Career Pathways in International Human Rights
The Levin Center for Public Service and Public Interest Law supports students through career services, pro bono programs, externships, mentorships, and many events throughout the year. The International Human Rights and International Public Interest Law Guide is just one of the many resources the Levin Center offers for various fields of legal practice.
Please feel free to make an appointment with Kevin Lo of the Levin Center or email him at klo@law.stanford.edu since he specializes in helping students and alumni looking for international human rights career opportunities.
Public Interest Summer Funding
SLS currently offers up to $7500 for first-year students with a public-interest summer placement, and up to $8500 for second-year students. An additional stipend of up to $2000 is available for students who work abroad for the summer.
Internship Application Timelines / Deadlines
1L Summer Job Timeline: https://law.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2022-1L-Summer-Job-Handout.pdf
2L Public Interest Job Search Guide & Timeline:
https://law.stanford.edu/organizations/pages/2l-public-interest-job-search-guide/#slsnav-splitting-with-a-big-firm-or-another-pi-employer
Post-Graduate Fellowship Timeline
At the end of 2L year (Spring Quarter), students start thinking of organizational sponsors for project-based fellowships. Over the summer, the Levin Center staff works with students to strategize and develop applications. The fellowship process often extends well into Fall and Spring Quarter of 3L year.
Sample Internships in Human Rights
Many international non-profit organizations and international human rights mechanisms offer internships for law students interested in a career in human rights. Below are a few selected links to internship resources but students should check postings at any organizations of interest.
External Post-Graduate Fellowships
Project Based Fellowship
While these fellowships will not fund work that primarily takes place abroad, they will fund projects hosted by human rights organizations in the United States.
Equal Justice Works (EJW)
Skadden
Justice Catalyst
Organizational Fellowships
Human Rights Watch (HRW): 3 Fellowships
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights
International Clerkships
Students interested in clerking should be sure to speak with Judicial Clerkships Director, Nicole Pitman.
Opportunities with International Tribunals and Foreign Courts
Stanford Post-Graduate Fellowships
Human Rights Job Boards
These job boards frequently post summer internships and post-graduate opportunities.