Want to Be a Human Rights Lawyer? Start With a BA LLB
Do you feel a spark for fighting injustice? A strong flame for equality and defending human rights? Are you dreaming of becoming a human rights attorney? If so, pursuing a BA LLB will be among the most fulfilling and impactful ways to get there.
In this broad and thorough resource, we'll discuss how a BA LLB course provides the best foundation to build a career in human rights law. Whoever you are; whether you're currently in Class 12 or a parent hoping for the best career option for that child - this article will provide you with everything you need - including, the BA LLB course overview, eligibility requirements, the scope of study and ca reer options in human rights law.
Who is a Human Rights Lawyer?
A human rights lawyer advocates the cause of individuals or groups whose fundamental rights are violated. Some of these basic rights include freedom of expression, equality, right to education, right not to be tortured, and right to a remedy. Human rights lawyers are engaged in non-governmental organizations, international bodies, and government ministries, or are independent practitioners.
Their role is to take on injustice, be that in courtrooms, public settings, or on the policy stage, whether this is in their hometown or across the globe. Human rights lawyers may represent victims of police brutality, promote the rights of marginalized communities, work with displaced persons, and challenge laws that discriminate against particular groups.
Why Choose BA LLB to Become a Human Rights Lawyer?
The BA LLB (Bachelor of Arts + Bachelor of Laws) is an integrated five-year undergraduate degree course, the combined study of humanities and core legal subjects. Here's why it's the best course for the aspiring international human rights advocate:
1. Strong Theoretical Foundation for Law and Social Sciences
Human rights law is not only courtroom advocacy; it is well-grounded in social issues and understanding society, politics, and ethics. The BA LLB prepares and focuses students to examine:
- Political Science - understanding governance, the concept of justice, and constitutional arrangements.
- Sociology - understanding social issues such as inequality, caste, gender, and class.
- History and Economics - the evolution of legal systems and socio-economic rights.
2. Early Exposure to Legal Education
In contrast to standard LLB (which follows graduation), BA LLB starts after Class 12 (the end of secondary school). So you get into legal studies sooner, and you achieve five full years of academic and practical training in law. This could be critical when seeking a career in human rights law.
BA LLB Course Details at a Glance
|
Parameter |
Details |
|
Full Form |
Bachelor of Arts + Bachelor of Laws |
|
Duration |
5 Years (10 Semesters) |
|
Eligibility |
Class 12 pass from any stream (Minimum 45%–50%) |
|
Admission Process |
CLAT / LSAT / AILET / State-level or Direct Admission |
|
Course Type |
Integrated Undergraduate Degree |
|
Internships |
Mandatory (Courts, NGOs, Legal Firms, Commissions) |
|
Top Recruiters |
NHRC, UNHCR, Amnesty International, NGOs, Law Firms |
Top Subjects Covered in BA LLB for Human Rights Aspirants
During your five-year journey, you’ll study the following subjects that directly contribute to a strong human rights foundation:
- Constitutional Law
- International Law
- Human Rights Law
- Criminal Law
- Political Theory
- Public International Law
- Environmental Law
- Family Law
- Legal Ethics and Professional Conduct
High-Demand Career Paths After BA LLB in Human Rights Law
Here’s where a BA LLB with a specialization or interest in human rights can take you:
1. Litigation & Public Interest Law
You can work as a lawyer representing victims in High Courts or the Supreme Court. Many human rights lawyers focus on:
- Custodial deaths
- Domestic violence
- Child labour cases
- LGBTQ+ rights
- PILs - Public Interest Litigations
2. International Organizations
With experience, you can work with global bodies like:
- UNHRC - United Nations Human Rights Council
- UN Refugee Agency
- ICC- International Criminal Court
- WHO - World Health Organization
3. Policy Research & Legal Consultancy
Think tanks, academic institutions, and legal advocacy groups hire lawyers to:
- Draft legal opinions
- Frame inclusive policies
- Conduct human rights impact assessments
4. Judiciary or Civil Services
After BA LLB, you can also prepare for:
- Judicial Services Exam (to become a Judge)
- UPSC Civil Services (to become an IAS, IFS, IPS officer)
- Both roles can give you powerful platforms to protect and promote human rights in India.
Top Skills Required to Succeed as a Human Rights Lawyer
While a BA LLB degree provides academic knowledge, these skills will make you successful in your human rights law career:
- Empathy & Compassion
- Strong Research and Writing
- Knowledge of International Human Rights Frameworks
- Litigation and Advocacy Skills
- Fluency in Regional & Foreign Languages (Optional)
- Public Speaking & Persuasion
Top Colleges in Bangalore Offering BA LLB for Human Rights Law Aspirants
To build a solid foundation in human rights law, choosing the right college matters. Below are some of the best BA LLB Colleges in Bangalore
National Law Universities (NLUs)
- NLSIU Bangalore
- NALSAR Hyderabad
- NLU Delhi
- NLU Jodhpur
Other Notable Law Schools
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
- Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Christ University, Bangalore
- Amity Law School, Noida
Internship Opportunities for Human Rights Law Students
To become a successful human rights lawyer, internships are not optional, they’re essential. During your BA LLB course, you should explore internships with:
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- State Human Rights Commissions
- NGOs like CRY, PUCL, and HRLN
- UN Volunteer Programs
- Legal Aid Cells and Pro Bono Clinics
What to Study After BA LLB to Specialize in Human Rights
Although you can start practicing law right after your BA LLB, many students pursue a postgraduate degree in human rights for deeper specialization.
Top Options After BA LLB:
- LLM in Human Rights Law
- MA in Human Rights
- Postgraduate Diplomas in International Humanitarian Law
Salary Expectations for Human Rights Lawyers in India
Salaries in human rights law can vary based on the path you choose:
|
Job Role |
Starting Salary (per annum) |
|
Legal Associate in NGO |
₹3 LPA – ₹5 LPA |
|
Independent Human Rights Lawyer |
Varies (₹4 LPA – ₹10+ LPA) |
|
International Legal Officer |
₹10 LPA – ₹30 LPA |
|
Legal Researcher |
₹3 LPA – ₹6 LPA |
|
UN or International Org Roles |
₹20 LPA – ₹50 LPA (or more) |
Final Thoughts: Is BA LLB Right for You?
If you’re passionate about justice, equality, and making a difference in the world, then the answer is YES. A BA LLB degree is more than just a stepping stone—it’s your legal passport to fight for change.
Whether your aspiration is to be standing in courtrooms fighting for the rights of oppressed populations, writing legislation that serves the cause of social justice, or assisting international human rights organizations, it all starts here.