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Civil Rights Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CAIR LA

Civil Rights Legal Fellow

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Civil Rights Managing Attorney Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 401(k) plan with an employer match, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days and 12 ...

CAIR LA

Civil Rights Legal Fellow

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Civil Rights Managing Attorney Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 401(k) plan with an employer match, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days and 12 ...

W3Global Inc.

Civil Litigation Attorney

Beverly Hills, CA · Remote

$140K - $200K/yr

Civil Litigation Attorney - Tenant Rights & Housing Litigation Practice Areas The attorney will work on matters involving: * Habitability Defects and Housing Code Violations * Wrongful Evictions

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$58.2K

$111.5K

$158.4K

How much do civil rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil rights attorney in California is $111,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,800.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Civil Rights Attorneys in their daily work?

Civil Rights Attorneys often encounter complex cases that require extensive legal research, detailed documentation, and persistent advocacy, sometimes over prolonged periods. They may face challenging circumstances such as representing clients with sensitive backgrounds or taking on cases against powerful institutions, which can be emotionally and professionally demanding. Collaboration with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other attorneys is important to build strong cases and support clients effectively. Staying current on evolving legal precedents and legislation is also essential to succeed in this dynamic field.

What can you do as a civil rights lawyer?

A civil rights attorney advocates for individuals whose rights have been violated, handling cases related to discrimination, harassment, and violations of constitutional rights. They investigate claims, provide legal advice, and represent clients in court or negotiations, often requiring knowledge of relevant laws and strong advocacy skills.

What does a Civil Rights Attorney do?

A Civil Rights Attorney advocates for individuals whose rights have been violated under laws protecting freedoms such as speech, equality, and due process. They handle cases involving discrimination, wrongful arrests, voting rights, and other constitutional issues. Their work includes legal research, filing lawsuits, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court to ensure justice and uphold civil liberties.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Civil rights attorneys' salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for organizations. While some experienced attorneys in large firms or high-profile cases can earn over $500,000 annually, most civil rights lawyers earn less, typically between $60,000 and $150,000 per year.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Civil Rights Attorney position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Civil Rights Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong expertise in constitutional and civil rights law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management software, is commonly required. Outstanding advocacy, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are essential for connecting with clients and effectively presenting cases. These abilities are crucial for advancing clients' rights, navigating complex legal challenges, and achieving meaningful outcomes through litigation or negotiation.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

A civil rights attorney can reach a $500,000 income by gaining extensive experience, building a strong reputation, and handling high-profile or complex cases. Specializing in niche areas, working at prestigious firms, or establishing a successful private practice can also increase earning potential. Developing strong negotiation skills and obtaining relevant certifications may further enhance income opportunities.

Where do civil rights lawyers make the most money?

Civil rights lawyers tend to earn higher salaries in large metropolitan areas with a high cost of living and significant legal markets, such as major cities with prominent law firms or government agencies. Experience, specialization, and working for large firms or government institutions can also increase earning potential for civil rights attorneys.
What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Rights Attorney jobs in California? The most popular types of Civil Rights Attorney jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Civil Rights Attorney jobs in California? For Civil Rights Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Civil Rights Attorney jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Rights Attorney jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Civil Rights Attorney jobs? Cities in California with the most Civil Rights Attorney job openings:
Civil Rights Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Rights Attorney job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,510 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Civil Rights Senior Litigation/Staff Attorney

CAIR LA

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Work Location: Anaheim, CA
Term: Full-time, occasional evening and weekends required
Position Status: Exempt
Reports to: Civil Rights Managing Attorney
Salary: $100,000 to $130,000 commensurate with skills and experience
Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 401(k) plan with an employer match, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 12 holidays, hybrid work schedule utilized temporarily.
About Us: Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal. The Council on American-Islamic Relations of California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate, talented, and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join these efforts.
About the role: The Los Angeles office of CAIR (CAIR-LA) is looking for a candidate with extensive civil litigation experience to develop and litigate cases that will address systematic issues facing the American Muslim community. Anticipated litigation matters that this position will handle will vary and may include issues of: Student Free Speech, First Amendment Issues, Constitutional Violations, Employment Discrimination, Religious Accommodation, Federal and State Civil Rights Claims, National Security & Law Enforcement Practices, Prisoners' Rights, Grade School Bullying, Hate Crimes/Incidents, etc. The position will work closely with the Civil Rights Managing Attorney and Legal Director to identify, develop, and fulfill key litigation goals. This position will also participate in advocacy, campaigns, and public education.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Identify, develop, lead and manage litigation efforts that involve various legal claims that address systematic issues impacting the American Muslim community.
  • Review and investigate an array of legal intakes brought by an incredibly diverse community to identify intakes most suitable for impact litigation.
  • Conduct factual and legal analysis and research as part of the identification of viable legal claims, theories, and the development of viable litigation.
  • Identify litigation opportunities, in line with CAIR-LA's Civil Rights Department strategic objectives and ensure timely and effective representation of clients.
  • Lead litigation matters through all steps of litigation including, but not limited to, interviewing witnesses and potential clients, preparing pleadings, discovery, motions, briefs, oral arguments, settlement, and trial if necessary.
  • Legal writing including, but not limited to, drafting memoranda, demand letters, pleadings, affidavits, motions, discovery, briefs, and other litigation-related documents.
  • Conduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation matters.
  • Assist in managing support staff including attorneys, fellows, paralegals, clerks, interns, and coordinators who are supporting CAIR-LA's litigation efforts.
  • Coordinate with other CAIR-LA departments including Policy and Advocacy, Communications, and Development to ensure maximum impact of the position's work
  • Communicate with outside parties such as co-counsel, employers, law enforcement agents, administrative agencies, media contacts, etc.
  • Participate in press conferences regarding legal filings and relevant issues.
  • Travel for outreach including participating in community events and coalition meetings.
  • Assist efforts to educate and empower community members on their rights through public speaking, community presentations and material distributions
  • Support and complete other legal and advocacy projects or duties as assigned
  • All CAIR staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, fundraising, and other office tasks as required

Qualifications:
  • Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited school
  • California State Bar admission
  • 5-7+ years of experience in civil litigation, in state and/or federal court, preferably in areas such as anti-discrimination matters, civil rights, constitutional violations, free speech, employment law, religious discrimination, national security and law enforcement practices, prisoners' rights, and student rights.
  • Ability to develop and litigate cases independently.
  • Strong commitment to advancing the work and mission of CAIR and American-Muslim empowerment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the cause of social justice, civil liberties, and civil rights.
  • Excellent research, writing and analytical skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking experience.
  • Extremely strong project and time management skills, including a high level of organization, attention to detail and follow-through, while balancing and prioritizing multiple activities and responsibilities.
  • Strong time management skills with a demonstrated ability for meeting deadlines.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills with outstanding attention to detail.
  • Comfort working productively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Experience working with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Access to a working vehicle and the ability to drive throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area.
  • Willingness to travel within Southern California as well as occasionally to other parts of the state.
  • High degree of self-motivation and self-discipline.
  • Basic computer proficiency including knowledge of Office 365, OneDrive, Lexis and/or WestLaw.
  • Knowledge of cloud applications such as SharePoint, Office365, and social media applications (preferred).
  • Conversational proficiency in Arabic, Farsi or Urdu (preferred but not required).

TO APPLY: Please submit (1) cover letter discussing your interest in the position, (2) your resume, (3) the names and contact information of three references via the link below.
Equal Employment Opportunity: CAIR-CA is an equal-opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

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