Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Human Rights First is a nonprofit organization dedicated to defending human rights, seeking a legal fellow for their Refugee and Immigrant Rights Policy team. The fellow will conduct legal research, policy analysis, and advocacy efforts to support the protection of refugees and immigrants, working under the supervision of senior counsel.
Responsibilities
- Conduct legal, factual, and policy research and reporting
- Conduct policy analysis
- Advance advocacy efforts to promote the protection of refugees and rights of immigrants
- Engage in advocacy on behalf of detained individuals seeking asylum
- Conduct research and advocacy on border policies impacting people seeking asylum and the detention of children and parents
- Research the barriers that asylum seekers with disabilities face in immigration court and before the asylum office
- Draft press releases, policy recommendations, and reports to advocate for systemic change of the asylum system
- Support the Refugee Representation team with limited scope direct representation of asylum seekers
Skills
- A U.S. law degree (J.D.) by summer 2027
- Admission to a state bar or pending admission as of fall 2027
- Previous experience working with asylum-seekers or immigrants, through law school clinics, judicial clerkships, or legal internships
- Strong written and oral communication skills and a demonstrated ability to translate highly-technical material for a variety of audiences
- Ability to communicate patiently, respectfully, and empathetically with individuals from a variety of backgrounds
- Familiarity with U.S. immigration law and policy
- Ability to take initiative, manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure and meet deadlines, and identify and analyze legal issues
- Willingness to travel occasionally within the United States to conduct research on access to asylum and document the impact of U.S. asylum policies
- Fluency in Spanish is preferred, and fluency in another language, such as an Indigenous language of the Americas, Haitian Kreyol, or French, is desirable
Company Overview
Human Rights First is a non-profit organisation that works to promote and protect fundamental international human rights. It was founded in 1978, and is headquartered in New York, New York, USA, with a workforce of 51-200 employees. Its website is http://www.humanrightsfirst.org.