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Civil Rights Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Civil Rights & Racial Justice (focuses on the criminal legal system), Housing & Consumer Justice, Youth Justice, Health Justice & Public Benefits, Immigrant Justice, and Worker Justice. As examples ...

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Civil Rights information

See Virginia salary details

$37.7K

$82K

$121.9K

How much do civil rights jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil rights in Virginia is $81,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,900.00 and $97,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Jobs in Civil Rights?

Attorneys who specialize in civil rights cases protect and advocate for individuals or groups facing discrimination. This job involves defending clients in courts, creating legal documents, and doing advocacy work on behalf of clients. The duties of a civil rights attorney focus on ensuring that vulnerable individuals who face a human rights issue ultimately receive justice through the court of law. Your responsibilities may include advocacy on behalf of civil rights groups, such as the NAACP. As a civil rights attorney, you may use your skills to expand and enforce freedoms granted by the United States Constitution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Civil Rights Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Rights Attorney, you need a law degree, a valid license to practice law, and a solid understanding of constitutional and civil rights law. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), litigation software, and courtroom procedures is typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, persuasive communication, and a strong sense of empathy are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively advocating for clients, navigating complex legal systems, and upholding justice in civil rights cases.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in civil rights roles, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals in civil rights roles often navigate complex legal, social, and political environments while advocating for equity and justice. Common challenges include managing emotionally charged situations, balancing competing interests, and staying updated on evolving laws and policies. To prepare, job seekers should develop strong communication and conflict resolution skills, remain adaptable, and pursue continuous education in relevant regulations. Building a supportive network within the organization and the broader civil rights community can also help address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Civil Rights vs Equal Opportunity Specialist?

AspectCivil RightsEqual Opportunity Specialist
Required CredentialsLegal knowledge, civil rights law certificationsHR certifications, equal employment opportunity training
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, legal settingsHR departments, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in civil rights enforcement and advocacyUsed in workplace compliance and HR
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on civil rights laws and violationsFocuses on workplace fairness and policies

While both roles involve ensuring fairness and legal compliance, Civil Rights professionals primarily focus on enforcing civil rights laws and addressing violations, often within legal or governmental settings. Equal Opportunity Specialists concentrate on promoting workplace fairness, preventing discrimination, and ensuring employer compliance with equal employment laws within organizations.

What are civil rights jobs?

Civil rights jobs are positions focused on protecting and advancing equal rights and freedoms for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other characteristics. Professionals in this field may work as lawyers, advocates, investigators, researchers, or educators, often within government agencies, non-profits, or legal organizations. Their work involves enforcing anti-discrimination laws, promoting social justice, and supporting individuals or groups whose rights have been violated. These roles play a vital part in upholding fairness and equality in society.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Civil Rights jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Civil Rights job openings:
Infographic showing various Civil Rights job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,965 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Paralegal Specialist (Fair Housing and Civil Rights)

Paralegal Specialist (Fair Housing and Civil Rights)

US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

$102K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

This position is located at Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of General Counsel.

This opportunity is also open to Status Candidates under Announcement 26-HUD-12993019. Please refer to that announcement for details on open period, eligibility, and how to apply.

Qualifications:

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Specialized Experience: For the GS-12 grade level, you must have one year (52 full weeks) of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized Experience for this position includes:
- Experience regularly performing independent legal research, analysis, and writing relating to fair housing, civil rights, or the Violence Against Women Act; OR
- Experience regularly performing independent legal research, analysis, writing, and substantive legal support functions that require a specialized knowledge of fair housing, civil rights, public benefits, disability law, housing programs, including federal or state case law, regulations, statutes and legislative histories, agency policies and practices, law reviews, or administrative and judicial proceedings; OR
- Experience drafting and reviewing investigative materials, complaints, letters, legal opinions or determinations, factual findings, legal and policy memoranda; OR
- Experience preparing detailed factual summaries and written analyses of facts in investigation, litigation, or benefit determinations under a Federal or state law or regulations that prohibit discrimination, prohibit domestic violence, or establish eligibility requirements for a benefit provided under Federal or State law, such as Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, public housing or another program for low income persons, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or a comparable Federal, State, or local government program.
The experience may have been gained in either the public, private sector or volunteer service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week on your resume.

Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER