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

Heyl Royster

Attorney

Springfield, IL · On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

Our attorneys offer balance and focus while viewing problems as opportunities to innovate and ... civil rights, commercial transactions, employment law, banking law, estate planning and ...

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

Civil Rights Lawyer information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$58.5K

$112K

$159.1K

How much do civil rights lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil rights lawyer in Springfield, IL is $111,985.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,200.00 and $131,300.00 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 Springfield, IL?

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

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

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

Civil Rights Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Rights Lawyer job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,985 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

AAG-Assistant Attorney General - Civil Rights Bureau - Chicago

Springfield, IL • On-site

Illinois Attorney General (IL)
Public Administration • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Illinois Attorney General (IL)external

$84K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities The mission of the Civil Rights Bureau is to protect and advance the civil rights of all in Illinois.The Bureau monitors, investigates, and enforces civil rights laws on behalf of the state; works to strengthen the civil rights laws; and participates in community outreach and public education efforts. The Bureau's civil rights authority includes: Addressing patterns and practices of discrimination in housing, public accommodations (including education), employment, and financial services. Addressing patterns and practices of unlawful or unconstitutional conduct by police departments or county corrections

Bringing civil hate crimes lawsuits under the Illinois hate crimes statute. Monitoring the compliance of public and private colleges and universities in Illinois with the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act. Enforcing and monitoring compliance with the Illinois Trust Act and VOICES Act, which govern law enforcement interactions with immigrant communities.

As a proactive and responsive force that has the authority to identify, investigate, and dismantle systemic inequities across the state of Illinois, the Civil Rights Bureau serves as a national model in civil rights protection and adapts to respond to pressing civil rights concerns. An Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Bureau builds cases and conducts investigations regarding alleged patterns and practices of civil rights violations. Assistant Attorneys General investigate civil rights complaints, draft pleadings, draft and respond to motions, conduct discovery, manage mediations and settlements, and represent the interests of the People of the State of Illinois in court.

Assistant Attorneys General assess and enforce compliance with the Way Forward Act, the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act, and the Chicago Police Department consent decree. Assistant Attorneys General also advise the office on proposed legislation related to civil rights, draft statewide guidance on issues pertaining to civil rights laws, and participate in community outreach. Qualifications Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois at the time of application.

Candidates should have at least three years of post-J.D. legal experience; experienced attorneys are encouraged to apply. Candidates must have demonstrated commitment to public service and experience in enforcing state and/or federal civil rights laws

Candidates must also be able to work independently, interact with a diverse group of colleagues and stakeholders, and possess strong research, analytical, communication, and organizational skills. Supplemental Information Salary: Salaries are commensurate with number of years of practice as a licensed attorney and range from $ 84,480 to $ 107,550. To ensure full consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a writing sample.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: Attn: Hanan Malik Office of the Illinois Attorney General 115 S. LaSalle St. Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 814-3695 (312) 814-5024 (Fax) attorneyhiring@ilag.gov

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