Aryeh Neier Fellowship
Quick answer
The American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch are offering the Aryeh Neier Fellowship, a two-year opportunity for recent law school graduates to work on human rights issues in the United States, with a focus on New York City, paying $70,000 in the first year, with a salary increase in the second year.
- Role
- Aryeh Neier Fellowship
- Organization
- Human Rights Watch / American Civil Liberties Union Foundation
- Location
- Multiple Locations Considered, with a focus on New York City
- Level
- Entry
- Compensation
- $70,000 in the first year, with a salary increase in the second year
- Category
- Policy & Advocacy
The role
The Aryeh Neier Fellowship is a two-year opportunity for recent law school graduates to work with Human Rights Watch and the ACLU on human rights issues in the United States.
What you'll do
- Monitor human rights issues and developments in the United States
- Conduct field research in the United States
- Draft reports and/or other materials on human rights conditions
- Engage in advocacy aimed at publicizing and curtailing human rights violations
- Assist with the development of litigation strategies
- Carry out other tasks as may be required
What it takes
- Recent law school graduate with a J.D. from a US law school or to be granted by June 2027
- Academic or work experience related to some aspect of the protection of human rights and civil liberties in the United States
- Take and/or pass the bar exam prior to commencing the fellowship in September 2027
- Eligibility to practice law in the US during the second year of the fellowship
- Exceptional analytical skills, and an ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively
- Self-motivation with the ability to take initiative and follow through on projects to completion
- Ability to work independently as well as within a team
- Proficiency in one language in addition to English is preferred
- A demonstrated commitment to human rights and justice
What you'll bring
Frequently asked questions
Where is the fellowship based?
The fellow will most likely be placed in the New York City offices of Human Rights Watch and the ACLU, spending a year at each; however, the fellow should be open to placement in the organizations’ offices in other locations in the US as well.
What is the compensation for the fellowship?
The fellow will receive $70,000 in the first year, with a salary increase in the second year.
What are the key qualifications required for the fellowship?
Recent law school graduate with a J.D. from a US law school or to be granted by June 2027, academic or work experience related to some aspect of the protection of human rights and civil liberties in the United States, take and/or pass the bar exam prior to commencing the fellowship in September 2027, exceptional analytical skills, and an ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively, self-motivation with the ability to take initiative and follow through on projects to completion, ability to work independently as well as within a team, proficiency in one language in addition to English is preferred, and a demonstrated commitment to human rights and justice.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Please apply immediately or by 11:59 PM ET on October 12, 2026, by visiting the online job portal at https://careers.hrw.org and attaching a CV/resume, letter of interest, and a brief writing sample (unedited by others) preferably in PDF format. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed.
When will interviews be held?
Successful applicants should be available for an interview from late November to mid-December 2026.
How to apply
Apply directly on Human Rights Watch / American Civil Liberties Union Foundation's site. We link straight through — no resume parsing, no profile to fill out.
This listing is aggregated from a third-party source and its summary may be auto-generated, so details can be inaccurate or out of date. ForGood is not the employer and is not liable for the content — please verify everything on Human Rights Watch / American Civil Liberties Union Foundation's official posting before applying.