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Civil Rights Lawyer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Cair-foundation Inc

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

Civil Rights FLSA: Exempt Job Reports to: Directly to the Trial Attorneys your cases are assigned to Location: Washington, DC Starting Salary: 83,100 Essential Functions/Duties The Staff Attorney ...

Cair-foundation Inc

Trial Attorney

Washington, DC

Civil Rights FLSA Status: Exempt Job Reports: Directly to the National Deputy Litigation Attorney Location: Virtual Summary: The Trial Attorney will be primarily responsible for: * Working ...

Cair-foundation Inc

Staff Attorney, MO/KS

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$83K - $95K/yr

Civil Rights Reports to: Trial Attorney Supervison Responsiblites: None Location: Remote with occasional travel. FLSA Status: Exempt Hour: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.( eastern time zone) Compensation: The ...

AFL-CIO

Fellowship Lawyer

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K/yr

... the Civil Rights Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. The Legal Department works on a wide range of litigation, policy, regulatory and legislative ...

AFL-CIO

Fellowship Lawyer

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K/yr

... the Civil Rights Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. The Legal Department works on a wide range of litigation, policy, regulatory and legislative ...

Offices, Boards and Divisions

Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $133K/yr

Summary The Civil Rights Division seeks civil and criminal attorneys to work on a variety of significant issues related to the enforcement of federal statutes and executive orders that prohibit ...

Offices, Boards and Divisions

Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $197K/yr

The Civil Rights Division seeks experienced attorneys to work on a variety of significant and complex issues to enforce federal statutes and executive orders that prohibit unlawful discrimination ...

Washington Lawyers' Committee

Paralegal

Washington, DC · On-site

$53K/yr

About Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs The Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC) works to create legal, economic, and social equity ...

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Civil Rights Lawyer information

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$128K

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How much do civil rights lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil rights lawyer in Washington is $127,972.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,800.00 and $150,100.00 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 Washington?

For Civil Rights Lawyer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Civil Rights Lawyer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Civil Rights Lawyer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Civil Rights Lawyer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Civil Rights Lawyer job openings:

Civil Rights Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Rights Lawyer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,972 per year, or $61.5 per hour.

Staff Attorney

Cair-foundation Inc

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Job Title: Staff Attorney

Department: Civil Rights

FLSA: Exempt

Job Reports to: Directly to the Trial Attorneys your cases are assigned to

Location: Washington, DC

Starting Salary: 83,100

Essential Functions/Duties

The Staff Attorney will be primarily responsible for:

  • Performing legal research and drafting of legal documents, including answers, motions and other routine court filings
  • Drafting written work product, including legal and research memorandums and other legal documents, as requested
  • Drafting demand letters and engaging in alternative dispute resolution to resolve civil rights cases outside court intervention
  • Representing clients during FBI interrogations
  • Assisting trial attorneys with various aspects of litigation, including, but not limited to, client interviews, factual investigation, legal research, discovery, preparation of trial documents, negotiations, trials and appellate work
  • Participating in speaking engagements pertaining to civil rights issues facing the American Muslim community
  • Training and coaching of CAIR staff as requested
  • Attend continuing legal education seminars and keep abreast of changes in the law through reading or other means

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school and an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction)

  • Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines; must be able to work well both independently and in a team environment
  • Basic knowledge of federal court practice
  • Excellent legal research, writing and oral skills
  • No disciplinary actions on record or pending
  • Ideal candidates have a minimum of 3 years prior associate-level experience in civil rights
  • An understanding of civil rights issues relating to American Muslims
  • Passion for the mission of the Council on American-Islamic Relations
  • Ability to communicate in language other than English is a plus

Apply