How To Get The Best Civil & Human Rights Lawyer
Every American citizen enjoys rights protected under the civil rights law and the Constitution. These Civil rights give people the freedom of speech, thought, religion, fair trial, privacy, and assembly. These rights include protection against discrimination based on gender, age, disability, nationality, or skin color.
However, people can sometimes experience discrimination or harassment and feel someone violated their rights. If you think your civil or human rights are infringed, you deserve to seek a claim against the offenders and receive justice. A civil and human rights lawyer can help you improve your chances to get justice by evaluating your situation to find out if you can file a case.
A civil & human rights lawyer is a professional specializing in protecting civil rights. These lawyers deal with different cases ranging from discrimination at the workplace to false arrests. While hiring an attorney can seem to be daunting and expensive, these professionals help you represent yourself legally and guide you through the process of obtaining justice.
However, it is important to analyze your needs and understand various aspects of hiring a professional to find the best civil & human rights lawyer who can help you win the case. This guide covers all you should know about civil & human rights lawyers and discusses the costs and considerations associated with hiring these attorneys.
What is Civil & Human Rights Law?
The law even protects citizens against housing, education access, and voting discrimination. It protects them against unlawful searches and self-discrimination. It also prohibits any discrimination in the workplace based on various factors.
Lawyers who specialize in civil & human rights law handle various legal issues related to discrimination, immigration, family law, criminal justice, and freedom of speech. They take up cases concerning domestic abuse, disability rights, employee and tenant issues, and LGBTQ rights.
Civil & human rights lawyers are responsible for getting the clients justice and equality under the law. Any citizen can stand for his/her basic rights regardless of religion, race, color, or sexual preference.
If you want to submit a report with the Department Of Justice about a violation of civil rights you can do it on the civil rights division on justice.gov website .
Read more about human rights and the international human rights law on the united nation human rights page
Types of Civil & Human Rights Lawyers
We can classify Civil & human rights lawyers into several types based on the nature of issues they handle.
Civil Rights
A civil rights lawyer works on cases involving the violation of personal rights such as the freedom of speech and religion.
They are responsible for advocating in court for the protection of rights granted by the legislation and the U.S. Constitution.
Constitutional Law
Constitutional law deals with the interpretation and execution of the U.S. Constitution and the federal law governing the states.
These lawyers go to court to seek guidance or clarification on the meaning of these laws and their implementation.
They handle cases related to the right to voting, freedom of religion, right to privacy, right to assembly, freedom of speech, freedom from forced arrest or search, etc. Such a lawyer generally represents someone who thinks someone has violated his basic right or freedom.
Discrimination
Civil and human rights law protects people against discrimination at the job because of their gender, age, religion, race, color, sexual orientation, or nationality. Discrimination attorneys help employees understand their legal rights at the workplace and file lawsuits to get justice. These lawyers specialise in helping people take a stand against unfair employment practices.
If somebody experiences discrimination at the workplace, they can seek the help of these lawyers who can help understand the state and federal laws that apply and pursue the liable party for compensation. These lawyers also help tenants who experience discrimination from their landlords based on such factors.
Native Individuals
These lawyers specialize in Native People’s Law that govern natives of America, native Hawaiians, and natives of Alaska living in the country. These attorneys handle a wide variety of cases for native individuals.
Many work for the tribal groups or the state where the reservation exists. They are often responsible for helping native individuals set up businesses or find a job with people from reserved groups.
Cost of Civil & Human Rights Lawyers
How much a civil & human rights lawyer charges depends on various factors. One of the most significant factors is the location, as attorneys practicing in big metropolitan cities have higher fees than lawyers representing clients in smaller areas.
It is also important to consider the firm’s reputation or the lawyer because more popular firms tend to charge more for the same services that lesser-known lawyers would provide for cheaper.
The lawyer’s experience is also an important factor that comes into play when determining the cost of civil & human rights lawyers. More experienced attorneys generally take more complex cases and charge higher fees.
You might pay $200 or less per hour to a junior associate in a law firm to handle your civil rights case, while a senior professional may charge over $800 per hour if you need his service. More experienced lawyers also charge a higher percentage of contingency fees.
You can expect a junior attorney to charge you as low as 20 percent, while a senior partner can charge up to 40 percent for the same case.
| Type | Consultation | Hourly Fees | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Rights | $0 To $500 For Filing & Consultations | Junior Associates : $150-$300/Hr Partners: $600-$1,200/Hr | 15% To 25% of Settlement Based On Winnings |
| Constitution Law | $150 To $300 For Filing & Consultations | Junior Associates: $150-$300/Hr Partners: $400-$2,000/Hr | 15% To 25% of Settlement Based On Winnings |
| Discrimination Law | $0 – No Upfront Fee | $125-$800/Hr | 15%-40% of Settlement Based On Winnings |
| Native Individuals Law | $0 – No Upfront Fee | $90-$150/Hr | 25% To 40% of Settlement Based On Winnings |
One of the top considerations is the type of fee structure the civil & human rights lawyer uses. These attorneys can charge either on an hourly or contingency fee basis or use a combination of these fee structures.
Contingency Fee
Most civil & human rights lawyers prefer a contingency fee structure for their cases rather than having the client pay upfront for the service. In contingency fee arrangement, the client and the attorney agree that the lawyer receives a percentage of the compensation based on success. For example, suppose you win a judgment of $200,000 against your employer at the workplace and agree to pay a contingency fee of 25 percent to the lawyer. In that case, he earns $50,000 for litigating your case successfully.
This fee arrangement is also convenient for clients as they only need to pay the lawyer fees if they win the case or receive compensation. They don’t need to pay the lawyer if they lose. The fee payment is taking place after the settlement. A contingency fee usually range from 30%-40% of the compensation. The lawyer can charge an additional representation fee which depends on the case’s complexity.
Hourly Fee
Some civil & human rights lawyers charge by the number of hours the case requires. Such lawyers might not be confident about the case’s outcome or may believe the case to be easy. However, it is important to be careful when choosing a lawyer who charges an hourly fee because you can easily pile up your bills with this structure. If you decide to go with this fee structure, make sure the lawyer documents the time he would put into the case.
Success Fee
This structure is a hybrid between hourly and contingency; the success fee charges a lower hourly rate for a lower percentage of judgment in a case.
Pro Bono
Many civil & human rights lawyers devote some time of the year to working on pro bono cases. It means working for the common good where they don’t charge a legal fee. You can find resources that list lawyers who contribute to this cause.
How To Choose A Civil & Human Rights Lawyer?
Whenever you think that someone violated your civil or human rights, it is best to seek the help of a professional lawyer who possesses the knowledge and experience required to deal with legal proceedings. Though you may have information about the law and prosecution systems, it is not advisable to represent yourself during a civil case because the law is quite complicated. You stand a chance of losing the case without a professional representative.
A civil & human rights lawyer can help you understand your case, the law, and all the legal risks and consequences. They undertake legal research related to your case, prepare and present documentation and arguments in the court and take care of other proceedings while ensuring there is no error. A civil attorney also makes sure the to meet all deadlines, fill all documents properly, and follow all necessary procedures.
A common concern associated with hiring a civil & human rights lawyer is the cost of representation. In many cases of civil and human rights violations, you can claim the legal fees as part of the settlement when you win the lawsuit. Thus, hiring a professional lawyer helps get justice and compensation instead of losing money. However, not having an expert by your side can cost you during a legal trial if you don’t understand the law properly.
Choosing your civil & human rights lawyer is an important decision because it ultimately affects whether you win or lose. Here are some tips you can follow to find the right one matching your needs and situation.
Discuss with friends and family
Ask your friends and family if they know a civil rights lawyer. Consider discussing the issue with them and ask for advice and recommendations. Civil & human rights law is a specialized area; personal recommendations are one of the best ways to find a good lawyer for your case.
Take action sooner than later.
If you wait too long to decide on filing a lawsuit against a violation of the civil rights law, you might cross the limitation of time and lose the chance to claim justice and compensation. So, it is best to get a civil rights lawyer as soon as you realize you have become a victim of the violation.
Benefit from free consultation
Many law firms and attorneys offer first free consultations to clients. You can leverage the opportunity to know different lawyers and compare them to find the best. However, you should be prepared and organized to take advantage of the free meeting. Prepare a list of questions about your case and objectices and a description of what happened.
10 Things You Need to Know Before Talking To A Civil & Human Rights Lawyer
The leading civil & human rights lawyers in the U.S. are usualy busy with several cases. It is, therefore, important that you make the most of the initial consultation offered to you. Your best bet is to stay prepared for the meeting with all the necessary information, questions, documents, and evidence supporting your case. Here are a few things you should be mindful of before talking to your lawyer.
Understand your requirements
Before you begin looking for a civil & human rights lawyer, it is important to understand and address your needs. Ask yourself whether you need a professional; if yes, figure out if you need them for the short or long term. If you need help only with the current lawsuit, you can hire them for the short term or simply get a consultation. On the other hand, you may need a long-term service if you have some bigger legal affairs.
Check the reputation of the lawyer
Before you schedule an appointment with the lawyer, check his/her reputation. You can ask the opinions of people who have worked with them before. You can also turn to online services that pair you with reputed local lawyers suitable for your needs. Personal recommendations from people you know can also prove to be valuable.
Prioritze experienced lawyers
Apart from choosing somebody with expertise in civil & human rights, you want to work with lawyers with experience in cases similar to yours. You can learn about their practice history by either checking their website or interviewing them. A lawyer with experience is valuable, but only if the experience matches your situation and budget. Prepare questions you can ask them at the consultation to get insight into the type of experience they have.
Research the elements of your case
To win a lawsuit, every legal claim has elements that must be proved right. If you take the time to research what elements your case involves, it gets easier to communicate with the lawyer and convey the most relevant information.
Know that not all lawyers are equal
One of the most important things you should know before hiring a lawyer is that not all of them are equally suitable for your case. You should try to find one that specializes in civil & human rights that your case falls in. The more experienced the lawyer is in the area, the better your chances of winning. If you feel that they don’t fully understand the specific field of law, it is advisable to keep looking further until you find the best choice.
Learn about the track record of the lawyer
Experience is one of the most critical considerations when finding the best civil & human rights lawyer. Make sure you consider lawyers with experience handling cases like yours. You want to find a professional who has dealt with the kind of violation you have experienced and won most of them. You also want to look for somebody confident about winning the case.
See if the lawyer provides a free case evaluation
It is best to work with a lawyer who offers you a free evaluation of your case. During the free consultation, the attorney should provide you with a realistic analysis of your case. Civil and human rights cases are generally difficult to win because of the demanding requirements of proving the claim. The best attorneys analyze your case deeply to determine if you should pursue your case.
Check that the lawyer gathers and organizes evidence
When it comes to civil rights cases, hard evidence separates winners from losers. A reputed lawyer would understand how to collect and organize the evidence needed to win the lawsuit. Evidence critical for civil rights cases includes lease agreements between tenants and landlords, employment records, and an employee manual outlining the issue’s guidelines.
The fee arrangement of the lawyer
The fee structure used by the civil & human rights lawyer is one of the most important factors affecting your choice. These lawyers can charge on a contingency or hourly fee basis or use a combination of the two types of fee arrangements. Make sure the lawyer explains how much you will pay and what structure.
The lawyer should be responsive and easy to communicate with
Civil & human rights cases are some of the most complex litigation processes. The other party may agree to negotiate one day and deny settlement the next day. This complexity requires that your lawyer is responsive enough to stay updated on the case and act promptly. Also, you are likely to have many questions about your case and the outcomes; your lawyer should respond quickly to your messages, calls, and emails.
How To Prepare For A Civil/Human Rights Lawyer Consultation?
Most civil & human rights lawyers would offer a low-cost or free initial consultation to discuss your case and give you a chance to clear your concerns and learn more about the lawyer. This meeting helps you decide whether you should go forward with the lawyer and the case. However, you should prepare well in advance to make the most out of the consultation. You should keep a list of questions ready to ask during the initial consultation. Here are a few things you should ask the lawyer.
- How long have you been practicing law?
- What type of cases do you generally deal with?
- Have you handled cases resembling mine in the past?
- What does your typical client look like?
- What are your fees, and what fee structure do you offer?
- Do you have any special training apart from the degree that could help you in my case?
- What philosophy do you apply to representing or winning a case?
- What is the best way to resolve my legal issue?
- What is the likely outcome of my case?
- What will be the mode of communication you will use to keep me informed of the case?
Another important thing you should consider before your lawyer consultation is to get the documents ready. Your lawyer would want multiple documents to understand your case. Get the details of the required documentation and have an electronic version ready with you when you meet them. Be prepared to ask many questions and answer questions when you meet the lawyer for the first time. Don’t hesitate to ask about the fees, success rate, expertise and the time it would take to complete your legal formalities.
FAQ's
Who are civil & human rights lawyers in the U.S.?
Civil & human rights lawyers are professionals who provide legal assistance to the victims of human rights and civil law violations. These lawyers are responsible for protecting the fundamental rights of U.S. citizens as outlined in the Constitution.
What does a civil rights lawyer do?
Civil rights lawyers perform a variety of tasks in the process of helping their clients – research the case, present arguments in the court, draft legal documents, and negotiate settlements.
When should you hire a civil & human rights lawyer?
You may need the service of a civil & human rights lawyer when you think someone violated your civil rights or liberties in some way and you want some help to fight against the offense and seek compensation.
What are some examples of cases civil & human rights lawyers handle?
Some of the most common types of cases these lawyers deal with include discrimination at the workplace, discrimination by the landlord, unfair punishment, unreasonable searches, and abuse by a public official.
Summary
A civil & human rights lawyers are valuable when seeking justice for violation of your rights and claiming compensation. However, the choice of the lawyer affects the outcomes of the lawsuit to a great extent. It is, therefore, important to find the right attorney with experience and specialization in the type of case you want to file. Choosing a lawyer can take time and effort but finding somebody who fits your needs, budget and expectations give you peace of mind and the best results.