U.S. and Int’l Advocacy and Litigation 2025 Legal Internships
Reporting To: Staff Attorneys
Departments: U.S. and Int’l Advocacy and Litigation
Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Openings: Two (US), Three (Int’l)
Location: Hybrid – Washington, DC/New York, NY or Remote
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is seeking candidates for legal internships within the U.S. Advocacy and Litigation team and the Int’l Advocacy and Litigation teams.
The U.S. Advocacy & Litigation team interns would help advance our work in combating human rights abuses in the U.S. criminal and immigration systems. Applications are considered, and positions are offered on a rolling basis. Please include in your application the semester you’re looking to apply for.
The Int’l Advocacy & Litigation team interns would join our team of lawyers and issue experts who collaborate with partners around the world to create lasting legal change. Through legal advocacy, we have freed political prisoners, defended the rule of law in autocratic regimes, and amplified the voices of human rights defenders in the United States and abroad.
US Internship Responsibilities:
- Assisting in legal research and litigation strategies related to accountability for police and prison abuses under the Administrative Procedures Act, Federal Torts Claim Act, habeas corpus, and other laws
- Assisting in legal research, including litigation strategies related to accountability for police and prison abuses under the Federal Torts Claim Act, habeas corpus, and other laws
- Analyzing documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act for use in grassroots policy and legislative advocacy campaigns
- Researching and drafting submissions to UN and OAS human rights mechanisms
- Providing on-site legal information presentations at isolated immigration detention centers around the U.S.
- Providing additional support to Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights staff on an as-needed basis.
Int’l Internship 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 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights;
- 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 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; 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 RFK Human Rights staff on an as-needed basis.
A successful candidate must have the following skills and experiences…
US internship:
- Current law student;
- Excellent legal writing and research skills;
- Interest in and commitment to racial justice, social movements, and the transformation of the criminal and immigration legal systems;
- A demonstrated passion for RFKHR’s mission and demonstrated commitment to community-centered advocacy;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills;
- Strong attention to detail and able to scope out errors, including a willingness to own and fix mistakes;
- Exceptional time management, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at once;
- Flexible, patient, and able to stay gracious under pressure;
- High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information;
- Innovative thinking, willingness to voice your opinions, and a strong work ethic are essential;
- Strong sense of teamwork that builds positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, and a willingness to help others;
- Believes in inclusivity when working with colleagues with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Int’l internship:
- 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 scope out errors and 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.
Preferred but not required qualifications:
- Second language skills, particularly Spanish, are a plus;
Availability and Compensation:
- Part-time, commitment of 15 hours a week;
- Institutional/University funding for part-time internship should cover at least $750 per month for internship allocation; $1,500 per month for summer full-time semesters
- Funding from RFKHR is contingent on institutional/university funds not being available. Funding accessibility does not impact hiring decisions;
- Fall Internships commence as early as September 2nd through December 19th, 2025
- Spring Internships commence as early as January through May, 2026
- Summer Internships commence as early as mid-May through August 2026
- Summer full-time, commitment of 37.5 hours a week
How to Apply:
US Internship:
- Submit your resume and cover letter to applications@rfkhumanrights.org with “Your Name + [Semester Year] US Legal Internship” in the subject line heading. (Ex: Jane Doe + Fall 2025 US Legal Internship) in the subject heading.
- In your cover letter please include how you heard about this role and why you’re interested in this position. Please also include if you’re accepting or in the process of applying for institutional funding for this internship and the name of the program.
Int’l Internship:
- Submit your resume, cover letter, a 3-5 page writing sample, and list of 3 professional references to intern@rfkhumanrights.org with “Your Name + Fall 2025 Int’l Legal Internship” in the subject line heading. (Ex: Jane Doe + Fall 2025 Int’l Legal Internship)
- In your cover letter, please include how you heard about this role, why you’re interested in this position, and which of our team’s focus areas you are most interested in working on: Africa, Latin America, Asia, or Civic Space (global). Please be aware that many factors are considered when making your assignment, and you may not be assigned your indicated preference. Please also include if you’re accepting or in the process of applying for institutional funding for this internship and the name of the program.
- Successful writing samples will consist of a legal brief on international human rights law and standards.
- Please submit all application materials in English.
No phone calls, please. RFK Human Rights will contact qualified candidates directly.
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights 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 who have historically been 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 hr@rfkhumanrights.org 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
