U.S. Project-Based Legal Fellowship

Department: U.S Advocacy & Litigation

Reports to: VP of US Advocacy & Litigation

Full-time, Exempt

One to Two year Fellowship (contingent on approved funded project)

Salary: $63,500 (minimum depending on funder terms)

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is pleased to announce a call for applications from rising third-year law students, judicial clerks, and recent law graduates for a project-based legal fellowship funded by a sponsoring organization, such as the Skadden Fellowship Foundation, Equal Justice Works, Justice Catalyst, individual law schools, or other funding organizations. The Fellow will be hosted by the U.S. Advocacy and Litigation team at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights beginning in the Fall of 2026 for a one- to two-year appointment, depending on funder terms. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis.

The selected candidate will work with Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights to develop an application for external funding for a project-based legal fellowship designed to advance respect for human rights in the U.S criminal and immigration legal systems. In line with our strategic objectives and priorities, we encourage applications that use movement lawyering in alliance with frontline partners to expose and stop racial discrimination, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, and torture or other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment in the U.S. criminal and immigration legal systems.

Qualifications:

A rising third-year law student, judicial clerk, or recent law graduate;
A demonstrated commitment to human rights and social justice;
Previous experience with criminal legal and/or immigration advocacy and/or litigation;
Exceptional analytical skills, and an ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively;
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;
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.

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

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2026-2027 U.S. Project-Based Legal Fellowship