International Human Rights Law Clinic (YR)

This year-long clinic offers students hands-on experience in human rights advocacy through partnerships with NGOs, human rights practitioners, and law firms both in the United States and abroad. Some projects involve direct client representation, offering students diverse opportunities to develop their skills, while other projects focus on different aspects of human rights advocacy. Students work collaboratively on multiple projects throughout the year, with direct contact with clients or supervising attorneys at NGOs. Opportunities for domestic and international travel may be available, scheduled flexibly to accommodate student commitments. Regular communication with clients or supervising attorneys is a requirement. The clinic’s curriculum emphasizes human rights law concepts, ethical and professional dilemmas, critical analysis of human rights movements, and strategic advocacy planning. It offers ample networking opportunities with practitioners and practical skill development, including international research and writing, litigating in international forums, advocating before government and international bodies, and documenting human rights violations. Open to new students each Fall, this clinic provides an intensive, year-long program that provides students with a unique opportunity to make tangible impacts on the global human rights landscape. Through hands-on involvement in innovative projects, students collaborate with prominent international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Tax Justice Network, among others. The clinic requires a significant time commitment, with students expected to dedicate approximately 10-12 hours per week to activities including team meetings, research, partner collaboration, and travel (if applicable). It is ideally suited for students deeply committed to human rights advocacy who wish to develop a diverse skill set and acquire practical experiences to empower their future legal careers.