals: With decades of experience, senior human rights lawyers can become partners at firms or directors at major NGOs, or work in international courts (e.g., the International Criminal Court).

Specializations

Human rights law has several sub-specializations:

  • Refugee and Asylum Law
  • Criminal Justice and Prison Reform
  • Disability Rights
  • Women’s Rights
  • Children’s Rights
  • Environmental Human Rights
  • International Human Rights Law
  • Humanitarian Law (focused on conflict zones)

Scope in Government and Private Sectors

  • Government: Human rights lawyers can work for government agencies like the Department of Justice or foreign affairs ministries, or with international organizations such as the United Nations.
  • Private Sector: Many human rights lawyers work with NGOs or law firms that focus on civil liberties, humanitarian work, or human rights litigation.

Special Eligibility for a Person

There are no special eligibility criteria for any particular person regarding becoming a human rights lawyer, but factors like legal experience, passion for social justice, and strong communication skills are essential. Some individuals may benefit from taking specific courses or internships in human rights-related fields to gain experience.

What Work Will I Have to Do at My Workplace?

As a Human Rights Lawyer, your tasks might include:

  • Advising Clients: Offering legal advice on human rights issues.
  • Litigating Cases: Representing clients in court, fighting for human rights protections.
  • Advocacy: Working with government bodies, NGOs, or international organizations to advocate for human rights legislation and policies.
  • Research: Investigating human rights violations and gathering evidence to support cases.
  • Public Speaking: Representing organizations in media or public forums on human rights issues.
  • Negotiations: Engaging in settlements, talks, or peace agreements in conflict regions.