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Civil Rights Lawyer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mercor

Civil Rights Attorney - AI Trainer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$90 - $100/hr

Construct scenarios spanning civil rights litigation, environmental compliance and enforcement, and ... Qualifications Must-Have * 5+ years working as a public interest attorney at a legal aid ...

Robert Half

Litigation Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

Collaborate with attorneys and clients on claims involving construction, casualty, liability, civil rights, personal injury, and wrongful death matters. How to Apply: For immediate consideration ...

Del Galdo Law Group, LLC

Litigation Attorney

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... civil rights, labor and employment, and employment discrimination. This attorney will also be responsible for drafting status updates to insurance carriers, conducting written and oral discovery ...

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All JobsCivil Rights Lawyer JobsCivil Rights Lawyer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Civil Rights Lawyer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$60.8K

$116.4K

$165.3K

How much do civil rights lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil rights lawyer in Chicago, IL is $116,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,700.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Civil Rights Lawyer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Civil Rights Lawyer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Civil Rights Lawyer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Civil Rights Lawyer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Civil Rights Lawyer job openings:

Civil Rights Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Rights Lawyer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,396 per year, or $56 per hour.

Civil Rights Attorney - AI Trainer

Mercor

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$90 - $100/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Public Interest Law (Civil Law / Environmental Law)
Type: Contract
Compensation: $90–$100/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Construct scenarios spanning civil rights litigation, environmental compliance and enforcement, and community advocacy or policy reform processes.
  • Build tasks across civil rights and constitutional law, environmental law and regulation, housing and consumer protection, immigration and asylum, and government accountability.
  • Develop scenarios involving tools such as legal research platforms, case management systems used by legal aid organizations and nonprofits, and regulatory filing systems (e.g., EPA dockets).
  • Apply public interest law methodologies (constitutional analysis, regulatory compliance review, impact litigation strategy) to the standards track a world targets (US: federal civil rights statutes, NEPA, environmental statutes; International: human rights treaties, EU directives), and produce reference legal briefs, regulatory comments, and advocacy memoranda.
  • Author rubrics that distinguish authentic public interest legal judgment from generic law school or bar exam-level recall.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • 5+ years working as a public interest attorney at a legal aid organization, advocacy nonprofit, or government agency (ACLU, Earthjustice, NRDC, Legal Aid Society, or a state attorney general's office).
  • Direct ownership of impact litigation, regulatory advocacy, or policy reform initiatives.
  • Fluency in public interest legal tooling, plus understanding of how regulatory processes and legislative advocacy actually work.
  • A recognized professional credential is strongly preferred (JD with bar admission, or an international equivalent); prior rubric, training, or policy authorship is a plus.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.


#hiringmercor