The Civil Rights Act of 1964 established many of the employment, housing, and federal anti-discrimination laws that now protect U.S. citizens. This set of protections cover several different kinds of discrimination, the most familiar of which are discrimination by race, sex, religion, and national origin. The Civil Rights Act is also responsible for the equal treatment of Americans regardless of age, disability, or pregnancy, and is a key reason behind the creation of affirmative action plans.
Some of the most important protections made possible by the Civil Rights Act are made possible by Title VII or employment discrimination laws. These laws ensure that people are treated fairly regardless of race, sex, gender, and other factors, and that these factors do not affect a person’s ability to get a job, obtain a promotion, or work in a harassment-free environment.
Further, federal employment discrimination laws mandate that citizens are entitled to equal pay under the EDA and equal opportunity under the age discrimination (ADEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA).
Housing rights are also protected under the Fair Housing Act, which forbids housing discrimination on the basis of race, creed, age, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, familial status (having children) or physical or mental handicap. Family status discrimination is an especially common and problematic form of discrimination when housing is involved, but FHA laws demand equal treatment and consideration for pregnant women, families with children, and people in the process of getting custody for children.
A civil rights attorney helps people who believe their freedoms or equal protection rights have been violated. This can happen when someone faces discrimination at work or if a group tries to deny them access to public services due to personal traits like race, religion, disability, or other factors.
Civil rights cases can be complicated. They often involve multiple laws (both state and federal) and strict deadlines. A lawyer who knows these laws can guide you through the system, collect the right proof, and advocate for a settlement or, if needed, fight in court to protect your rights.
If you hire an attorney, they can help you gather witnesses, document your experiences, and stay calm under pressure. Many times, employers or housing providers may try to settle quietly. A lawyer ensures you get a fair agreement and do not give up your rights.
The cost of hiring a civil rights lawyer varies depending on factors like:
Many civil rights lawyers charge an hourly rate that can range from $200 to $400 or more per hour, depending on where you live. If your case involves financial damages, some lawyers might accept a contingency fee, meaning they take a percentage (often around 30% to 40%) only if they win or settle the case.
In serious discrimination suits, a contingency fee may be common, so the client does not pay upfront. But if the case is a non-damages matter (like seeking an injunction), an attorney might bill hourly or charge a flat fee. Always ask about billing practices at your first meeting.
You may find a civil rights lawyer through referrals from friends or by contacting local law offices. However, these can take time, and not all attorneys are familiar with civil rights suits.
With LegalMatch, you can post your case and quickly connect with local civil rights attorneys who want to help. You review their profiles, see how they bill, and pick the lawyer most suitable for your budget and situation.
Civil rights laws protect you from unfair treatment. If you think your rights were violated, do not ignore it. A civil rights attorney defends your freedoms and can explain all possible remedies. They might get you money for lost wages, emotional harm, or other damages. In some cases, they stop an employer or agency from continuing their illegal behavior.
By hiring a civil rights lawyer, you show you are serious about defending your rights. You can move forward with confidence, knowing a legal advocate is there to stand up for you. Use LegalMatch to find the right lawyer who can help you achieve fair treatment and real results.
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