Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship

Conditions

• JOB DESCRIPTION: Fellows typically work full-time for one year in Human Rights Watch’s New York or Washington, D.C.

How they work

• The successful candidate will be expected to work from an HRW office but may have the option to work remotely at times.
• In some instances, other locations where HRW has an office may be considered.
• Fellows monitor human rights developments in a given country(ies), conduct on-site/ in-office investigations, draft reports and/or other materials on human rights conditions, and engage in advocacy and media outreach to publicize and push governments to curtail human rights violations.

Eligibility

HRW’s ability to secure work authorization for this fellowship varies depending on the jurisdiction in which the fellow will be based, and the educational/vocational background of the selected finalist. HRW cannot guarantee the ability to secure work authorization in the US.

How to apply

• Established in memory of Judge Leonard H. Sandler, a 1950 Columbia Law graduate with a lifelong commitment to civil rights and liberties, this fellowship is open to candidates who will hold a J.D. from Columbia Law School by June 2027.
• Human Rights Watch is strengthened profoundly by the diversity of our staff and our differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and more. We actively seek and welcome applications from people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, women, LGBTI persons, and persons with disabilities.
• The successful candidate will be expected to work from an HRW office but may have the option to work remotely at times. We aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both recruiting for and onboarding this position.
• Please apply immediately or by 11:59 PM ET on
• Sandler Fellowship Application Deadline: October 12, 2026 Established in memory of Judge Leonard H.
• Citizens of all nationalities are still encouraged to apply.
• Application Deadline: Please apply immediately or by 11:59 PM ET on October 12, 2026 by visiting our online job portal at https://careers.hrw.org/ and attaching a CV/resume, letter of interest, and a brief writing sample (unedited by others) in PDF format.
• We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.