"HRAP has been an exceptional opportunity that I’m grateful to have experienced as a 1L. It has expanded my understanding of human rights and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in this field. Catherine and Michelle were outstanding mentors, available beyond HRAP meetings to discuss academics, offer guidance on summer job opportunities, and provide insights into pursuing a human rights career. I’m very thankful for the program and would enthusiastically recommend it to any incoming 1Ls interested in human rights." – Brooke Zanon
"HRAP has exposed us to both the benefits and implications of pursuing a career in human rights. Perhaps my favorite part of the program is that it provides me with a sense of purpose — it's a weekly reminder of why I came to law school. The integrity of the other associates and their genuine humanity inspire me every day!" — Isabella Blosser
“The Human Rights Associates Program has provided me a unique window into the lived experience of diverse advocates at the vanguard of variegated legal struggles. From Malawian reproductive rights champions to advocates lobbying D.C. stakeholders on the Hill, I’ve been empowered to learn firsthand how pathbreaking legal advocates have earned their stripes, honed their advocacy strategies, and found the resilience to press onward in an international system that faces no shortage of challenges.” — Nicolas Friedlich
Human Rights Associates Program
The Human Rights Associates Program (“HRAP”) is designed to introduce Georgetown Law students to the breadth of human rights law and practice, expose students to current human rights topics, and help students to navigate academic and career choices. This program is open to first-year J.D. students, including evening students. Through the application process, we hope to ensure that our community is comprised of Associates who are committed to learning about and pursuing human rights work.
Associates will participate in weekly seminars that focus on a mix of 1) building skills for human rights research and analysis, 2) networking and mentorship, and 3) academic and career guidance. Participation in the program gives students a unique opportunity to meet a range of human rights practitioners and experts. Associates will also have the opportunity to attend human rights events at Georgetown Law and around Washington, DC.
Weekly one-hour sessions take place Friday mornings and begin on September 13. This is a year-long program. The fall program runs from September through November, and the spring program runs from January through April. Associates are allowed two absences but are otherwise expected to participate fully in the program.
Associates must commit to prepare for, attend, and contribute to group discussions and to complete short assignments in the absence of academic credit.
The application cycle for the 2024-2025 program is now closed. Please check back in August 2025 for the 2025-2026 application instructions.
2022-2023 HRAP Cohort
2024-2025 HRAP Cohort
HRAP students at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission
2024-2025 HRAP students
2023-2024 HRAP Cohort in front of Law Library