Civil Rights Lawyers

Civil Rights Lawyers in the United States

Civil rights law protects individuals from discrimination, unlawful government action, and violations of constitutional freedoms. When your fundamental rights are violated by an employer, a government agency, or law enforcement, a civil rights lawyer fights to hold the responsible parties accountable.

What Civil Rights Law Covers

Civil rights cases arise from violations of the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 1983 claims against government officials. These laws protect against discrimination based on race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, and age.

Common case types include police misconduct, workplace discrimination, wrongful termination based on protected characteristics, housing discrimination, and violations of free speech or due process rights. Prisoners' rights cases and voting rights disputes also fall under this area.

When to Hire a Civil Rights Lawyer

• You were fired, demoted, or harassed at work because of your race, gender, religion, or disability
• Law enforcement used excessive force against you or conducted an unlawful search or arrest
• A government agency denied you benefits, services, or access based on a protected characteristic
• You faced housing discrimination from a landlord or lending institution
• Your First Amendment rights were suppressed by a government actor

How the Process Works

Many civil rights claims require you to file an administrative complaint before suing. For employment discrimination, you typically must file with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) first. The EEOC received over 81,000 new discrimination charges in fiscal year 2023.

After receiving a "right to sue" letter, your attorney can file a federal lawsuit. Discovery, depositions, and motions follow. Most cases settle before trial — roughly 90% of federal civil cases resolve without a verdict.

How Compensation Is Calculated

• Compensatory damages cover actual losses like back pay, lost benefits, medical bills from physical injuries, and emotional distress
• Punitive damages punish particularly bad conduct and deter future violations — federal employment discrimination cases cap these based on employer size, ranging from $50,000 to $300,000
• Front pay accounts for future lost earnings when reinstatement to a job isn't practical
• Courts may order non-monetary relief like reinstatement, policy changes, or injunctions stopping ongoing violations
• Under Section 1983 and many federal statutes, the losing defendant pays the plaintiff's attorney fees, which means your lawyer's costs don't reduce your recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a civil rights claim?

Deadlines vary by claim type. EEOC charges generally must be filed within 180 or 300 days of the discriminatory act, depending on your location. Section 1983 claims follow your state's personal injury statute of limitations, usually two to three years. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to sue entirely.

Can I afford a civil rights lawyer?

Most civil rights attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they collect a percentage of your recovery only if you win. Federal fee-shifting statutes also allow courts to order the defendant to pay your legal costs. You typically pay nothing upfront.