The Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center Legal Fellowship offers a unique chance for aspiring legal professionals to make a real difference. This fellowship is designed for those looking to develop and lead their own human rights projects. It’s a competitive program, but it provides a strong foundation for a career in public interest law and advocacy.
About the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center
The Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center, often called RFK Human Rights, is a well-known organization. It works globally to protect human rights, promote social justice, and support communities facing hardship. RFK Human Rights partners with human rights defenders, grassroots groups, and legal experts. They use tools like lawsuits, advocacy, and policy work to fight injustice and support democratic values. The center also focuses on protecting civic space, reforming the immigration and criminal justice systems, and ensuring accountability. This fellowship aims to support the next generation of lawyers dedicated to human rights.
Fellowship Overview
This Project-Based Legal Fellowship is for early-career legal professionals who want to work in public interest law and human rights. Fellows will work with RFK Human Rights to create and submit proposals for external funding. This could be through programs like the Skadden Fellowship Foundation, Equal Justice Works, or Justice Catalyst. The fellowship typically starts in the fall of 2027 and can last one to two years, depending on the funding source.
Fellowship Tracks
Applicants can choose to focus on one of two main areas:
U.S. Advocacy and Litigation Projects
These projects should focus on working with communities on the front lines of social justice issues. The goal is to address problems such as racial discrimination, extrajudicial killings, torture, and unfair immigration practices. Projects can also focus on reforming the criminal justice system and other human rights violations within the United States. RFK Human Rights encourages projects that involve close collaboration with affected communities and local organizations.
International Advocacy and Litigation Projects
International projects aim to protect civic space and promote accountability in various regions. These include Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Potential areas of focus include defending human rights activists, international human rights lawsuits, protecting civil freedoms, and promoting accountability mechanisms. Projects can also address democracy, governance, community rights, and international legal advocacy.
Fellowship Benefits
The RFK Human Rights Fellowship offers a range of benefits to support fellows both financially and personally.
Financial Benefits
Selected fellows will receive an annual salary between $63,500 and $68,000. The program also offers support for student loans, including an automatic monthly contribution of $200. Additionally, fellows get a $125 monthly stipend for internet and phone costs, a $1,000 annual card for food and living expenses, and a $1,000 annual stipend for professional development.
Health and Wellness Benefits
RFK Human Rights provides excellent health coverage. This includes 100% coverage for individual platinum medical insurance, as well as dental and vision insurance. Disability insurance is also provided. The organization supports a healthy work-life balance through hybrid work arrangements, flexible scheduling, and a standard 37.5-hour work week.
Professional Development Opportunities
Fellows will gain practical experience in human rights litigation, policy advocacy, and international law. They will also learn about strategic legal research, community-centered legal work, and human rights accountability systems. The fellowship includes networking opportunities, access to conferences and events, and retreats. Fellows will also benefit from mentorship by experienced advocates.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet specific educational requirements. They should be either a rising third-year law student, a judicial law clerk, or a recent law graduate.
Required Skills and Experience
Successful candidates will show a strong commitment to human rights and social justice. Experience in criminal law, immigration advocacy, or human rights litigation is highly valued. Applicants need excellent legal writing and analytical skills, along with strong communication and teamwork abilities. Attention to detail, leadership potential, and good time management are also important. Experience working in multicultural settings is beneficial. Familiarity with United Nations treaty bodies, international human rights systems, community advocacy, or litigation support will be seen as an advantage.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit several documents:
- Cover Letter: This should state whether you are applying for the U.S. or International team, explain why you want RFK Human Rights as your host organization, list the fellowship programs you plan to apply for, briefly describe your proposed project, and outline your intended fellowship goals.
- Resume/CV: A current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Law School Transcript: An unofficial transcript is acceptable.
- Two References: One reference should be academic or professional, and the other should be personal.
- Legal Writing Sample: This should be a maximum of 10 pages.
Application Deadline
The final deadline for applications is July 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Because applications are reviewed as they come in, it is recommended to submit your application early.
How to Apply
All required documents should be sent via email to [email protected]. The subject line of your email should read: “[Your Name] Legal Project Fellowship Application.”
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about human rights law. It allows you to build a career in public interest law, gain practical advocacy experience, and develop innovative projects. You will work with experienced international legal experts and contribute to meaningful social justice reforms. For anyone dedicated to human rights law, immigration justice, criminal justice reform, or civic freedoms, this fellowship offers a powerful path to making a lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center Legal Fellowship?
It’s a project-based fellowship for early-career legal professionals to develop and lead their own human rights projects, often seeking external funding.
What are the two main focus areas for the fellowship projects?
The two tracks are U.S. Advocacy and Litigation Projects, focusing on domestic social justice issues, and International Advocacy and Litigation Projects, focusing on global human rights concerns.
What financial benefits does the fellowship provide?
Fellows receive an annual salary, student loan support, a stipend for internet/phone, a food/living stipend, and a professional development stipend.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Eligibility includes rising third-year law students, judicial law clerks, or recent law graduates with a strong commitment to human rights and relevant skills.
