Gavin Howe
Human rights law is a competitive and rewarding field that requires dedication, a profound legal education, and a strong understanding of human rights. To practice in this area, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required, which involves completing law school and passing the bar exam. While an undergraduate degree in law is not strictly necessary, it is a prerequisite for law school, and gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, and legal clinics is highly beneficial for aspiring human rights lawyers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | Required |
| Major | Any subject |
| GPA | Important |
| LSAT | Important |
| Law school | Required |
| JD | Required |
| LLM | Helpful |
| Bar exam | Required |
| Fellowship | Helpful |
| Internships | Helpful |
| Volunteering | Helpful |
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What You'll Learn
The undergraduate degree
An undergraduate degree is a prerequisite for any law school. While your major doesn't have to be in human rights, choosing a subject you will excel in is advised, as your GPA matters to law school committees. During your major, you can start building your knowledge of human rights and confirming your interests by taking diversity courses, for instance.
Some schools offer pre-law programs, but majors like international relations, political science, and sociology can also be ideal for preparing for your graduate degree.
You should also start preparing for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), which is a requirement for most law schools. The LSAT is challenging, and it's essential to determine your preparedness to study law by testing your reading comprehension, logical thinking, and writing skills. Many aspiring lawyers begin studying for the LSAT years in advance and take practice tests to analyze their frequent pitfalls.
When researching law schools, look for those with human rights law clinics and journals, as well as a broad selection of relevant courses. An introductory course on human rights law is a good start, but a strong human rights law program should offer a variety of related courses.
Full-time law programs typically require three years beyond your undergraduate degree and can be rigorous. During your studies, you can gain practical experience and deepen your understanding of human rights law by participating in moot courts, which are safe spaces to practice your skills. You can also join legal clinics, which are law school programs that provide hands-on experience in real cases.
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LSAT and other exams
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a critical factor in determining acceptance into law school. It is a standardized test that measures a prospective student's knowledge and academic readiness. The LSAT is a test of ability rather than knowledge, and it is impossible to memorise the information required to perform well. Therefore, practice is essential for success.
The LSAT is composed of four 35-minute sections, with a 10-minute intermission between the second and third sections. The test takes approximately 3 hours. The primary part of the LSAT is a four-section, multiple-choice test. There is also an unscored writing component, called LSAT Argumentative Writing, which is proctored and administered online. This writing component is taken separately from the multiple-choice portion.
There are many ways to prepare for the LSAT. Free practice tests are available online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), which creates and administers the LSAT. LSAC also offers free Official LSAT Prep materials through LawHub, which can help familiarise test-takers with the content and interface of the LSAT. There are also free practice tests available through Khan Academy. Commercial LSAT prep books and courses are another option, although these can be expensive.
After taking the LSAT, it is important to keep in mind that you can only take the test five times within a testing year and seven times overall. The LSAC will report your scores to all the law schools where you applied, unless you buy the LSAT Score Preview, which allows you to cancel your score within six days of taking the test.
Once you have completed your undergraduate degree and LSAT, you will need to complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree to begin practising as a civil rights attorney. If you want to specialise in human rights law, you can complete a Master of Laws (LLM) degree to gain more specific knowledge and training. Finally, you will need to pass the bar exam to become a practising lawyer.
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Specialising in human rights law
The first step is to obtain an undergraduate degree. This is a prerequisite for law school, and a high GPA will help your application stand out. You can choose any major, but it may be beneficial to begin learning about human rights and confirming your interests in this area. You could take diversity courses to learn about past discriminatory laws, for example.
The next step is to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). This is a challenging exam that tests your reading comprehension, logical thinking, and writing skills. It is an important aspect of your application, so you should create a comprehensive study plan.
When applying to law schools, target those with human rights law clinics and journals, as well as a broad selection of relevant courses. An introductory course on human rights law is a good start, but a strong human rights program should offer a variety of related courses. For example, Notre Dame's program enables students to customize their learning across different forms of human rights law practice. You should also research the faculty and their history of practicing human rights law.
While in law school, gain practical experience by participating in legal or human rights clinics, MOOT courts, and internships. You can also volunteer with humanitarian groups and charities to learn about the types of legal aid your future clients might need.
After law school, you can pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or an LLM in human rights to gain more specific knowledge and training in this field. Finally, you will need to pass the bar exam before you can practice as a human rights lawyer.
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Practical experience
Moot Courts
Moot Courts are extracurricular activities offered by many universities, providing a safe space to practise your skills as a human rights lawyer. These simulated court proceedings involve drafting memorials or memoranda and participating in oral arguments. Moot Courts offer a glimpse into the work of human rights lawyers and help develop essential skills for legal practice.
Legal Clinics
Legal clinics are law school programs that provide students with hands-on experience in real-world cases. Students can join legal clinics to work alongside practicing attorneys, providing legal support and gaining valuable insights into human rights law. This allows students to apply their knowledge and develop their skills in a practical setting.
Internships and Volunteering
Seeking internships and volunteering opportunities is highly recommended. Apply for internships with humanitarian groups, charities, or law offices to gain firsthand experience in providing legal aid and supporting vulnerable communities. Volunteering with human rights organisations can also provide valuable insights into the issues they advocate for and demonstrate your commitment to civil rights and human rights, which employers value highly.
Part-time Employment
In addition to internships and volunteering, part-time employment in the field of civil rights and human rights while in law school can set you apart. This demonstrates a strong interest in the field and a willingness to gain practical experience.
Summer Programs and Externships
Participating in summer programs and externships, both domestically and internationally, can offer unique opportunities to work on human rights issues. These programs often involve working with organisations or communities focused on civil rights and human rights, allowing students to gain valuable field experience and a global perspective.
Pro Bono Work and Studying Abroad
Consider interning at pro bono clinics, providing legal services to those who cannot afford them. Studying abroad can also broaden your perspective and expose you to different legal systems and human rights issues in other countries.
Networking and Mentorship
Building a network and seeking mentorship from professors, alumni, and professionals in the field of human rights law can open doors to practical experiences. Many universities offer small class sizes and mentoring opportunities with experts, enabling students to customise their learning according to their specific interests and career objectives.
Remember, gaining practical experience during your legal studies not only enhances your resume but also allows you to apply your knowledge, develop critical skills, and build a solid foundation for a successful career in human rights law.
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Joining a bar association
Many organizations have specialized programming and offerings just for law students. For example, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) matches mentors and mentees based on both personal and professional compatibility. Their application-based program is something many members take advantage of, but it can’t survive without law student involvement. Joining a section or committee within a bar association is a way to be involved without a huge time commitment. Sections often produce various publications as well, which students can use as an opportunity to hone their writing and editing skills.
Bar associations also provide a resource by breaking down the law in understandable terms. These projects involve research and compilation – areas in which a law student could contribute. Joining a bar association offers access to opportunities to stay sharp through CLE programs, webinars, and other events. They often coordinate and host CLE programs on topics in the news or emerging issues. Such programming is a great way to see how your legal education fits into the world.
In many states, membership in the state bar association is mandatory for all attorneys. These mandatory bar associations are called "integrated" because they regulate the legal profession and engage in other activities such as organizing continuing legal education programs, holding public forums on topics of interest, taking part in lobbying and legislative work, publishing reports, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
To practice human rights law, you need a law degree, such as a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or an equivalent qualification. You can also complete an LLM to gain more specific knowledge and training in human rights law.
The exact degree you choose doesn’t matter. You don’t have to major in human rights and should instead choose a subject you know you will do well in. Your GPA matters far more to law school committees than your major. However, it can be helpful to begin learning more about human rights to expand your knowledge and confirm your interests.
Target law schools with human rights law clinics and journals, as well as a broad selection of relevant courses. Look for schools that have designated human rights programs, degree concentrations, or certificates. Research what kinds of courses they offer, looking for topics like refugee law and discrimination protections.
Positions as human rights lawyers are highly competitive, so it's critical to gain relevant experience. Consider interning at pro bono clinics, volunteering abroad, or working with local disadvantaged populations. You can also look for opportunities to work as an intern in a law office or shadow an experienced human rights lawyer.
