A lawyer specializing in civil rights law protects and promotes the fundamental human rights and freedoms guaranteed to every individual by law. Civil rights lawyers focus on cases involving discrimination, harassment, and violations of constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

Some common issues that a civil rights lawyer may handle include police brutality, discrimination in employment or housing, hate crimes, and voting rights violations. These lawyers may work for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or private law firms and may represent individuals, groups, or organizations in civil rights lawsuits.

To become a civil rights lawyer, one must complete a law degree and pass the bar exam. It is also helpful to gain experience in related fields, such as social justice or public interest law, and to develop a strong understanding of civil rights law and its history.