Human rights lawyers work to protect and enforce the fundamental rights of individuals and groups. They may handle cases involving discrimination, freedom of speech, or wrongful imprisonment, representing those who are marginalized or oppressed. Becoming a human rights lawyer is a lengthy but fulfilling process.
The Undergraduate Foundation
The initial step toward a career in human rights law is obtaining a bachelor’s degree, which requires four years of full-time study. While law schools do not mandate a specific undergraduate major, certain fields of study can provide a strong foundation. Disciplines such as political science, international relations, sociology, history, and philosophy are common choices as they help develop critical thinking and an understanding of the societal structures that underpin human rights issues.
Some universities even offer specific undergraduate programs in human rights, which can provide an early, specialized education in the field. These interdisciplinary programs often include coursework in law, public policy, and advocacy. Regardless of the chosen major, maintaining a high grade point average (GPA) is a significant factor for law school admissions.
Law School Admission and Preparation
Following the completion of an undergraduate degree, the next phase involves preparing for and applying to law school. This transitional period is centered around the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), a standardized exam designed to assess reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical skills. Dedicated preparation for the LSAT is a substantial time commitment, with most applicants studying for three to six months to achieve a competitive score.
The law school application process itself can be a lengthy endeavor, often spanning several months to a year. This involves registering for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which compiles LSAT scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation for submission to law schools. Applicants must also write compelling personal statements and, in some cases, supplementary essays, which require time for drafting and revision. Because many law schools use a rolling admissions process, it is advantageous to submit applications early in the cycle, ideally between September and December of the year before intended enrollment.
Earning a Juris Doctor Degree
Once admitted to an accredited law school, the next step is earning a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which takes three years of full-time study to complete. The first year of law school consists of foundational courses like constitutional law, civil procedure, and legal writing. In the second and third years, students can select specialized courses relevant to human rights law, such as international law, refugee and asylum law, and courses on civil and political rights.
Beyond coursework, practical experience during law school is important. Many law schools offer human rights clinics where students can work on real cases under the supervision of faculty.
Summer internships with human rights organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or government agencies are another way to gain practical skills and build a professional network. Some law schools even offer dedicated international human rights internship programs that connect students with organizations around the globe.
Post-Law School Requirements
After graduating with a J.D., the journey to becoming a practicing lawyer is not yet complete. The next requirement is passing the bar exam in the state where one intends to practice. The bar exam is a multi-day test designed to ensure a lawyer has the requisite knowledge and skills to practice law competently.
Preparation for the bar exam is an intensive process that involves 8 to 10 weeks of full-time study. Most graduates enroll in commercial bar prep courses that provide structured study plans, lectures, and practice exams. After taking the exam, there is a waiting period of several months to receive the results. This period can range from six to ten weeks, depending on the jurisdiction.
Gaining Practical Experience
Securing a law license marks the official entry into the legal profession, but becoming an established human rights lawyer requires specialized, practical experience. This field is highly competitive, and it often takes time to land a permanent position. Many aspiring human rights lawyers begin their careers through postgraduate fellowships, which are one- to two-year paid positions.
Prestigious fellowships, such as those offered by the Skadden Foundation or Equal Justice Works, allow new lawyers to design and implement their own public interest projects at a host organization. Other organizational fellowships offer positions within established non-profits, NGOs, or government agencies. These opportunities provide important training, mentorship, and the chance to build a professional network in the human rights community. This stage can add one to two years, or sometimes more, to the overall timeline before a lawyer is firmly established in their career.
The Total Timeline Summarized
The path to becoming a human rights lawyer begins with a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by three years of law school. After graduation, about six months are dedicated to preparing for and awaiting bar exam results, bringing the minimum time for education and licensing to seven and a half years. To become established, most new lawyers will spend an additional one to two years in fellowships or other entry-level positions, making the realistic timeline between eight and ten years.