Human rights professionals and law graduates interested in building careers in international human rights research and advocacy can explore the Human Rights Watch Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship 2027–2028.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is accepting applications for this one-year, full-time fellowship beginning in:
September 2027.
The successful Fellow will receive a:
US$70,000 gross annualized salary
plus:
Employer-paid benefits
and:
Reasonable relocation expenses.
Fellows typically work in Human Rights Watch’s:
New York
or
Washington, D.C.
offices, although other locations where Human Rights Watch maintains an office may sometimes be considered.
Some remote-work flexibility may also be available, but this is not a fully remote fellowship. The successful candidate is expected to work from an HRW office.
Applications close on:
October 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
There is, however, one extremely important eligibility condition:
Applicants must hold a J.D. from Columbia Law School by June 2027.
Therefore, this is not a general international human rights fellowship for graduates from all universities.
About Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch is an independent international organization working to advance and protect human rights around the world.
The organization conducts detailed investigations into human rights abuses, documents and exposes findings, proposes solutions and engages governments and other influential institutions to encourage changes in policies and practices.
Its staff includes professionals from diverse backgrounds, including:
Human rights specialists.
Country experts.
Lawyers.
Journalists.
Researchers.
Academics.
Human Rights Watch’s work is grounded in international human rights law, humanitarian law, criminal law and refugee law.
About the Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship
The Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship was established in memory of:
Judge Leonard H. Sandler.
Sandler was a:
1950 graduate of Columbia Law School
who had a lifelong commitment to:
Civil rights
and
Civil liberties.
The fellowship provides an opportunity for an emerging legal professional to spend one year working directly within Human Rights Watch’s international research and advocacy environment.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship is:
Full-time
and normally lasts:
One year.
The 2027–2028 fellowship begins in:
September 2027.
Candidates should therefore consider their availability for a full-time professional commitment beginning at that time.
US$70,000 Annual Salary
The selected 2027–2028 Leonard H. Sandler Fellow will receive a:
Gross annualized salary of US$70,000.
This is a paid professional fellowship rather than an unpaid internship.
The salary is accompanied by:
Employer-paid benefits.
Candidates should note that the stated US$70,000 amount is a gross annualized salary and should not be interpreted as net take-home pay after applicable taxes or deductions.
Employer-Paid Benefits
Human Rights Watch states that the fellowship includes:
Employer-paid benefits.
HRW’s wider careers information describes its employee compensation package as including benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, life insurance, retirement savings contributions and wellness resources.
Candidates should consult their specific fellowship offer for the exact benefits applicable to their employment location and circumstances.
Relocation Expenses
Human Rights Watch also states that it will pay:
Reasonable relocation expenses.
This can be particularly important for a Fellow who needs to move to take up the appointment.
Applicants should confirm the exact relocation policy, eligible costs and reimbursement arrangements with Human Rights Watch if selected.
Where Will the Fellow Work?
Fellows typically work in Human Rights Watch’s:
New York
or
Washington, D.C.
office.
In certain circumstances, another location where HRW maintains an office may be considered.
The vacancy is therefore listed as:
Multiple Locations Considered.
Is the Sandler Fellowship Remote?
No.
The fellowship should not be advertised as a fully remote human rights fellowship.
The successful candidate is expected to work from:
A Human Rights Watch office.
However, HRW states that the Fellow:
May have the option to work remotely at times.
This means the position can include some flexibility, but candidates should expect an office-based arrangement.
Main Responsibilities
The Leonard H. Sandler Fellow will undertake substantive human rights research and advocacy.
Fellows typically:
Monitor human rights developments.
Conduct investigations.
Research human rights conditions.
Draft reports and other materials.
Participate in advocacy.
Engage in media outreach.
Work to increase public awareness of human rights violations.
Engage governments and other relevant actors.
The fellowship therefore offers direct professional exposure to the methods used by a major international human rights organization.
Monitoring Human Rights Developments
Fellows may monitor developments relating to:
A particular country
or:
Multiple countries.
Depending on the assignment, they may follow political, legal, social and policy developments that affect human rights.
The Fellow must be able to assess information carefully and work according to HRW’s research standards.
Conducting Investigations
Research can include:
On-site investigations
and:
In-office investigations.
Prior research experience is therefore an important part of the eligibility requirements.
Candidates should be comfortable gathering, evaluating and documenting information from different sources.
Interviewing Sources
The vacancy specifically requires:
Prior research experience
including experience:
Conducting interviews.
Experience conducting interviews in the context of:
Human rights research
is considered particularly relevant.
Applicants should therefore highlight interview-based research experience clearly in their applications.
Research and Report Writing
Fellows help prepare:
Reports
and other written materials documenting human rights conditions.
Excellent writing skills are consequently essential.
Candidates should be able to transform complicated research findings into accurate, clear and persuasive written material.
Advocacy Responsibilities
Research is only one component of the fellowship.
Fellows also participate in:
Advocacy.
This can involve using documented findings to encourage decision-makers to address human rights violations.
Depending on the project, advocacy may involve engagement with:
Governments.
Policy makers.
Civil society.
International institutions.
Affected communities.
Other relevant stakeholders.
Media Outreach
Fellows may also participate in:
Media outreach.
Media engagement can help publicize human rights concerns and increase pressure for meaningful policy responses.
Candidates therefore need strong communication skills in addition to legal and research expertise.
Examples of Previous Fellowship Research
Past Human Rights Watch Fellows have undertaken research and advocacy on a wide variety of human rights issues.
Examples include:
Alternatives to immigration detention.
Migrant workers’ rights in Gulf countries.
Barriers preventing Syrian refugee children in Jordan from accessing secondary education.
Hazardous child labour in artisanal gold mining in Tanzania.
Risks faced by communities affected by unrehabilitated coal mines in South Africa.
Public housing issues in New York City.
These examples demonstrate the geographic and thematic diversity of work that can be undertaken through HRW fellowships.
Training and Mentorship
Human Rights Watch provides Fellows with:
Training
and:
Mentorship.
Fellows receive regular feedback and professional guidance throughout their time at the organization.
This is intended to support their development as human rights researchers and advocates.
Professional Development
The fellowship provides an opportunity to develop professional capabilities involving:
Human rights investigation.
Research methodology.
Interviewing.
Legal and policy analysis.
Report writing.
Advocacy.
Media engagement.
International human rights standards.
Stakeholder engagement.
Strategic communication.
HRW also states that it is committed to maintaining a balanced workload for Fellows and monitoring staff well-being.
Who Can Apply?
The most important eligibility requirement is extremely specific.
The Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship is open to candidates who will hold a:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Columbia Law School
by:
June 2027.
This requirement substantially limits the applicant pool.
Can Graduates From Other Universities Apply?
Not for this particular fellowship based on the current vacancy.
Applicants must hold a:
J.D. from Columbia Law School by June 2027.
A law degree from another university does not satisfy the stated educational requirement.
Candidates searching for broader HRW fellowship opportunities should therefore review other Human Rights Watch vacancies separately.
Research Experience
Prior:
Research experience is required.
This must include experience conducting:
Interviews.
Human rights research experience is particularly relevant.
Applicants should provide concrete examples demonstrating their ability to:
Design research.
Gather evidence.
Interview sources.
Analyze findings.
Produce high-quality written work.
International Human Rights Background
Candidates must demonstrate:
Strong background in international human rights.
They must also demonstrate a commitment to:
Building a career in human rights.
Applicants should therefore make their long-term professional interest in the field clear in their application.
English Language Skills
Excellent:
Written
and
Oral English communication skills
are required.
Strong writing ability is particularly important because Fellows contribute to research reports and other public-facing materials.
Additional Languages
Proficiency in:
At least one language in addition to English
is:
Strongly desired.
It is not described as an absolute requirement, but additional language skills may strengthen an application.
Candidates should clearly identify relevant language proficiency on their CV.
Organizational Skills
Candidates need to be:
Self-motivated
and capable of:
Multitasking effectively.
Strong planning and organizational skills are required.
Fellows must also be able to work under pressure while maintaining HRW’s methodological standards.
Analytical Skills
Human Rights Watch seeks candidates demonstrating:
Exceptional analytical ability.
Fellows must be able to evaluate complicated situations, identify important human rights issues and translate evidence into clear research findings and advocacy strategies.
Strategic and Creative Thinking
Candidates should have the capacity to:
Think creatively
and:
Think strategically.
This is particularly relevant when developing research approaches and considering how findings can contribute to effective advocacy.
Initiative and Follow-Through
Strong:
Initiative
and:
Follow-through
are required.
Human rights research can involve long-term investigations where Fellows need to manage numerous sources, documents, deadlines and advocacy objectives.
Interpersonal Skills
Strong interpersonal abilities are essential.
The successful Fellow will work:
Within Human Rights Watch.
With external partners.
With individuals from different cultures and backgrounds.
Collaboration is therefore an important part of the fellowship.
Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
Candidates must demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from:
Different cultures.
Different backgrounds.
Different orientations.
This is especially important when conducting human rights research involving people and communities affected by abuses.
Decision-Making
The Fellow must be able to make:
Sound decisions
consistent with the responsibilities of the position.
Human rights investigations can involve sensitive information and vulnerable sources, making professional judgment particularly important.
Can International Candidates Apply?
Yes.
Human Rights Watch explicitly states that:
Citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
However, nationality eligibility should not be confused with work-authorization eligibility.
The Columbia Law School J.D. requirement still applies to every applicant.
Work Authorization
Human Rights Watch explains that its ability to secure:
Work authorization
depends on factors including:
The jurisdiction where the Fellow will be based.
The educational and vocational background of the selected candidate.
HRW specifically states that it:
Cannot guarantee the ability to secure U.S. work authorization.
International applicants should take this into account when considering potential U.S.-based placements.
Does HRW Sponsor Visas?
The vacancy does not provide a universal guarantee of visa or work-authorization sponsorship.
Instead, HRW says its ability to secure work authorization varies depending on:
Jurisdiction
and:
The selected Fellow’s educational and vocational background.
Therefore, applicants should not interpret international eligibility as guaranteed U.S. visa sponsorship.
Application Deadline
Applications close on:
October 12, 2026
at:
11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible rather than waiting until the final hours before the deadline.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the:
Human Rights Watch online job portal.
Applications sent by email will not be accepted.
Candidates should locate the Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship on HRW’s official careers platform and follow the application instructions.
Initial Application Documents
Candidates need to attach three main documents:
CV or resume
Letter of interest
and:
Brief writing sample.
These documents must be submitted in:
PDF format.
Only complete applications will be reviewed.
Writing Sample
The writing sample must be:
Brief
and:
Unedited by others.
This is an important requirement.
Candidates should select a sample that accurately represents their own writing, research, and analytical abilities.
A strong sample should demonstrate:
Clear reasoning.
Research ability.
Logical structure.
Concise writing.
Strong analysis.
Attention to evidence.
Letter of Interest
The letter of interest should demonstrate why the applicant is a strong fit for:
Human Rights Watch.
The Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship.
International human rights research.
Human rights advocacy.
Candidates can use the letter to connect their Columbia Law education, research experience, human rights interests and long-term professional goals.
Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters are not required at the initial application stage.
Only shortlisted candidates will later be asked to submit:
Two letters of recommendation.
Applicants should nevertheless identify suitable referees early so that they are prepared if shortlisted.
Official Transcript
Only shortlisted candidates will also be asked to provide:
An official law or graduate school transcript.
Candidates do not need to treat the transcript as one of the three principal initial attachments unless the application portal provides additional instructions.
Interviews
Successful applicants should be available for an interview during:
Mid-to-late November 2026.
Candidates invited to interview should be prepared to discuss:
Their human rights experience.
Research methodology.
Interviewing experience.
Legal background.
Writing.
Career objectives.
Potential areas of human rights interest.
Application Checklist
Before submitting, candidates should make sure they meet the fundamental requirements:
Columbia Law School J.D. by June 2027
Prior research experience
Interviewing experience
Strong international human rights background
Commitment to a human rights career
Excellent written and spoken English
Applicants should also prepare:
CV/resume
Letter of interest
Brief unedited writing sample
in PDF format.
Human Rights Watch Workplace
Human Rights Watch states that it actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds.
The organization encourages applications from people with different:
Racial and ethnic backgrounds.
National origins.
Religions.
Gender identities.
Sexual orientations.
Socio-economic backgrounds.
Professional experiences.
HRW also welcomes candidates with disabilities and provides a route for applicants who require disability-related accommodation during the application process.
HRW’s Wider Employee Benefits
Human Rights Watch’s careers page describes a broader employee compensation package that can include:
Competitive salaries.
Employer-paid health insurance for employees and their families.
Paid time off.
Life insurance.
Retirement savings contributions.
Wellness resources.
Candidates should rely on their specific fellowship offer to determine precisely which benefits apply to the Sandler Fellowship and their work location.
Important Details at a Glance
Organization: Human Rights Watch (HRW)
Fellowship: Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship
Department: Program Department
Fellowship Cycle: 2027–2028
Start Date: September 2027
Duration: One year
Employment: Full-time
Typical Locations: New York or Washington, D.C.
Other Locations: Other HRW offices may sometimes be considered
Remote: Some remote work may be possible; not fully remote
Annualized Salary: US$70,000 gross
Benefits: Employer-paid benefits
Relocation: Reasonable relocation expenses paid
Education: J.D. from Columbia Law School by June 2027
Research Experience: Required
Interviewing Experience: Required
Human Rights Background: Required
English: Excellent written and oral communication required
Additional Language: Strongly desired
Nationality: Citizens of all nationalities encouraged to apply
U.S. Work Authorization: Not guaranteed
Initial Application: CV/resume, letter of interest and brief unedited writing sample
Shortlisted Candidates: Two recommendation letters and official law or graduate school transcript
Interview Period: Mid-to-late November 2026
Deadline: October 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Is This a Fully Funded Fellowship?
The Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship provides:
US$70,000 in gross annualized salary
plus:
Employer-paid benefits
and:
Reasonable relocation expenses.
It is therefore clearly a paid professional fellowship.
However, describing it as “fully funded” can sometimes imply that every possible expense, including housing, food, travel, and immigration expenses, is separately covered.
The official vacancy does not establish that.
For maximum accuracy, it is better to describe the opportunity as a:
Paid one-year fellowship with a US$70,000 salary, employer-paid benefits and relocation support.
Who Is This Fellowship Best Suited For?
This fellowship is particularly suited to Columbia Law School candidates who want careers involving:
International human rights.
Human rights law.
Legal research.
International law.
Civil rights.
Advocacy.
Policy.
Human rights investigations.
Public-interest law.
International justice.
The successful candidate should have both strong legal training and practical research ability.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
The Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship combines professional employment with structured development inside an established international human rights organization.
The Fellow receives a US$70,000 annualized salary, employer-paid benefits and reasonable relocation expenses while gaining direct experience in:
Human rights monitoring.
Investigations.
Research.
Report writing.
Advocacy.
Media outreach.
Human Rights Watch also provides training, mentorship and regular professional feedback.
For an eligible Columbia Law School graduate committed to international human rights, the fellowship provides a structured route into full-time professional human rights work.
Final Considerations
The Human Rights Watch Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship 2027–2028 is a paid, one-year professional fellowship beginning in:
September 2027.
The successful Fellow receives:
US$70,000 gross annualized salary
plus:
Employer-paid benefits
and:
Reasonable relocation expenses.
Fellows usually work from HRW’s New York or Washington, D.C. offices, although other Human Rights Watch offices may sometimes be considered. Some remote work may be possible, but the position is not fully remote.
The most important eligibility condition is that candidates must hold a:
J.D. from Columbia Law School by June 2027.
Applicants also need prior research experience, including interviewing experience, a strong background in international human rights and excellent English communication skills.
Citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply, although Human Rights Watch does not guarantee that it will be able to secure U.S. work authorization for the successful candidate.
Initial applications require a:
CV/resume
Letter of interest
and:
Brief unedited writing sample
in PDF format.
The deadline is:
October 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
Candidates who are shortlisted will subsequently be asked for two recommendation letters and an official law or graduate school transcript, with interviews expected in mid-to-late November 2026.
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