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Civil Rights Attorney Jobs in Lansing, MI (NOW HIRING)

Civil Rights Attorney information

See Lansing, MI salary details

$59.8K

$114.6K

$162.8K

How much do civil rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil rights attorney in Lansing, MI is $114,602.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,300.00 and $134,400.00 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 Lansing, MI? For Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Lansing, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Lansing, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Lansing, MI are:
What cities near Lansing, MI are hiring for Civil Rights Attorney jobs? Cities near Lansing, MI with the most Civil Rights Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Civil Rights Attorney job openings in Lansing, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,602 per year, or $55.1 per hour.

Disability Rights-Medicaid Litigation Attorney

Disability Rights Michigan

Lansing, MI • On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) has an immediate opening for a Medicaid-Disability Rights Litigation Attorney.


Student Loan Forgiveness Eligible


Job Summary

Provides direct representation to individuals with disabilities in courts (state and federal) and administrative proceedings. Representation includes, but is not limited to, complex Medicaid litigation (including class actions), vocational rehabilitation service administrative proceedings and appeals, and actions filed on DRM’s own behalf related to federal access authority under DRM’s enabling statutes.


A secondary component of the job involves providing support to agency staff and technical assistance to outside individuals and groups.


Candidate must have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law and be admitted to practice law in Michigan. Minimum three years’ relevant litigation experience, ideally involving complex litigation, 1983 litigation, Medicaid Act litigation, and/or ADA litigation. Administrative hearing experience is highly desired.


Salary range is $70,000-$77,000. Candidates with significantly more relevant experience may be considered for a Senior Attorney position (salary range is $87,000-$95,000). Excellent benefits. Office located in Lansing, but position is hybrid with flexibility.


Resume, cover letter, and writing sample are required.

Submit to:

Camilia Limas

4095 Legacy Parkway

Lansing, MI 48911

climas@drmich.org

Fax: 517/487-0827


Medicaid-Disability Rights Litigation Attorney Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Represents clients and classes of clients who are eligible for DRM services as set forth above.
  • Assist in developing impact litigation and advocacy strategies, as well as internal litigation and advocacy priorities.
  • Collaborate with DRM staff and outside counsel in carrying out ## 1 and 2.
  • Comply with all applicable professional requirements and internal policies, including DRM case management requirements.
  • Provide support to DRM staff and outside individuals and organizations on issues relating to DRM's work.
  • Design and lead trainings on request.
  • Assist with reporting and similar agency obligations as needed.
  • Represent the perspective of DRM and people with disabilities on task forces, policy groups, coalitions and similar bodies.
  • Regularly attend team and agency-wide staff meetings in office, virtually, or off-site as required.
  • Other job-related duties as assigned.

Medicaid-Disability Rights Litigation Attorney Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school and admitted to practice law in the state of Michigan.
  • Active membership in the Michigan State Bar.
  • At least three years’ relevant litigation experience, ideally involving complex litigation, 1983 litigation, Medicaid Act litigation, and/or ADA litigation.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead litigation in federal and state courts
  • Demonstrated ability to take a lead role in case planning and litigation management.
  • Valid State of Michigan identification and ability to travel to court, meetings with clients and similar activities as required.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the civil rights of all people and the ability to work with individuals with a variety of disability characteristics and cultural backgrounds.
  • Administrative hearing experience is highly desired.
  • Ability to maintain confidential information.
  • Interpersonal skills necessary to provide effective legal representation to persons with disabilities. Ability to respond to confrontational situations and stressful interactions.
  • Demonstrated ability to respond in an empathetic/compassionate manner while maintaining neutrality and composure to sensitive situations, emotionally charged issues, etc.
  • Technological skills necessary to create high-quality correspondence, legal documents, and educational materials; ability to effectively use DRM's case management system and relevant computer programs.
  • Demonstrated interest and commitment to public interest law (preferably in the area of disability rights) preferred. This includes experience at a legal services organization or similar non-profits.
  • Experience as a person with a disability, or experience working with or living with persons with disabilities, preferred.
  • Successful completion of background check.