Application Guide
How to Apply for Staff Attorney/Senior Staff Attorney
at Human Rights First
🏢 About Human Rights First
Human Rights First is unique as a nonpartisan organization that combines direct legal services with systemic advocacy, specifically focusing on asylum representation through their Refugee Representation program. Working here offers the opportunity to impact both individual lives and broader human rights policy through pro bono mobilization.
About This Role
This role involves directly representing asylum seekers in immigration court, USCIS, and federal courts while mentoring pro bono attorneys from law firms and corporations. It's impactful because you'll expand access to justice by building sustainable pro bono partnerships that multiply the organization's capacity beyond direct representation.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve preparing an asylum applicant for their USCIS interview in the morning, then meeting with a law firm team to mentor them on a defensive asylum case. The afternoon could include reviewing potential cases for pro bono placement and drafting legal arguments for an immigration court hearing the following week.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Human Rights First Is Looking For
- Has 2+ years (Staff Attorney) or 5+ years (Senior Staff Attorney) of hands-on asylum representation experience including immigration court proceedings
- Demonstrates expertise in both affirmative and defensive asylum cases with knowledge of recent USCIS and ICE procedural changes
- Shows proven ability to mentor other attorneys and build relationships with law firms for pro bono placement
- Possesses strategic thinking about case selection for maximum impact within resource constraints
📝 Tips for Applying to Human Rights First
Quantify your asylum representation experience: specify number of cases, types (affirmative/defensive), and success rates
Highlight specific experience with Human Rights First's focus areas: LGBTQ+ asylum, gender-based violence, or persecution based on political opinion
Demonstrate understanding of their pro bono model by mentioning experience with law firm partnerships or volunteer attorney supervision
Reference their recent advocacy work, such as their reports on asylum backlog or detention conditions
Show how you've handled complex procedural issues like motions to reopen, appeals to BIA, or federal court petitions
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience with asylum cases at all administrative levels (USCIS, immigration court, appeals)', 'Examples of mentoring other attorneys or building pro bono partnerships', "Alignment with Human Rights First's nonpartisan, evidence-based advocacy approach", 'Understanding of how pro bono representation expands organizational impact beyond direct services']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Their recent Refugee Representation program reports and impact metrics
- → Human Rights First's advocacy positions on current asylum policy debates
- → Their pro bono partnerships with specific law firms (mentioned in annual reports)
- → The organization's nonpartisan approach and how it navigates political environments
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on litigation experience without demonstrating knowledge of asylum-specific procedures
- Generic statements about 'wanting to help people' without showing understanding of their strategic pro bono model
- Failing to acknowledge the emotional demands of asylum work and self-care strategies
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Human Rights First!