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International Advocacy & Litigation Legal Internship

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights
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Fall 2025 International Advocacy & Litigation Legal Internship

Department: International Advocacy & Litigation

Part-time, Non-Exempt

Openings: Three

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid) or Worldwide (Remote)

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is seeking Fall Legal Interns to advance the work of the International Advocacy and Litigation team for the Fall of 2025. The internship is a 10-week commitment, from September 2, 2025, to November 7, 2025. Applications are considered and positions are offered on a rolling basis, but preference will be given to applications received by 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Legal Intern 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. 

Qualifications:

  • 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.

Availability and Compensation:

  • This part-time internship will commence as early as September 2, 2025, and end by November 7, 2025, with a commitment of 15 hours per week.
  • Institutional/University funding for part-time internships should cover at least $750 per month for internship allocation; 
    • Funding from RFKHR is contingent on institutional/university funds not being available. Funding accessibility does not impact hiring decisions;
    • Interns may be eligible to receive a $750 monthly stipend.

Application Deadline: 

  • Applications are due by 11:59 pm EST on July 6, 2025. 

Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, RFK Human Rights will follow up with qualified candidates directly regarding the interview process. No phone calls, please.

You are welcome here...

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 historically 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