REFUGEE PROTECTION LEGAL FELLOW

Human Rights First’s Refugee Protection team seeks to sponsor a law student or recent law school graduate as a legal fellow for a one- or two-year fellowship commencing in fall 2026.
We seek current law student applicants who intend to apply for Equal Justice Works, or another privately-funded, one- or two-year public service fellowship. Applicants must graduate from law school no later than summer 2026.
Human Rights First is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy and action organization committed to defending human rights. Our Refugee Protection team works to promote the protection of refugees, reform U.S. asylum law, policies and practices, address deficiencies in the U.S. resettlement system, and bring other U.S. immigration policies and practices into line with international refugee protection and human rights law standards.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

• A U.S. law degree (J.D.) by summer 2026;
• Admission to a state bar or pending admission as of fall 2026;
• Previous experience working with asylum-seekers or immigrants, through law school clinics, judicial clerkships, or legal internships;
• Strong written and oral communication skills and a demonstrated ability to translate highly-technical material for a variety of audiences;
• Ability to communicate patiently, respectfully, and empathetically with individuals from a variety of backgrounds;
• Familiarity with U.S. immigration law and policy;
• Ability to take initiative, manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure and meet deadlines, and identify and analyze legal issues;
• Willingness to travel occasionally within the United States to conduct research on access to asylum and document the impact of U.S. asylum policies; and
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred, and fluency in another language, such as an Indigenous language of the Americas, Haitian Kreyol, or French, is desirable.

Please refer the Job description for details