Home / Lawyers / Civil Rights Lawyers
Civil Rights Lawyers
Civil rights law protects people from discrimination and abuse of power — by employers, landlords, businesses, and government actors. Claims can involve workplace discrimination, police misconduct, housing discrimination, or violations of constitutional rights. Many claims have short filing deadlines and require first going through an administrative agency. The attorneys below evaluate civil rights claims and pursue them in court or before agencies.
Civil Rights Lawyers on Justice Lookup
30 attorneys listed below — a sample of the 73 nationwide. Browsing is free.
Browse civil rights lawyers by state
Common questions
What counts as employment discrimination?
Adverse action — hiring, firing, promotion, pay — motivated by a protected characteristic such as race, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin. Harassment creating a hostile work environment can also qualify. You generally must show the protected trait drove the decision.
Do I have to file with an agency first?
For many employment and housing discrimination claims, yes — with the EEOC or a state fair-employment agency, usually within 180 to 300 days. Missing that step can forfeit the court claim. Other civil rights claims, like police misconduct suits, go straight to court.
What is a Section 1983 claim?
A federal lawsuit against state or local government actors who violate constitutional rights — most commonly excessive force, false arrest, or due process violations. It does not apply to purely private conduct.
What damages are available?
Depending on the claim: back pay and front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages against private defendants in some cases, and attorney’s fees. Caps may apply under federal law.