How to Hire a Civil Rights Attorney
Discrimination can be an ugly fact of life for many of us, but that doesn't mean you should put up with intimidating or unfair behavior. If prejudice has made it hard for you to do your job, enjoy your life or live in peace, you should seek justice. A civil rights attorney can help you stand up for your rights. The question is where to find one.
Instructions
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Find a non-profit organization that serves individuals facing the same kind of discrimination as you. The National Organization of Women at NOW.org is a good place to turn if your issue is sexism; the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People at NAACP.org is your destination if the discrimination is related to your being African-American. These organizations can connect you with good civil rights attorneys.
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Ask attorney friends and family members if they have a colleague who deals with civil rights cases. Or if you have a lawyer who is in a different specialty, such as a divorce lawyer or a real estate attorney, ask if they can refer you to a specialist in civil rights.
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Search the news and legal transcripts for cases similar to yours using LexisNexis.com. If the cases are local, contact the law firm who handled the plaintiff's case to see if they can take yours.
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Check with your local chapter of the American Bar Association at AbaNet.org if you have been unable to get referrals from other sources. Or try FindLegalHelp.org for online referrals.
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Check the attorney's success rate with civil rights cases before paying a retainer. You can also ask for references. You want a lawyer with a good track record.
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Assess whether you like the civil rights attorney's style before signing on as well. You will have frequent interaction with the attorney, and a positive, professional relationship is essential.
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Tips & Warnings
Only hire lawyers who have considerable experience in civil rights law. An attorney who wrote your will or represented you when you closed on your house might not have any expertise in civil law.