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Civil Rights Attorney Jobs in Birmingham, AL (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Irondale, AL · On-site +1

$45K - $98K/yr

S. and other prosecuting attorneys on case development to perform arrests and prosecutions; * Full range of investigative work that is typical of Detectives; * Protects the civil rights of all ...

Civil Rights Attorney information

See Birmingham, AL salary details

$55.3K

$105.9K

$150.4K

How much do civil rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil rights attorney in Birmingham, AL is $105,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $124,200.00 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 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 popular job titles related to Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Birmingham, AL? For Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Birmingham, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Birmingham, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Birmingham, AL are:
What cities near Birmingham, AL are hiring for Civil Rights Attorney jobs? Cities near Birmingham, AL with the most Civil Rights Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Civil Rights Attorney job openings in Birmingham, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,893 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Trial Attorney (Civil Rights) - Open Continuous

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Birmingham, AL • On-site, Remote

$90K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Summary
As a Trial Attorney (Civil Rights) at the GS-0905-13/14, you will be part of the Office of General Counsel, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If selected, you will have the full range of responsibilities for preparing and litigating employment discrimination cases under all of the federal statues enforced by the EEOC.
The selectee will be required to have a duty station at one of the 53 EEOC Field Offices.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Duties may include but are not limited to: Reviewing charge files and recommending the initiation of litigation.
  • Filing petitions for compliance with administrative subpoenas. Seeking temporary injunctive relief.
  • Prosecuting cases while ensuring consistency with EEOC litigation policies and judicial precedents. Conducting discovery for litigation in federal court.
  • Preparing pretrial and post-trial briefs and materials. Conducting all facets of trials in federal courts.
  • Providing formal and informal legal advice and memoranda to agency personnel.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Must have an Active BAR Membership in Good Standing. If selected, must maintain active bar membership in good standing while employed as an attorney with EEOC
  • This position is in the Excepted Service

Qualifications
For the GS-13: You must have earned a professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, be an active member of the BAR, and have two (2) years of professional legal experience with at least one year being equivalent to the GS-12 level.
For the GS-14: You must have earned a professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, be an active member of the BAR, and have three (3) years of professional legal experience with at least one year being equivalent to the GS-13 level.
Professional legal education above the first professional law degree may be substituted for experience required as follows:(a) The second professional law degree (LL.M) may be substituted for one year of experience (b) The third law degree (J.S.D) may be substituted for one year of experience beyond the LL.M.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This position has a basic education requirement listed under the Qualifications section of this announcement.
Additional information
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
This is a bargaining unit position: National Council of EEOC Locals, No. 216 Representing BUS code 1125.
You will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across EEOC.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document that you do not have in electronic form, please refer to the agency contact information.
Attorneys appointed in the excepted service are required to maintain active membership in a bar within a U.S. jurisdiction for the duration of their employment. Attorneys must provide documentation supporting active membership and good standing status (or equivalent) on at least an annual basis.
Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the EEOC considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their application submission documentation.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see: https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)
All employees of the Federal government are subject to the conflict of interest statutes and regulations including the Standards of Ethical Conduct that govern activities with outside organizations and reporting financial holdings. This position may require the incumbent to complete a confidential financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.