How to Become a Civil Rights Attorney
A civil rights attorney specializes in representing people whose rights and civil liberties have been violated. Those rights include unequal, discriminatory treatment such as housing, education and hiring practices, sexual harassment and other human rights violations. To become a civil rights attorney, you need to obtain a bachelor’s degree, a law degree known as a juris doctor (J.D.) and gain admission to your state bar association.
- Acquire a bachelor's degree from an accredited, reputable university. Focus on majors that help you develop your critical thinking, research and communication skills.
- Choose the right law school. Apply ABA (American Bar Association) accredited law schools. Consideration should be given to location and reputation, as well as areas of specialty. Talk to law school recruiters and alumni, and research school standings and ratings to help with your decision. Also, find out how your target school’s admissions process works and exactly what they are looking for in their ideal candidate.
- Gain admission to your selected law school. Along with a bachelor’s degree, you need to take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). The LSAT scores play a huge role in whether you are accepted to law school. Recommendations are essential as well. The goal is to present a solid, well-rounded package to the admissions office.
- Clerk (intern) during summer months at a law firm specializing in civil rights litigation, a non-profit legal center, a judge or at a governmental agency such as The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights or The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. These contacts will be key when you start your job search upon graduation and successful completion of all requirements.
- Take your state's bar exam. You must pass this test to become a licensed attorney and practice law in your particular state. Each state has different requirements and there are many preparatory classes to help get you ready for the test.
- Start your job search. With your law degree, admission to your state bar and contacts from your summers of interning, you are now equipped to find a job as a civil rights attorney.