In every country of the world, human rights lawyers help people suffering from persecution, abuse, and civil rights violations.Human rights attorneys use the governments and courts to seek justice for their clients.You can join a rights-focused private law firm or work with non-profit agencies like Southern Poverty Law Center or Human Rights Watch.The United States is a great place to start your career and receive your education.
Step 1: You should apply for a passport.
Human rights law can take you to the farthest corners of the world.If you spend your career closer to home, your studies will give you opportunities for international studies, internships, and conferences.It can take several months to get a passport.When opportunities arise, be ready to apply while you are starting college.
Step 2: If you attend college, you can earn an undergraduate degree.
A Juris Doctor is a graduate degree.You need an undergraduate degree to attend law school.The American Bar Association does not recommend a particular field of study to prepare you for law school.A liberal arts degree with a diverse field of study will give you a solid basis for a career in human rights law.Law school admittance is dependent on your grade point average.A field of study is where you will excel.Adding foreign language classes to your curriculum will help you get a human rights career outside the United States.Learning to speak French and Spanish will make you more competitive for internship and employment in human rights law organizations.If you study outside the United States and want to attend a domestic law school, you will need to submit your transcripts through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service.
Step 3: There is a financial aid plan.
You need to think about how you will finance your legal education while you are in college.You can get a law degree for between $50,000 and $150,000.Financial aid resources for graduate students can be found here.Students finance their degrees with loans.This isn't an option to take lightly.There are loan options and repayment plans available to you.Income-based repayment plans are included in federal student loans.Depending on your career path, public interest lawyers may be eligible for loan forgiveness.A good position for law school scholarships can be found in your undergraduate studies.
Step 4: The Law School Admission Test can be taken.
Law schools use the LSAT to assess applicants.Basic skills on the test help measure your likelihood of success in law school.You will be tested on reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logic.You can submit a writing sample to law schools with your test scores.
Step 5: Human rights programs are important to research law schools.
You will be able to take the bar exam in all states if you attend any of the law schools accredited by the American Bar Association.A school with a strong concentration in Human Rights and International Law will help you hone your interests, gain experience, and make connections for your future career.
Step 6: If you want to go to law school, you should apply.
There is an application fee for most law schools.If you want to attend a school that matches your interests, credentials, financial resources, and acceptance rates, you need to prioritize your resources.Since a career in human rights law can take you anywhere in the world, where you go to school is more important than a good fit.
Step 7: You can earn a Juris Doctor degree.
There is a J.D.After completing a three-year law school program, a degree is awarded.Your school will have its own requirements.Most students take three years, but most schools offer part-time programs for working students and accelerated options for graduation in 2 1/2 years.Student organizations are interested in civil and human rights.The International Law Students Association is a good place to meet people.You can take advantage of law school programs.Civil rights and human rights activities can be participated in.Look for summer internships with civil rights organizations.If you go to school in an area that doesn't have an international presence, you can gain experience with organizations that work for civil rights, votingrights, domestic violence, and economic justice.
Step 8: There is a study abroad program.
You can study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a year at your law school.This is a great opportunity for you to work on your language skills, expand your cultural experiences, and make contacts for your future career.
Step 9: If you pass the bar exam, you can be admitted to a state bar.
You can sit for the bar exam once you graduate with your law degree.To practice law in the United States, you have to take the exam twice a year.Bar admission includes a background check to make sure the person is fit to practice law.Students from international law schools can apply to practice in the United States.The state bar examiner can give instructions.The multi-state skills exam, the essay exam and the ethics exam are included in the bar exam.You will take the lawyer's oath if you pass the bar examination.
Step 10: You can list Human Rights organizations that interest you.
Helping women seek refuge from violence is one of the fields of human rights.You can cast a wide net and find contact information for as many organizations as you want.
Step 11: Law firms work on human rights.
You can use information from law school and online searches to create a list of law firms that practice human rights.This can include organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center, as well as large international firms working on economic justice cases around the world.
Step 12: Informational interviews can be arrange.
Information interviews are a great way to find out if an organization is a good fit for you.Meet with people who work in human rights organizations.
Step 13: Work in the United Kingdom.
The global human rights movement is centered in London.Many companies, law firms, and non-governmental organizations have offices in London.There are opportunities for lawyers to practice American law in order to get into the English courts.
Step 14: build your resume
The law school's career center can help with resume writing.You might not have a lot of professional experience as a new graduate.List all of your accomplishments.
Step 15: Consider applying for internship.
There are internship programs in many organizations.Most are not paid.The experience and contacts can be useful.You should apply as early as possible because internships with high profile organizations are very competitive.If you are a member of a church, you should check for mission and internship opportunities with the charity or legal arm.
Step 16: You can apply for jobs with law firms.
Start searching for a permanent position if you land an internship or seek interim employment.Online application procedures are used by most organizations and law firms.You can create a dedicated email address with your name.Gmail is a free site that can be accessed from any computer or phone.Don't use a "cute" email address like "funnymonky@mailservice.com" for professional correspondence.If you use a pre-paid service, you need to have your own phone number.Go to the site and follow the directions.As requested, submit your documents.Unless directed, do not attach files to an email.If you want your documents files to identify you, name them."Mycoolresume.pdf" is not a good idea.Name your files.
Step 17: A wide area can be searched.
The majority of Human Rights organizations are located on the east coast.Smaller organizations working for everything from voting rights to domestic violence are located in less populated areas.A lower cost of living may be an advantage here.You should match your interests to the organization.