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

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

Benefits & Compensation:

• Annual salary of $63,500 (gross) minimum depending on funder terms;

1. 5 hour workweek (7.5 hour days);

• We value your health: RFK Human Rights covers 100% of individual-only costs of our platinum medical, dental, vision benefits and subsidize the cost for dependent coverage;
• We understand the importance of financial planning and saving we provide:
  • An automatic contribution of 7% of your salary after your first year of employment;
  • A College Saveup/Loan PayDown program with an automatic $200/monthly contribution for any current loans or future loans;
  • An automatic monthly cell phone & internet speed stipend of $125/monthly to offset any phone & internet expenses;
• We value your growth: RFK Human Rights provides an annual $1,000 professional development stipend to all full-time staff to use towards any courses, conferences, or trainings that would further one's professional learning and development. As well professional development days/hours to complete these courses.
• Flexibility and independence to help manage your work and home life: We have a hybrid office model where staffers come into the office 1-2 times a week depending on work needs and team planning.
  • Employees receive a $1,000 benefits card each calendar year to use towards food and home & life purchases to help support work from home needs.
  • You also receive a one-time $500 remote supplies fund that staffers can use at their discretion to have work from home space that is comfortable & workable when you need it.
  • We hold weekly Summer Fridays between Memorial Day to Labor Day where our offices close half day each Friday so you can enjoy some extra long weekends.
• We love to celebrate human rights advocates and our hard work! We do so by hosting award ceremonies, galas, summer outings, holiday parties, potlucks, domestic and international staff retreats, and spur-of-the-moment social outings.