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Civil Rights Lawyer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

company1342

Senior Immigrant Rights Attorney

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$76K - $102K/yr

Civil Rights & Racial Justice (focuses on the criminal legal system), Housing & Consumer Justice ... This attorney will also establish LAJC's immigration resources in the Hampton Roads area. This ...

Alliance Defending Freedom

Senior Counsel

Fairfax, VA

$195K - $230K/yr

Supervise senior, midlevel, and junior attorneys in complex civil litigation with emphasis on First Amendment law and 42 U.S.C. ยง 1983 civil rights actions. Key Responsibilities * Litigate complex ...

Stafford County

Assistant County Attorney II

Stafford, VA

$103K - $181K/yr

... civil rights, and the Virginia State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act. Thorough ... For Assistant County Attorney II, at least four years of progressively responsible local government ...

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Civil Rights Lawyer information

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$58.5K

$112K

$159.1K

How much do civil rights lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil rights lawyer in Virginia is $112,021.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,200.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do civil rights lawyers get paid well?

Civil rights lawyers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer, but they generally earn competitive wages compared to other legal specialties. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced attorneys working in large firms or for organizations can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and bonuses.

What is the difference between Civil Rights Lawyer vs Employment Lawyer?

AspectCivil Rights LawyerEmployment Lawyer
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentCourts, law firms, advocacy organizationsCorporate offices, law firms, government agencies
Industry UsagePublic interest, civil rights advocacyWorkplace disputes, labor law
Common Search IntentLegal rights violations, discrimination casesWorkplace discrimination, wrongful termination

While both Civil Rights Lawyers and Employment Lawyers hold similar credentials and often work in legal settings, Civil Rights Lawyers focus on protecting individuals' constitutional rights and fighting discrimination in various contexts. Employment Lawyers specialize in workplace-related issues like employment discrimination, wrongful termination, and labor disputes. Understanding these differences helps clients find the right legal expertise for their specific needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civil rights lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Rights Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a strong understanding of constitutional and civil rights law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and experience with litigation management systems are typically required. Outstanding written and oral advocacy, analytical thinking, and a deep sense of empathy make someone stand out in this role. These skills are vital for effectively defending clients' rights, navigating complex legal cases, and driving societal change.

What are some common challenges faced by civil rights lawyers in their daily work?

Civil rights lawyers often encounter complex legal and emotional challenges, such as advocating for clients facing systemic discrimination or navigating evolving laws and precedents. They may manage heavy caseloads, tight deadlines, and emotionally charged situations, requiring strong resilience and empathy. Additionally, these lawyers frequently collaborate with advocacy groups, government agencies, and communities to build cases and raise awareness, making teamwork and communication skills essential. Staying current with legal developments and balancing client advocacy with legal strategy are also key aspects of the role.

What should I major in to be a civil rights lawyer?

To become a civil rights lawyer, you should major in fields such as political science, sociology, history, or pre-law. Gaining strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills is important, and attending law school to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required for practicing law in this field.

What does a civil rights lawyer do?

A civil rights lawyer specializes in protecting and advocating for individuals' civil liberties and rights as guaranteed by laws and the Constitution. They often handle cases involving discrimination, police misconduct, freedom of speech, and equal protection under the law. Civil rights lawyers may work for private firms, non-profit organizations, or government agencies, and their work can include litigation, policy advocacy, and public education. Their goal is to ensure that individuals' rights are upheld and that injustices are addressed through legal means.
What are popular job titles related to Civil Rights Lawyer jobs in Virginia? For Civil Rights Lawyer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Civil Rights Lawyer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Rights Lawyer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Civil Rights Lawyer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Civil Rights Lawyer job openings:
Civil Rights Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Rights Lawyer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,021 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Trial Attorney (Civil Rights) - Open Continuous

EEOC Careers | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Norfolk, VA

$90K/yr

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

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.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.Employment Type: OTHER

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