How Much Does a Civil Rights Attorney Make?
As a professional who specializes in advocating for the rights of individuals and groups who have been victimized by discrimination, violence, and inequality, civil rights attorneys play a vital role in protecting the principles of justice and equality enshrined in the law. However, the question that many aspiring civil rights attorneys often ask is: how much do civil rights attorneys make?
What is the Salary Range of Civil Rights Attorneys?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for lawyers, including civil rights attorneys, was $126,930 as of May 2020. However, salaries for civil rights attorneys can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of employer.
Here is a breakdown of the salary ranges for civil rights attorneys:
- Entry-level (0-3 years of experience): $40,000 – $70,000 per year
- Mid-level (4-7 years of experience): $60,000 – $110,000 per year
- Senior-level (8-12 years of experience): $90,000 – $140,000 per year
- Leading roles (13+ years of experience): $120,000 – $200,000 per year
Factors That Affect Salaries
Several factors can impact the salaries of civil rights attorneys, including:
- Location: Attorneys practicing in large cities, such as New York or Los Angeles, tend to earn higher salaries than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Experience: More experienced attorneys tend to earn higher salaries than newer attorneys.
- Type of employer: Attorneys working for government agencies or non-profit organizations may earn lower salaries than those working for private law firms or corporations.
- Specialization: Attorneys specializing in areas such as employment discrimination, voting rights, or police brutality may earn higher salaries than those who handle general civil rights cases.
- Pro bono work: Attorneys who take on pro bono cases or work for reduced fees may earn lower salaries than those who focus solely on paying clients.
Types of Civil Rights Attorney Jobs and Salaries
Here are some examples of civil rights attorney jobs and their corresponding salaries:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Staff Attorney (non-profit organization) | $45,000 – $65,000 per year |
| Public Interest Attorney (government agency) | $50,000 – $75,000 per year |
| Senior Attorney (large law firm) | $80,000 – $120,000 per year |
| Civil Rights Lawyer (small law firm) | $60,000 – $90,000 per year |
| Supreme Court Advocate | $100,000 – $150,000 per year |
Top Paying Civil Rights Attorneys by Location
According to the National Law Journal, the top-paying civil rights attorneys by location are:
| Location | Top-Paying Firm | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York | Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton | $230,000 per year |
| Los Angeles | Sidley Austin | $190,000 per year |
| Chicago | Kirkland & Ellis | $160,000 per year |
| Washington D.C. | Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom | $140,000 per year |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the salaries of civil rights attorneys vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, type of employer, and specialization. While entry-level civil rights attorneys may earn modest salaries, experienced attorneys working for leading law firms or in leading roles can earn significantly higher salaries. Regardless of their salary, civil rights attorneys play a critical role in promoting justice, equality, and human rights, and their work is essential to the functioning of a just and fair society.
