The Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center Legal Fellowship is a significant opportunity for aspiring legal professionals dedicated to advancing human rights. This fellowship, based in New York City or Washington D.C., offers a chance to develop and lead impactful human rights projects in partnership with a leading global organization. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of July 24, 2026, for the 2027 cycle.
About RFK Human Rights
The Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center (RFK Human Rights) is a globally recognized organization committed to protecting human rights, promoting social justice, and supporting marginalized communities. They work with human rights defenders, grassroots movements, and legal professionals to fight injustice and strengthen democratic values. Their methods include strategic litigation, advocacy, policy engagement, and working with international accountability mechanisms. The fellowship aims to support the next generation of legal advocates focused on justice and human dignity.
Fellowship Overview
This Project-Based Legal Fellowship is designed for early-career legal professionals interested in public interest law and human rights advocacy. Selected candidates will collaborate with RFK Human Rights to create and submit proposals for external fellowship funding. This could be through programs like the Skadden Fellowship Foundation, Equal Justice Works, Justice Catalyst, or law school-sponsored fellowships. Successful applicants will begin their fellowship in Fall 2027, with durations typically lasting one to two years, depending on the external funder.
Fellowship Tracks
Applicants can choose to focus on one of two main tracks for their projects:
U.S. Advocacy and Litigation Projects
Projects in this track should emphasize movement lawyering and collaboration with communities directly affected by human rights issues. Key areas include addressing racial discrimination, extrajudicial killings, torture, immigration injustice, and arbitrary detention. It also covers reform of the criminal legal system and other human rights violations within the United States. RFK Human Rights particularly encourages projects that involve close work with impacted communities and grassroots organizations.
International Advocacy and Litigation Projects
International projects are designed to protect civic space and promote accountability in regions such as Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Potential focus areas include the protection of human rights defenders, international human rights litigation, and safeguarding civic freedoms. Projects may also address accountability mechanisms, democracy and governance, community rights, and international legal advocacy.
Fellowship Benefits
The RFK Human Rights Fellowship provides a comprehensive package of financial, professional, and wellness benefits to support its fellows.
Financial Support
Selected fellows will receive an annual salary ranging from $63,500 to $68,000. The program includes student loan support through a College Saveup/Loan PayDown Program, with an automatic monthly contribution of $200 towards student loans. Additionally, fellows receive a $125 monthly stipend for internet and phone expenses and a $1,000 annual benefits card for food and home life costs. A $1,000 annual professional development stipend is also provided.
Health and Wellness
RFK Human Rights offers robust healthcare support, including 100% coverage for individual platinum medical insurance, as well as dental and vision insurance. Disability insurance is also provided. The organization promotes work-life balance through hybrid work arrangements, flexible scheduling, and a standard 37.5-hour work week.
Professional Development
Fellows will gain valuable hands-on experience in human rights litigation, policy advocacy, international law, and strategic legal research. They will also learn about community-centered legal work and human rights accountability systems. The fellowship includes networking opportunities, access to conferences and events, and participation in domestic and international retreats. Mentorship from experienced advocates is a key component of the professional development offered.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet specific educational and experience criteria.
Educational Background
Applicants should currently be one of the following:
- A rising third-year law student.
- A judicial law clerk.
- A recent law graduate.
Skills and Experience
Strong candidates should demonstrate a clear commitment to human rights and social justice. Experience in criminal law, immigration advocacy, or human rights litigation is highly valued. Excellent legal writing and analytical skills are essential, along with strong communication and teamwork abilities. Attention to detail, leadership potential, and effective time management skills are also important. The ability to work comfortably in multicultural environments is a plus. Experience with United Nations treaty bodies, international human rights systems, community advocacy, or litigation support will be considered an advantage.
Application Materials
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Cover Letter: This should clearly state whether the applicant is applying for the U.S. or International team, explain why RFK Human Rights is the desired host organization, list the fellowship programs they intend to apply for, and provide a brief description of their proposed project and intended fellowship goals.
- Resume/CV: A current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Law School Transcript: Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
- Two References: One reference should be academic or professional, and the other should be personal.
- Legal Writing Sample: This should not exceed 10 pages in length.
Application Deadline and Submission
The final deadline for applications is July 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, it is strongly recommended that applicants submit their materials as early as possible. All required documents should be sent via email to [email protected]. The email subject line should read: “[Your Name] Legal Project Fellowship Application”.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center Legal Fellowship?
It’s a fellowship for early-career legal professionals to develop and lead human rights projects with RFK Human Rights, aiming to secure external funding for their work.
When is the deadline to apply for the 2027 fellowship cycle?
The final deadline for applications is July 24, 2026. However, applications are reviewed as they come in, so applying early is recommended.
What are the main project tracks for the fellowship?
Applicants can choose between U.S. Advocacy and Litigation Projects, focusing on domestic human rights issues, or International Advocacy and Litigation Projects, focusing on global human rights concerns.
What kind of financial support does the fellowship offer?
Fellows receive an annual salary between $63,500 and $68,000, student loan support, monthly stipends for internet and phone, a food/home stipend, and a professional development fund.
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