How do I Become a Human Rights Attorney?

Becoming a human rights lawyer means dedicating a career to the fight for equality and safety for all people. Human rights lawyers are very important to the practice of national and international law, and can find themselves involved in causes that are deeply rewarding and critically important. In order to become a human rights attorney, it is important to get the best training available and seek out opportunities in the field as soon as possible.

The first step to become a human rights attorney is to attend college. For those already determined to enter the field, majoring in political science, communications, or international studies may be a good primer to law. While in school, it may be worthwhile to volunteer or find employment at an organization that handles social justice or human rights issues. These organizations are often in need of smart, dedicated volunteers and interns, but the pay will likely be very low. Attending a good school and achieving good grades can help improve the chances of getting into a good law school after graduating.

After graduating,the next step to become a human rights attorney will be taking standardized tests, such as the LSAT, to complete applications for law schools. These tests are very difficult; many students spend several months studying and even attending preparatory courses and tutoring centers before taking the exam. Scoring high on these tests will help improve chances of getting into good law schools, and can help increase opportunities for scholarships while in school.

Experts recommend applying to schools that appeal to the career path a person is interested in, rather than just based on the name or reputation of the school. A person who wants to become a human rights attorney may want to choose a law school that has a program geared toward international law or the study of human rights law. Applicants should be certain to mention their interest in the subject during interviews and in application materials; a person with a true passion for a certain type of legal career may be very appealing to admissions officials.

During law school, it may be helpful to subscribe to legal journals that focus on human rights issues. To become a human rights attorney, it is important to hit the ground running after graduation, having stayed up-to-date on current issues and legal questions in the field. If the educational program includes opportunities for internships or clinical work, try to find an internship at a firm that specializes in social justice, international law, and human rights cases.

Upon graduating, it will be necessary to take and pass the bar exam for the jurisdiction. This test may be extremely difficult, so it is important to spend as much time in preparation as is necessary to feel comfortable with the material. Once the bar is passed, a newly qualified human rights lawyer can start making his or her name by joining a human rights law firm or opening up a personal practice.