Human Rights First Nonprofit

Impact Litigation Intern - Spring 2027

New York City, NY In person Internship

The Impact Litigation team in the New York office of Human Rights First seeks a motivated legal intern for Spring 2027 to assist in the preparation of a case addressing well-documented human rights abuses abroad as to which there has been little to no accountability. Interns will have the opportunity to conduct legal and factual research, draft legal memoranda, collaborate with attorneys on case strategy, and potentially meet with clients.

How will you make a difference in the human rights space through this internship?

An intern would have the opportunity to play a formative role in developing a case aimed at securing redress for long-standing human rights abuses. The intern would develop skills in legal and factual research and analysis, the case-strategy creation, and client identification, all in the context of addressing a profound human rights crisis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Legal research and analysis with concurrent memorandum drafting

Factual research and analysis in connection with formulation of claims

Case strategy development

Desired Skills and Experience

Strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, and creative problem-solving skills

Legal research and writing skills

Dedicated interest and passion for human-rights-related advocacy

Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients

Arabic language skills a plus

Education: Enrollment in an accredited JD or LLM program

Compensation: Unpaid

Submission Deadline: November 17, 2026

Start Date: January 29, 2027

End Date: April 23, 2027

Time Commitment: 15 hours per week, minimum

Application Instructions:Resume, cover letter, & writing sample (no more than 5 pages long).

Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing staff from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives make us stronger and more effective.

Job description provided by Human Rights First.
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