Suggestions
Hadar Harris
Executive Director at Student Press Law Center
Professional Background
Hadar Harris is a distinguished human rights attorney whose career has been marked by a profound commitment to defending freedom of expression, promoting gender equality, and addressing the challenges posed by the closing of civil society space. Her expertise lies in the practical and realistic implementation of human rights norms, complemented by her ability to navigate complex intersectional questions. Throughout her multifaceted career, Hadar has transitioned seamlessly between the public and private sectors, demonstrating her versatility and leadership in various capacities.
Hadar’s experience as a nonprofit executive has been particularly noteworthy, where she has successfully built and streamlined organizations to maximize their impact on human rights issues. As a member of the California Bar (currently inactive), she practiced employment and labor law and served as General Counsel for an internet startup company, providing her with a unique perspective on the intersection of law and technology.
After spending fifteen impactful years in academia, Hadar has made significant contributions through building centers and organizations addressing a range of issues. Her expertise is sought after on international platforms, and she has acted as a consultant for major human rights organizations and international entities. Additionally, her dedication to philanthropy is evidenced by her active involvement in grant making and nonprofit boards, where she continues to drive meaningful change in the community.
Education and Achievements
Hadar's academic background laid a solid foundation for her career as a human rights advocate. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brown University, she developed a keen understanding of political systems and legal principles. This was further enhanced by obtaining her Juris Doctor (JD) from the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law, where she honed her legal expertise and advocacy skills.
Throughout her career, Hadar has held pivotal leadership positions that underscore her commitment to human rights. Notably, she served as the Executive Director at the Student Press Law Center, where she played a crucial role in protecting the rights of student journalists. Her tenure as the Founding Director at the Civil Society Defense Project reflects her vision for strengthening civil society and ensuring robust protections for human rights.
In her previous role as Executive Director of the Northern California Innocence Project (NCIP), Hadar worked tirelessly to exonerate the wrongfully convicted, showcasing her dedication to justice and accountability. At the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University, she further advanced her focus on human rights law and policy.
With a background as a Gender Specialist conducting the CEDAW Project for the American Bar Association, Hadar has been instrumental in promoting gender equality on an international scale. Her experience as General Counsel and Chief Policy Officer at 4Charity.com provided her with valuable insights into nonprofit management and advocacy. Hadar has also served as Director of Resource and Program Development at the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), where she worked diligently to secure resources for civil rights initiatives.
Achievements
Hadar Harris has made significant strides in the field of human rights law over her illustrious career. Participating in cross-sector initiatives in over 25 countries, she brings a rich comparative perspective that enhances her advocacy work. Her dedication to maximizing programmatic impact has led her to explore emerging intersections between law and policy, establishing her as a thought leader in the field.
A dynamic public speaker and engaging trainer, Hadar possesses the ability to communicate complex legal concepts in an accessible manner, making her an exceptional educator. Her strategic thinking, robust advocacy skills, and innovative program design have positioned her as a sought-after expert in the human rights community.
As a fundraiser and advocate, Hadar has actively engaged various stakeholders, demonstrating her ability to mobilize support for crucial initiatives. Her work in philanthropic grant making emphasizes her commitment to ensuring resources are directed toward impactful projects in the human rights space.
In summary, Hadar Harris’s diverse professional journey exemplifies her unwavering commitment to advancing human rights, gender equality, and social justice. Her remarkable achievements, deep legal expertise, and dedication to building meaningful programs highlight her as a pivotal figure in the fight for human rights on a global scale.
Highlights


