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Civil Rights Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CAIR LA

Civil Rights Legal Fellow

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Civil Rights Managing Attorney Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 401(k) plan with an employer match, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days and 12 ...

CAIR LA

Civil Rights Legal Fellow

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Civil Rights Managing Attorney Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 401(k) plan with an employer match, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days and 12 ...

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How much do civil rights lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil rights lawyer in the United States is $112,990.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 can you do as a civil rights lawyer?

A civil rights lawyer advocates for individuals whose rights have been violated, handling cases related to discrimination, harassment, and violations of constitutional rights. They research laws, prepare legal documents, and represent clients in court or negotiations to seek justice and enforce civil rights protections.

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.

Do civil rights attorneys get paid well?

Civil rights attorneys' 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 private firms or for organizations can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and bonuses.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Civil rights lawyers typically earn less than $500,000 annually, with most salaries ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. High earnings are more common among senior attorneys at large firms or those with specialized expertise and a strong reputation.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

A civil rights lawyer can reach a $500,000 income by gaining extensive experience, building a strong reputation, and handling high-profile or complex cases. Specializing in niche areas, working at prestigious firms, or establishing a successful private practice can also increase earning potential. Developing strong negotiation skills and obtaining relevant certifications may further enhance income opportunities.

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.
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What cities are hiring for Civil Rights Lawyer jobs? Cities with the most Civil Rights Lawyer job openings:
What states have the most Civil Rights Lawyer jobs? States with the most job openings for Civil Rights Lawyer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Civil Rights Lawyer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Rights Lawyer jobs are:
Civil Rights Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Rights Lawyer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,990 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Civil Rights Senior Litigation/Staff Attorney

CAIR LA

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Work Location: Anaheim, CA
Term: Full-time, occasional evening and weekends required
Position Status: Exempt
Reports to: Civil Rights Managing Attorney
Salary: $100,000 to $130,000 commensurate with skills and experience
Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 401(k) plan with an employer match, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 12 holidays, hybrid work schedule utilized temporarily.
About Us: Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal. The Council on American-Islamic Relations of California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate, talented, and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join these efforts.
About the role: The Los Angeles office of CAIR (CAIR-LA) is looking for a candidate with extensive civil litigation experience to develop and litigate cases that will address systematic issues facing the American Muslim community. Anticipated litigation matters that this position will handle will vary and may include issues of: Student Free Speech, First Amendment Issues, Constitutional Violations, Employment Discrimination, Religious Accommodation, Federal and State Civil Rights Claims, National Security & Law Enforcement Practices, Prisoners' Rights, Grade School Bullying, Hate Crimes/Incidents, etc. The position will work closely with the Civil Rights Managing Attorney and Legal Director to identify, develop, and fulfill key litigation goals. This position will also participate in advocacy, campaigns, and public education.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Identify, develop, lead and manage litigation efforts that involve various legal claims that address systematic issues impacting the American Muslim community.
  • Review and investigate an array of legal intakes brought by an incredibly diverse community to identify intakes most suitable for impact litigation.
  • Conduct factual and legal analysis and research as part of the identification of viable legal claims, theories, and the development of viable litigation.
  • Identify litigation opportunities, in line with CAIR-LA's Civil Rights Department strategic objectives and ensure timely and effective representation of clients.
  • Lead litigation matters through all steps of litigation including, but not limited to, interviewing witnesses and potential clients, preparing pleadings, discovery, motions, briefs, oral arguments, settlement, and trial if necessary.
  • Legal writing including, but not limited to, drafting memoranda, demand letters, pleadings, affidavits, motions, discovery, briefs, and other litigation-related documents.
  • Conduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation matters.
  • Assist in managing support staff including attorneys, fellows, paralegals, clerks, interns, and coordinators who are supporting CAIR-LA's litigation efforts.
  • Coordinate with other CAIR-LA departments including Policy and Advocacy, Communications, and Development to ensure maximum impact of the position's work
  • Communicate with outside parties such as co-counsel, employers, law enforcement agents, administrative agencies, media contacts, etc.
  • Participate in press conferences regarding legal filings and relevant issues.
  • Travel for outreach including participating in community events and coalition meetings.
  • Assist efforts to educate and empower community members on their rights through public speaking, community presentations and material distributions
  • Support and complete other legal and advocacy projects or duties as assigned
  • All CAIR staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, fundraising, and other office tasks as required

Qualifications:
  • Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited school
  • California State Bar admission
  • 5-7+ years of experience in civil litigation, in state and/or federal court, preferably in areas such as anti-discrimination matters, civil rights, constitutional violations, free speech, employment law, religious discrimination, national security and law enforcement practices, prisoners' rights, and student rights.
  • Ability to develop and litigate cases independently.
  • Strong commitment to advancing the work and mission of CAIR and American-Muslim empowerment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the cause of social justice, civil liberties, and civil rights.
  • Excellent research, writing and analytical skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking experience.
  • Extremely strong project and time management skills, including a high level of organization, attention to detail and follow-through, while balancing and prioritizing multiple activities and responsibilities.
  • Strong time management skills with a demonstrated ability for meeting deadlines.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills with outstanding attention to detail.
  • Comfort working productively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Experience working with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Access to a working vehicle and the ability to drive throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area.
  • Willingness to travel within Southern California as well as occasionally to other parts of the state.
  • High degree of self-motivation and self-discipline.
  • Basic computer proficiency including knowledge of Office 365, OneDrive, Lexis and/or WestLaw.
  • Knowledge of cloud applications such as SharePoint, Office365, and social media applications (preferred).
  • Conversational proficiency in Arabic, Farsi or Urdu (preferred but not required).

TO APPLY: Please submit (1) cover letter discussing your interest in the position, (2) your resume, (3) the names and contact information of three references via the link below.
Equal Employment Opportunity: CAIR-CA is an equal-opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

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