Civil Rights Lawyers

Civil rights lawyers can help with a number of legal issues including hate crimes and religious and racial discrimination. Civil rights lawyers and solicitors deal with a huge number of issues and many specialise in certain areas such as immigration or employment discrimination.

Civil Rights and the Law

The public has a number of civil rights that allow them to lead their lives without fear of discrimination based on their religious beliefs, race, sexuality and disability. Civil rights are also designed to protect citizens from issues such as unreasonable police searches, disability rights and employment rights. If infringement of civil rights comes to the point when legal action is required then civil rights lawyers will be able to advise a course of action.

Civil Rights Issues

Infringement of civil rights covers a wide range of issues. Civil rights lawyers can help with:

• Immigration and citizenship problems
• Discrimination cases due to race, colour, disability, age, sexuality and gender
• Harassment cases such as harassment by debt collection agencies
• Police misconduct
• Hate crimes
• Fair housing issues
• Protection of privacy issues

How Lawyers Can Help

Civil rights lawyers have been trained in the many aspects of civil law. Everyone has the right to representation of a lawyer if a civil right has been infringed. If the matter cannot be resolved by talking directly to the people involved then legal action may be the only option to take. Legal action on civil rights matters can be expensive and should only be used as a last resort. There will not be a charge for the initial appointment to discuss the matter and the lawyers will be able to assess the overall costs.

Finding a Lawyer

It should not be too difficult to find a civil rights lawyer. Nearly all law firms will have lawyers or solicitors that deal with civil rights issues unless they are a specialist practice. Citizens Advice offices will be able to provide contact details for lawyers for specific types of cases. The Internet is also a good source of information and most law firms will have their own websites with details of the cases they will take. Legal aid may be available for those who cannot afford to pay for representation.

Lawyers Fees

Lawyer’s legal fees can be expensive and they will usually charge by the hour. Legal aid may be available for those who cannot afford to pay. This matter should be discussed with the lawyer at the initial meeting. There are a number of different circumstances that are taken into account regarding the decision to supply legal aid. Circumstances can include partner’s financial income and also any state benefits claimed by the person applying for legal aid.

Alternatives to Court Action

There are alternatives to using civil rights lawyers if you do have civil rights problems. There are ombudsmen available that can resolve complaints against various organisations and companies. Ombudsmen are impartial, independent and do not charge a fee. They will be members of the British and Irish Ombudsman Association (BIOA) and if payment is needed for their services it may be reclaimable. Ombudsmen will be able to make judgements on a number of issues and if they are upheld then they will make the company rectify their error. More information on ombudsmen can be obtained from the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Everyone is entitled to legal representation regardless of whether the issue is a civil rights case or not. Infringement of civil rights should not be tolerated and civil rights lawyers are there to help. They will be able to advise on the best course of action and actually assess how strong the case will be. Talking to a civil rights lawyer will be the best way to assess whether or not to take the matter forward to the legal courts.