Decoding the Assessment Process in Human Rights Law Careers

Feb 01, 2024

Written By Hugo Carter

Human rights lawyers play a crucial role in providing legal counsel to victims of human rights violations. This article aims to guide aspiring human rights lawyers through the journey of pursuing a career in this noble field. While the path is demanding, the impact on society makes it highly rewarding.

Understanding human rights law careers

Human rights law encompasses the advocacy and protection of fundamental rights on a global scale. Its primary mission is to ensure the protection and enforcement of human rights, as recognised in national (e.g. Human Rights Act 1998) and international (e.g. the European Convention on Human Rights) laws and treaties.

Human rights lawyers encompass practice areas such as housing, mental health and immigration, often working for local government, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations.

Pro bono

Before applying for jobs in human rights law, it’s worth seeking out relevant legal work experience. Try to explore pro bono opportunities offered by law schools or volunteer for organisations dedicated to human rights issues. You might also consider completing an internship at a law firm specialising in human rights.

Here are some options to get you started:

Crafting an effective application

In order to tailor your application, you need a robust comprehension of what human rights lawyers do.

Roles and responsibilities of a human rights lawyer include:

Extensively researching and analysing human rights issues
Providing legal advice and counselling to individuals and communities
Representing victims of human rights violations
Capacity building through training programmes and workshops
Getting involved with policy development and law reform

To excel in this field, you’ll need the following skills:

Eloquence for effective communication
Resilience to handle challenging cases
Persuasiveness to win cases and advocate for justice
Knowledge of relevant laws and codes

You should lay out your own experiences and skills in a similar fashion and decide which ones are most compatible with those required of a human rights career. Then, be sure to make these links in your application.

Navigating human rights law interviews

Common questions

In human rights law interviews, you can expect questions that delve into your understanding of contemporary human rights issues and your commitment to this field. Here are two common interview questions alongside guidance on how to respond:

1. Which human rights are currently most susceptible to threats?

This question assesses your awareness of pressing human rights issues. Showcase your knowledge of recent challenges, such as issues related to privacy in the digital age, freedom of expression challenges, or refugees' rights. Demonstrate your engagement with legal discourses by mentioning relevant cases, treaties, or international organisations addressing these issues.

2. How would you improve human rights understanding in the UK?

Showcase your ability to promote human rights education and awareness, and your understanding of the UK context. Discuss strategies like organising workshops, webinars, or community outreach programs. Mention the importance of tailoring your approach to different audiences, including policymakers, students, and marginalised communities, depending on their exposure to and understanding of human rights.

Demonstrating commitment to human rights

During human rights law interviews, it's essential to convey your genuine commitment to the cause. Here are strategies to effectively demonstrate your dedication:

Share personal experiences

Draw on personal experiences, such as volunteering, internships, or community involvement, to illustrate your commitment to human rights. Describe how these experiences shaped your passion and motivated you to pursue a career in this field.

Highlight relevant skills

Emphasise the skills you possess that align with human rights work, such as empathy, advocacy, research, and critical thinking. Provide examples of how you've applied these skills to address human rights issues.

Discuss long-term goals

Express your long-term commitment to human rights, whether it's working with marginalised communities, advocating for policy changes, or contributing to international human rights efforts. Articulate how your career aspirations align with this commitment.

Assessment tools and exercises

Assessments ensure that candidates align with an organisation's mission and values. Preparation will be much like those for other legal paths, but you may find they want more specialist knowledge at the point of entry. After all, human rights lawyers can often be concerned with just one piece of legislation (such as the Human Rights Act 1998) their entire careers, so they’ll expect you to know about it in an assessment. Here are some exercises you may face with guidance for each one:

Roles and scenarios

Role-playing exercises are commonly used to assess candidates. These scenarios simulate real-world situations, and candidates must demonstrate their problem-solving and advocacy skills. To excel in role-playing exercises:

Research: Familiarise yourself with potential scenarios related to human rights issues, for example situations involving discrimination, refugee rights, or freedom of speech. Understand the legal frameworks, relevant case law and current legal developments.
Active listening: Pay close attention to the concerns and perspectives of the characters you interact with. Effective communication and empathy are key.
Propose Solutions: Offer practical solutions that align with human rights principles. Explain your reasoning and legal basis for your proposed actions.

Legal Research and Analysis

Legal research and analysis are fundamental skills for human rights lawyers. These assessments evaluate your ability to navigate legal documents and provide well-reasoned arguments. To excel:

Stay Updated: Keep abreast of recent human rights cases, treaties, and legislative changes. Familiarity with current legal developments is crucial.
Use Reliable Sources: Rely on reputable sources for legal research. Ensure your arguments are well-supported by legal precedents and international conventions.
Structure Your Analysis: Present your legal analysis logically, with clear arguments and citations. Practice organising complex legal information concisely.

Group exercises

These assess your teamwork and collaboration skills, essential for human rights work. To succeed in group exercises:

Persevere and seek experience

Breaking into the field of human rights law is challenging but rewarding. Even through your legal application cycles, consider part-time and unpaid internships with organisations like Amnesty International, volunteer at law centres or citizens' advice offices, and show your dedication to human rights-related work. Even if you can only afford to volunteer for a short amount of time, showcasing passion and commitment will set you apart.

For instance, a friend in my cohort at law school enrolled in an unpaid internship at the Women’s Legal Centre in Cape Town, South Africa upon graduation. This earned her the experience and skillset to attain a legal role at the United Nations, having been unsuccessful twice previously.

Conclusion

Pursuing a career in human rights law is a noble endeavour. It demands dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to justice. While the path may be taxing, the impact you can make in advancing human rights and social justice is immeasurable. Embrace the challenges, stay committed, and remember that your work has the power to transform lives and societies.

Active-listening: Actively engage with your group members by listening to their perspectives and ideas. Encourage open and respectful communication.
Contribute Meaningfully: Offer valuable contributions to the group's discussions and activities. Showcase your ability to work collaboratively towards common goals.
Resolve Conflicts: If conflicts arise within the group, demonstrate your conflict resolution skills. Focus on finding solutions that benefit the collective effort.

Selection & Assessment