The Human Rights Lawyers Association (“HRLA”) is calling for members to apply to join its 2026 Executive Committee (“EC”) and Junior Lawyers Committee (“JLC”). Interested members are warmly invited to read the information below and follow the relevant application process for the Committee you wish to join. Please note that the deadline to apply is 23:59 on Sunday 30 November 2025.
Join the HRLA Executive Committee
Are you a legal professional with a passion for protecting and promoting human rights and the rule of law? If this is you, then we invite you to apply to be a member of the HRLA EC, which is now recruiting for its 2026 term. Whatever your specialism, you can get involved. We welcome applications from lawyers at all levels of professional development and locations, provided you are a member of the HRLA (which one can easily become).
You may apply to become an elected member of the EC or for a specific “Officer” role (as set out in paragraphs 7 and 8 of the HRLA’sConstitution):
- Chair;
- 2 x Vice Chair;
- Secretary;
- Treasurer;
- Bursary Officer.
We are particularly interested in hearing from those with experience in fundraising and membership development, but above all we are seeking enthusiasm for actively contributing to the work of the HRLA and a commitment to furthering its development.
Expected commitment
The role will involve one monthly one hour meeting, which is likely to take place in the early evening, and attendance may be via audio and/or video link and/or in person. Committee members are expected to attend at least 75% of Committee meetings. If a Committee member misses three consecutive meetings without reasonable excuse, they will be deemed to have resigned.
In addition, Committee membership requires a commitment to the HRLA to help plan and arrange events, and to take an active role in co-ordinating and implementing the HRLA’s work. Your role will involve practically supporting the delivery of agreed activities of the EC, contributing to content and communications, and attending events (typically there are around six in one year). Elected members of the Committee should also expect to be allocated a specific role in the administration of the HRLA, such as communications, website, individual membership or corporate membership.
We estimate the average time commitment, spread across the term, to be up to two hours a week for EC members, with some weeks being significantly busier than others depending on what events or activities are taking place, and Officer positions requiring a greater time commitment.
When would your role start?
Appointments would begin at our AGM, which is expected to be held at the end of January 2026.
Election process
The HRLA Constitution currently provides that the EC shall consist of the Officers (listed above) and up to 12 elected members (as well as up to three additional co-opted members, the Chair and Vice Chair of the JLC, and two other members of the JLC nominated by the JLC). Should there be more applications for Officer / EC elected member than vacancies, the decision as to who is elected will go to a vote at the AGM. If this occurs, we will ask individuals to make a short statement to the present membership and a ballot vote will thereafter take place.
To apply to join the Executive Committee
Please carefully read the application form which can be downloaded here and send your completed form to secretary@hrla.org.uk by 23:59 on Sunday 30 November 2025. Please note that information provided in your application form will be shared with members of the current EC as necessary to carry out the recruitment process and your name and (if relevant) organisation will be shared with members of the HRLA. In the event of a contested election for the position for which you have applied, your name, current role and (if relevant) job title and organisation, the position you have applied for, and the information you have provided in the ‘KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE’ and ‘YOUR INTERESTS’ sections of the application form will be circulated to members of the HRLA in advance of the AGM to inform the election. Please note that membership of the Executive Committee is a voluntary position.
If you would like to talk to someone about the application, please do not hesitate to contact secretary@hrla.org.uk. We recommend adding secretary@hrla.org.uk as a safe sender to ensure you do not miss any email correspondence regarding your application.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Join the HRLA Junior Lawyers Committee
The Junior Lawyers Committee (JLC) is the junior lawyers division of the HRLA. We are law students, graduates and junior lawyers committed to promoting human rights and social justice. Through our core projects, we provide opportunities for all early career professionals and students who are interested in pursuing a career in human rights law or in promoting human rights protection and awareness.
The JLC’s core projects are:
- Careers Day is our annual flagship event aimed at supporting aspiring human rights lawyers and practitioners. Keynote speakers in previous years have included Jennifer MacLeod, Jason Pobjoy KC and Amanda Weston KC.
- The Judicial Review Competition is our mooting competition, where competitors seek permission for judicial review on a human rights law topic. The final typically takes place in the Royal Courts of Justice.
- The Lord Kerr Competition is our essay competition, established in memory of the late Supreme Court Justice Lord Kerr, on a human rights law topic.
Expected commitment
JLC members are expected to:
- Contribute to all of our core projects, taking on a key role in at least one;
- Attend at least 80% of our committee meetings, which take place monthly;
- Be organised and work collaboratively with the rest of the JLC; and
- Show an active interest in and passion for human rights.
By joining the JLC, you will:
- Have the opportunity to network and build relationships with senior human rights practitioners, including judges, solicitors, barristers, activists and academics;
- Collaborate with other JLC members and the Executive Committee on exciting human rights events, publications and projects;
- Gain skills and professional experiences to support you in developing your human rights career;
- Learn more about human rights issues and consolidate your knowledge of human rights law;
- Join a friendly and committed group of like-minded junior human rights lawyers!
To apply to join the Junior Lawyers Committee
Applications should be submitted by 23:59 on Sunday 30 November 2025 via this Google Form. Please note that you must be a member of the HRLA (which one can easily become) in order to become a member of the Junior Lawyers Committee. Appointments for the 2026 term of the Junior Lawyers Committee would begin at our AGM, which is expected to be held at the end of January 2026. Please note that membership of the Junior Lawyers Committee is a voluntary position.
We look forward to receiving your application.