The Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center (RFK Human Rights) has officially opened applications for its highly competitive Project-Based Legal Fellowship for 2027. This prestigious fellowship provides rising third-year law students, judicial law clerks, and recent law graduates with an opportunity to develop and lead impactful human rights projects in partnership with one of the world’s leading human rights organizations.
Hosted by the U.S. Advocacy and Litigation Team or the International Advocacy and Litigation Team, the fellowship supports innovative legal initiatives focused on advancing justice, human rights, civic space protection, immigration rights, criminal justice reform, and accountability systems across the globe.
The fellowship position will be based in New York City or Washington, D.C., with a hybrid work arrangement that allows fellows to work remotely several days each week.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the final application deadline is July 24, 2026.
About the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center
The Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center is a globally recognized organization dedicated to protecting human rights, promoting social justice, and supporting marginalized communities worldwide.
The organization works with human rights defenders, grassroots movements, advocates, and legal professionals to challenge injustice and strengthen democratic values through:
- Strategic litigation
- Human rights advocacy
- Policy engagement
- International accountability mechanisms
- Civic space protection
- Immigration and criminal justice reform
Through this fellowship, RFK Human Rights seeks to support the next generation of legal advocates committed to advancing justice and human dignity.
Fellowship Overview
The Project-Based Legal Fellowship is designed for early-career legal professionals interested in pursuing public interest law and human rights advocacy.
Selected candidates will collaborate with RFK Human Rights to design and submit a proposal for external fellowship funding through programs such as:
- Skadden Fellowship Foundation
- Equal Justice Works
- Justice Catalyst
- Law school-sponsored fellowships
- Other external funding organizations
Successful applicants will begin the fellowship in Fall 2027 for a period of one to two years, depending on the sponsoring funder’s terms.
Fellowship Areas
Applicants can apply under either of the following tracks:
1. U.S. Advocacy and Litigation Projects
Projects under this category should focus on movement lawyering and collaboration with frontline communities to address:
- Racial discrimination
- Extrajudicial killings
- Torture and inhumane treatment
- Immigration injustice
- Arbitrary detention
- Criminal legal system reform
- Human rights violations in the United States
RFK Human Rights encourages projects that work closely with impacted communities and grassroots organizations.
2. International Advocacy and Litigation Projects
International projects should focus on protecting civic space and promoting accountability in regions such as:
- Africa
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia
- Latin America
- The Caribbean
Potential focus areas include:
- Protection of human rights defenders
- International human rights litigation
- Civic freedoms
- Accountability mechanisms
- Democracy and governance
- Community rights
- International legal advocacy
Fellowship Benefits
The RFK Human Rights Fellowship offers a comprehensive package of financial, professional, and wellness benefits.
Financial Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Annual salary ranging from $63,500 to $68,000
- Student loan support through a College Saveup/Loan PayDown Program
- Automatic monthly contribution of $200 toward current or future student loans
- $125 monthly internet and phone stipend
- $1,000 annual benefits card for food and home/life expenses
- $1,000 annual professional development stipend
Health and Wellness Benefits
RFK Human Rights provides excellent healthcare support, including:
- 100% coverage of individual platinum medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Disability insurance
The organization also supports work-life balance through:
- Hybrid work arrangements
- Flexible scheduling
- 37.5-hour work week
Professional Development Opportunities
Fellows will gain valuable experience in:
- Human rights litigation
- Policy advocacy
- International law
- Strategic legal research
- Community-centered legal work
- Human rights accountability systems
Participants will also benefit from:
- Networking opportunities
- Conferences and events
- Domestic and international retreats
- Human rights award ceremonies
- Mentorship from experienced advocates
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Educational Requirements
Applicants should be one of the following:
- Rising third-year law student
- Judicial law clerk
- Recent law graduate
Required Skills and Experience
Strong candidates should demonstrate:
- Commitment to human rights and social justice
- Experience in criminal law, immigration advocacy, or human rights litigation
- Excellent legal writing and analytical skills
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities
- Attention to detail
- Leadership potential
- Time management skills
- Ability to work in multicultural environments
Experience with:
- United Nations treaty bodies
- International human rights systems
- Community advocacy
- Litigation support
will be considered an advantage.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Cover Letter including:
- Whether applying for the U.S. or International team
- Why they want RFK Human Rights as host organization
- Fellowship programs they intend to apply for
- Brief description of proposed project
- Intended fellowship goals
- Resume/CV
- Law School Transcript (Unofficial accepted)
- Two References
- One academic or professional
- One personal reference
- Legal Writing Sample
- Maximum of 10 pages
Application Deadline
Final Deadline: July 24, 2026
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. ET.
Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission is strongly encouraged.
How to Apply
Applicants should send all required documents via email to:
applications@rfkhumanrights.org
Email Subject Line:
“[Your Name] Legal Project Fellowship Application”
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring human rights lawyers and advocates to:
- Build a strong public interest legal career
- Gain practical advocacy experience
- Develop innovative human rights projects
- Work alongside experienced international legal experts
- Contribute to meaningful social justice reforms
- Strengthen global accountability systems
For candidates passionate about human rights law, immigration justice, criminal justice reform, or civic freedoms, this fellowship provides a powerful platform for long-term impact.
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