Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship

Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship

Application Deadline: October 12, 2026

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Fellows typically work full-time for one year in Human Rights Watch’s New York or Washington, D.C. office. In some instances, other locations where HRW has an office may be considered. The fellowship begins in September 2027.

Fellows monitor human rights developments in a given country(ies), conduct on-site/ in-office investigations, draft reports and/or other materials on human righ