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Civil Rights Attorney information

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$53.5K

$102.6K

$145.7K

How much do civil rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil rights attorney in Tennessee is $102,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,800.00 and $120,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civil rights attorney?

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Tennessee?

For Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Civil Rights Attorney jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Civil Rights Attorney job openings:

Civil Rights Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Rights Attorney job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,552 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Civil Litigation Associate Attorney - Government Defense

Orion Placement

Knoxville, TN • On-site, Remote

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Represent law enforcement officers, government entities, and public officials in civil litigation matters.

  • Draft and argue dispositive and other substantive motions, and manage written discovery and develop effective discovery strategies.

  • Take and defend depositions, assist with trial preparation, hearings, case strategy, and courtroom matters.

Job description

Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

  • Join a respected litigation practice focused on defending law enforcement officers, government entities, and public officials in meaningful state and federal court matters.
  • Take on substantive responsibility early, with opportunities to draft dispositive motions, handle discovery, take depositions, and contribute to trial strategy.
  • Build valuable expertise in civil rights, governmental liability, police defense, and complex litigation.
  • Work alongside experienced attorneys in a collaborative environment where strong legal analysis and writing are genuinely valued.
  • Enjoy a strong benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), CLE support, marketing resources, and bar-related expenses.
  • Performance-based bonus opportunities are available on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.

Location

Hybrid opportunity available in Lexington, Kentucky or Knoxville, Tennessee, with flexibility around the hybrid/remote arrangement depending on the needs of the attorney and practice. Attorneys must be admitted to the Kentucky Bar for the Lexington opening or the Tennessee Bar for the Knoxville opening.

Note:

Candidates must have a J.D., active admission to the applicable state bar, and 3+ years of civil litigation experience. Federal court litigation experience is strongly preferred, although relevant federal clerkship experience may be considered in lieu of some litigation experience. Civil rights, governmental liability, government defense, police defense, or law enforcement experience is preferred but not required.

About Us

We are a focused litigation firm representing law enforcement officers, government entities, and public officials throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. Our team handles complex civil litigation in both state and federal courts and takes pride in providing thoughtful, strategic, high-quality legal representation. We offer attorneys the opportunity to handle meaningful work, develop specialized litigation expertise, and grow within a collaborative team. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

  • Represent law enforcement officers, government entities, and public officials in civil litigation matters.
  • Draft and argue dispositive and other substantive motions.
  • Conduct legal research and prepare persuasive briefs, pleadings, and legal memoranda.
  • Manage written discovery and develop effective discovery strategies.
  • Take and defend depositions.
  • Assist with trial preparation, hearings, case strategy, and courtroom matters.
  • Analyze complex legal issues involving civil rights, governmental liability, and defense litigation.
  • Communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, courts, and other stakeholders.
  • Manage assigned matters independently while collaborating closely with other attorneys.
  • Develop strong case strategies from initial evaluation through resolution.

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school.
  • Active Kentucky Bar admission for the Lexington position or Tennessee Bar admission for the Knoxville position.
  • 3+ years of civil litigation experience.
  • Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Federal court litigation experience preferred.
  • Civil rights, governmental defense, police defense, or government liability experience preferred.
  • Law enforcement or related professional background preferred.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team.

Why You Will Love Working Here

You will have the opportunity to do substantive litigation work that matters while developing a valuable specialty in government defense and civil rights litigation. We support professional development through CLE funding and bar-related expenses, provide a strong benefits package, and offer bonus opportunities tied to performance. Most importantly, you will join a team that values good judgment, strong advocacy, collaboration, and continued professional growth.

JPC-1913

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance