Civil rights advocates may find themselves practicing law in various environments such as prestigious firms dedicated to resolving civil rights disputes, non-profit entities championing for civil rights causes, governmental bodies ensuring compliance with civil rights legislation, or even as autonomous legal professionals.
For those who want further information
Civil rights lawyers work in various professional settings, each with its unique opportunities and challenges. Here is a detailed exploration of the different environments where civil rights lawyers may practice:
- Prestigious Law Firms:
Some civil rights attorneys choose to work in prestigious law firms that specialize in civil rights disputes. These firms often handle high-profile cases and provide excellent resources and support to their lawyers. Working in such firms may offer the opportunity to tackle complex legal challenges and collaborate with other talented attorneys.
- Non-Profit Organizations:
Many civil rights lawyers are passionate about advocating for social justice and choose to work for non-profit entities dedicated to civil rights causes. These organizations focus on promoting equality, challenging discrimination, and protecting civil liberties. Examples include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Human Rights Watch.
Quote: “The power of the lawyer is in the uncertainty of the law.” – Jeremy Bentham
- Governmental Bodies:
Government agencies play a crucial role in enforcing civil rights legislation and ensuring compliance. Civil rights lawyers can work as legal advisors or litigation specialists in entities such as the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or state human rights commissions. These positions allow lawyers to have a direct impact on upholding civil rights laws.
- Solo Practitioners or Small Law Firms:
Some civil rights lawyers choose to practice independently or in small law firms, focusing exclusively on civil rights cases. These attorneys may work with individual clients, offering representation and guidance in matters related to civil rights violations. This approach allows for flexibility and the opportunity to take on a wide range of cases.
Interesting Facts:
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
- Civil rights lawyers often utilize constitutional law and other legal frameworks when advocating for their clients.
- The role of civil rights lawyers extends beyond litigation; they may also engage in public education, policy advocacy, and community outreach to promote social change.
- Civil rights lawyers may handle cases involving various issues, including voting rights, racial discrimination, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, and more.
Table:
| Professional Setting | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Prestigious Law Firms | – Tackle high-profile cases |
| – Access to resources and collaborations | |
| Non-Profit Organizations | – Advocate for social justice |
| – Focus on equality and civil liberties | |
| Governmental Bodies | – Enforce civil rights legislation |
| – Directly impact upholding civil rights | |
| Solo Practitioners/Small Firms | – Flexibility in cases and approach |
| – Provide individual representation and guidance |
Some additional responses to your inquiry
Legal Jobs states that most civil rights lawyers work in government institutions or private law firms. The job requires a lot of time in the office and in the courtroom.
Many work in private law firms – whether as part of a large firm that handles multiple areas of law, as solo practitioners, or at a government agency. There are also quite a few attorneys who do pro bono (free) work in the civil rights field, usually through non-profit organizations.
Government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels hire civil rights attorneys to monitor compliance of civil rights regulations. Many agencies, such as the Department of Labor, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, often have bureaus with many civil rights attorneys monitoring compliance in specified areas.
See a video about the subject.
In a YouTube video titled “‘I don’t want to do these cases’: Civil Rights attorney does the job that has to be done”, civil rights attorney Chris Stewart opens up about the challenges and internal struggles he faces in his line of work. While he rejects the majority of civil rights cases that come his way, Stewart acknowledges his deep-rooted responsibility to fight for civil rights, which he believes comes from his time at Howard University law school. Although his involvement in high-profile cases like George Floyd’s is physically and emotionally draining, Stewart finds purpose in the potential to drive change and resolve systemic issues in society.
More interesting on the topic
Where do civil rights lawyers make the most money?
As an answer to this: San Francisco
The average civil rights lawyer in the US earns about $61,496 annually. There are regional variations, as a civil rights lawyer would earn the most if they were practicing in San Francisco, earning about $92,746. This is 51% greater than the nationwide average.
What is the best major for civil rights lawyer?
How To Become a Civil Rights Lawyer. To become a civil rights attorney, one must first complete an undergraduate degree program. Bachelor’s degrees in areas of study like English, Statistics, Political Science or Philosophy would all be relevant ciriculums.
What is a day in the life of a civil rights lawyer?
A day in the life of a civil rights lawyer can include meetings with clients in jail, researching sexual harassment case law, investing a racial discrimination case, negotiating with opposing counsel, filing legal briefs and arguing cases in court.
What is a civil rights vs human rights lawyer?
Civil rights lawyers typically concentrate on cases involving discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or another protected characteristic. Human rights lawyers, on the other hand, frequently work on behalf of individuals who have been victims of torture, extrajudicial killings, or other human rights violations.
What does a civil rights lawyer do?
Civil rights and civil liberties lawyers work in areas of the law that typically fall under the First Amendment’s freedom of expression, assembly, and religion (civil liberties), and under fourteenth amendment’s equal protection clause (civil rights). Civil rights lawyers share a commitment to creating a just society through legal means.
Should you go to law school if you are a civil rights lawyer?
In general, law schools encourage prospective civil rights attorneys to broaden their focus, and not to become myopic toward civil liberties and civil rights law. Other courses of study that will prove valuable in your career as a lawyer include trial advocacy, statutory interpretation, negotiation, and mediation.
What is civil rights law?
The response is: Civil rights law is the practice area of attorneys who advise individuals, businesses, and governmental entities about legal matters touching upon civil rights. Civil rights laws are varied, complex, and constantly evolving.
Are civil rights attorneys growing?
This is an average growth rate. While the BLS does not keep statistics of growth in specific areas of law, an increase in civil rights violations, and perceived oppression, have called civil rights attorneys to service in ever-increasing numbers. Top earners in the civil rights field are generally employed by federal government agencies.
What does a civil rights lawyer do?
Response to this: Civil rights and civil liberties lawyers work in areas of the law that typically fall under the First Amendment’s freedom of expression, assembly, and religion (civil liberties), and under fourteenth amendment’s equal protection clause (civil rights). Civil rights lawyers share a commitment to creating a just society through legal means.
Should you go to law school if you are a civil rights lawyer?
The reply will be: In general, law schools encourage prospective civil rights attorneys to broaden their focus, and not to become myopic toward civil liberties and civil rights law. Other courses of study that will prove valuable in your career as a lawyer include trial advocacy, statutory interpretation, negotiation, and mediation.
Are civil rights attorneys growing?
The answer is: This is an average growth rate. While the BLS does not keep statistics of growth in specific areas of law, an increase in civil rights violations, and perceived oppression, have called civil rights attorneys to service in ever-increasing numbers. Top earners in the civil rights field are generally employed by federal government agencies.
What is civil rights law?
Civil rights law is the practice area of attorneys who advise individuals, businesses, and governmental entities about legal matters touching upon civil rights. Civil rights laws are varied, complex, and constantly evolving.