SUMMER 2026 LEGAL INTERNSHIP

Department: International Advocacy & Litigation

Full-time, Non-Exempt

Openings: Three

Location: Remote, Worldwide, or Hybrid (Washington, DC)

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is seeking Summer Legal Interns to advance the work of the International Advocacy and Litigation team for the Summer 2026. The internship is a 10-week commitment, from May 26, 2026 to August 3, 2026. Applications are considered and positions are offered on a rolling basis, but preference will be given to applications received by 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

About the Int’l Advocacy & Litigation Team:

Our team of lawyers and issue experts work hand-in-hand with local partners across the globe to create lasting social and legal change. Through bold advocacy and strategic litigation, we have freed political prisoners, upheld the rule of law in autocratic regimes, and amplified the voices of human rights defenders in some of the world’s most challenging environments. 

We focus on the protection of civic space, combating violence and discrimination, and demanding accountability for gross human rights violations, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 

Additionally, each year we present the annual Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, honoring a courageous individual whose activism embodies Robert F. Kennedy’s belief that each person has the power to make a difference and build a more just and peaceful world.

Legal Intern Responsibilities: 

• Conducting international human rights legal research and drafting memoranda in support of litigation, fact-finding reports, and advocacy materials, as well as on recent developments of thematic issues and in-country conditions relevant to the work of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; 
• Assisting in preparation of documents to support litigation before international mechanisms (e.g. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, UN Treaty Bodies), and in support of advocacy before domestic and foreign governments, international organizations, and UN special procedures;
• Attending and reporting on briefings, Congressional hearings, symposia and other meetings;
• Monitoring sources of information on countries and issues of concern to Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; and collecting, organizing and analyzing relevant information;
• Working closely with International Advocacy and Litigation team members to develop long-term strategies, legal actions, and advocacy campaigns to support the RFK Human Rights award laureates and other partners; 
• Providing additional support to RFK Human Rights staff on an as-needed basis. 

Legal Intern Responsibilities: 

• Conducting international human rights legal research and drafting memoranda in support of litigation, fact-finding reports, and advocacy materials, as well as on recent developments of thematic issues and in-country conditions relevant to the work of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; 
• Assisting in the preparation of documents to support litigation before international mechanisms (e.g. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, UN Treaty Bodies), and in support of advocacy before domestic and foreign governments, international organizations, and UN special procedures;
• Attending and reporting on briefings, Congressional hearings, symposia, and other meetings;
• Monitoring sources of information on countries and issues of concern to Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; and collecting, organizing, and analyzing relevant information;
• Working closely with International Advocacy and Litigation team members to develop long-term strategies, legal actions, and advocacy campaigns to support the RFK Human Rights award laureates and other partners; 
• Providing additional support to RFK Human Rights staff on an as-needed basis. 

Qualifications:

• Applicants must have completed at least one year of law school at the start of the internship and have a well-established interest in human rights;
• The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated base understanding (academic/research/work experience) of regional and international human rights law; 
• Working knowledge of the United Nations system (e.g. UN treaty bodies, special procedures, Universal Periodic Review, etc.) and/or the regional human rights mechanisms (e.g. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, etc.); 
• An ability to master complex human rights issues under tight deadlines; 
• Fluency in one of the following languages is desirable but not required: Arabic, French, Spanish or Portuguese;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Attention to detail, you’re able to scope out errors and willing to fix mistakes;
• Time management: you have the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at once;
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information;
• Innovative thinking, a willingness to voice opinions, and a strong work ethic are essential; 
• Teamwork, you are able to build positive relationships with your colleagues and are willing to help others;
• Ability to work with colleagues with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives from your own.

Availability and Compensation:

• This part-time internship will commence as early as May 26, 2026, and end by August 3, 2026, with a commitment of 15-20 hours per week.
• Institutional/University funding for full-time internships should cover at least $1,500 per month for internship allocation;
  • Funding from RFKHR is contingent on institutional/university funds not being available. Funding accessibility does not impact hiring decisions;
  • Interns may be eligible to receive a $1,500 monthly stipend.

How to Apply:

• Submit your resume, cover letter, a 3-5 page writing sample, and list of 3 professional references to intern@rfkhumanrights.org with “Your Name + Summer 2026 Int’l Legal Internship” in the subject line heading. (Ex: Jane Doe + Summer 2026 Int’l Legal Internship)
• In your cover letter, please include how you heard about this role, why you’re interested in this position, and which of our team’s focus areas you are most interested in working on: Africa, Latin America, Asia, or Civic Space (global). Please be aware that many factors are considered when making your assignment, and you may not be assigned your indicated preference. Please also include if you’re accepting or in the process of applying for institutional funding for this internship and the name of the program.
• Successful writing samples will consist of a legal brief on international human rights law and standards. 
• Please submit all application materials in English.

Application Deadline: 

• Applications are due by 11:59 pm EST on January 18, 2026. 

Please note that, due to the high volume of applications received, RFK Human Rights will follow up directly with qualified candidates regarding the interview process. No phone calls, please.

You are welcome here…

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer and believes we are stronger and more effective by working internally and externally with people of all abilities, diverse backgrounds, and a range of perspectives, particularly those historically marginalized or underrepresented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We do not discriminate in our hiring practices, and in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seek a diverse applicant pool. If you’re in need of an accommodation at any time during the application and hiring process please contact us by emailing your request to hr@rfkhumanrights.org with the subj. line “Accommodation Request”. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Having interviews in a more accessible location/format

Having documents in alternate formats or read aloud