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Civil Rights Attorney Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Associate Attorney

Columbia, MO · On-site +1

$55K - $100K/yr

... rights, including some of the nation's largest financial institutions, hospitals, and insurance companies. Our outstanding team is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our growing civil practice.

Associate Attorney

Columbia, MO · On-site

$55K - $100K/yr

... rights, including some of the nation's largest financial institutions, hospitals, and insurance companies. Our outstanding team is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our growing civil practice.

Associate Attorney

Columbia, MO · On-site

$55K - $100K/yr

... rights, including some of the nation's largest financial institutions, hospitals, and insurance companies. Our outstanding team is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our growing civil practice.

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Showing results 1-20

Civil Rights Attorney information

See Missouri salary details

$55.3K

$106K

$150.6K

How much do civil rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil rights attorney in Missouri is $105,985.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $124,300.00 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 Missouri? The most popular types of Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Missouri are:
Assistant Attorney General/Unit Leader - Civil Trial Section

Assistant Attorney General/Unit Leader - Civil Trial Section

Missouri Attorney General

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Missouri Department Of Conservation rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

522nd of 661 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Assistant Attorney General/Unit Leader
Civil Trial Section ~ St. Louis

The Missouri Attorney General's Office is actively seeking attorneys with excellent credentials for an Assistant Attorney General/Unit Leader position in the Civil Trial Section.
The Civil Trial Section vigorously defends the State of Missouri. This includes defense of state officials, agencies, and individual employees throughout all levels of government. The Section often leads the office's largest and most complex litigation and protects Missouri's laws from statutory or constitutional challenges. The Section represents many state agencies, as well as law enforcement, defending officers of certain agencies. The Unit Leader will supervise attorneys appearing in federal and state courts, in various practice areas including but not limited to class-actions, employment, personal injury, and civil rights suits. The Unit Leader will maintain their own caseload while overseeing cases through all stages of litigation, including appeals. The Unit Leader's duties include jury trial practice, weekly attorney mentoring meetings, meeting with agency clients, building collaboration across the section, and developing and providing training for the section.
This position will involve intermittent travel within Missouri for meetings, trials, depositions, mediations, and court appearances and may involve occasional out of state travel.
Preferred experience/skills:
  • 3 years or more experience in civil defense litigation
  • Jury trial experience
  • State and Federal court experience
  • Management or mentorship experience
  • Excellent legal writing, oral advocacy, and litigation strategy skills

Health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans, state pension, and deferred compensation available.
Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Missouri or able to quickly obtain a Missouri license. Candidates with relevant experience and education will be considered for an interview.
Salary is commensurate with experience.
EOE

Missouri Attorney General logo

About Missouri Attorney General

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Attorney General serves as the chief legal officer of the State of Missouri as mandated by our Constitution. The Attorney General is elected by Missouri voters, serves a four-year term, and is not subject to constitutional term limits. The Attorney General’s Office represents and provides legal advice to most state agencies; defends challenges to the validity of state laws; enforces civil law, including consumer protection and environmental laws; defends the State’s interest in civil actions, including bankruptcies, workers’ compensation claims, professional licensing cases, and habeas corpus actions filed by state and federal inmates; and serves as a special prosecutor in criminal cases when appointed. In addition, the Office handles all appeals statewide from felony convictions. The Attorney General’s Office brings and defends lawsuits on behalf of the State and prepares formal legal opinions requested by State officers, legislators, or county attorneys on issues of law. The Office represents the State in litigation at all levels ranging from a variety of administrative tribunals to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Office also includes an Office of Solicitor General, who represents the interests of the state in appellate and national matters.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Jefferson City, MO, US

Year founded

1865