Employment Discrimination Attorney Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s diverse and evolving workplace, the role of an Employment Discrimination Attorney has never been more crucial.
As societies strive for equity, the demand for savvy legal professionals who can advocate, investigate, and litigate against employment discrimination escalates.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Employment Discrimination Attorney?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to comprehend the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager constructing the ideal candidate profile,
- Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of employment law,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Employment Discrimination Attorney job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s get started.
Employment Discrimination Attorney Duties and Responsibilities
Employment Discrimination Attorneys specialize in cases related to unfair treatment and discrimination in the workplace based on race, gender, age, disability, and other protected characteristics.
They provide legal advice and representation to those who believe they have been discriminated against in their employment.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Consulting with prospective clients to evaluate the merits of their discrimination claims
- Researching and interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations related to employment discrimination
- Preparing and filing legal documents such as lawsuits, appeals, and motions
- Representing clients in court, before government agencies, and in private legal matters
- Negotiating settlements on behalf of their clients
- Advising clients on their rights and obligations related to employment law
- Conducting discovery, which includes gathering and analyzing evidence such as employment records and witness statements
- Keeping clients informed about the progress of their cases and advising them on potential outcomes
- Continuing education to stay updated on changes in employment law
- Participating in public speaking, writing, or teaching to raise awareness about employment discrimination
Employment Discrimination Attorney Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Employment Discrimination Attorney to join our team.
The successful candidate will specialize in representing clients who have experienced discrimination in the workplace based on factors such as race, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
The Employment Discrimination Attorney’s responsibilities include providing legal advice to clients, building strong cases to support client claims, and advocating for clients in court.
They must be well-versed in employment laws and regulations, particularly those relating to discrimination in the workplace.
Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice to clients who have experienced discrimination in the workplace
- Build strong cases to support client claims
- Advocate for clients in court and mediations
- Review and interpret employment laws and regulations
- Perform extensive legal research to support case preparation
- Prepare legal documents such as pleadings, briefs, and contracts
- Participate in settlement negotiations
- Stay updated on changes in employment laws and regulations
- Establish good relationships with clients
Qualifications
- A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Valid license to practice law
- Proven experience as an Employment Discrimination Attorney or similar role
- Knowledge of employment laws and regulations
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Exceptional attention to detail
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Retirement plan
- Continuing legal education opportunities
- Work-life balance
Additional Information
- Job Title: Employment Discrimination Attorney
- Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for court appearances.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Attorney or Law Firm Partner.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our firm. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of references to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Employment Discrimination Attorney Do?
Employment Discrimination Attorneys are specialized legal professionals who handle cases related to workplace discrimination.
Their primary responsibility is to represent clients who have been subject to unfair treatment in the workplace due to their race, sex, age, disability, national origin, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
They work closely with their clients to understand the details of the case, gather evidence, and build a strong legal argument.
Employment Discrimination Attorneys also negotiate settlements on behalf of their clients and can represent them in court if necessary.
They are often involved in educating employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities under employment discrimination laws and regulations.
They may also draft, review, and revise policies and procedures to ensure an organization’s compliance with these laws.
In some cases, they may also represent employers who are accused of discrimination, providing them with legal advice and defense.
Their primary goal is to ensure that workplace environments are free from discriminatory practices and that all employees are treated fairly and equally.
Employment Discrimination Attorney Qualifications and Skills
An adept Employment Discrimination Attorney should possess a range of skills and qualifications, including:
- Law degree (JD) from an accredited law school and passing the state Bar exam to practice law in the jurisdiction
- Strong understanding of employment law, specifically relating to discrimination cases, to provide effective representation and counsel
- Strong research and analytical skills to review complex legal documents, laws, and regulations, and build strong cases for their clients
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively discuss legal matters with clients, negotiate with opposing counsel, and present arguments before the court
- Exceptional written communication skills for drafting legal documents, such as motions, briefs, and other legal pleadings
- Ability to handle pressure and stress, as the nature of the job can involve managing multiple clients and deadlines simultaneously
- Problem-solving skills to find the most effective legal solutions for clients facing employment discrimination issues
- Empathy and sensitivity to deal with clients who may be experiencing distress or discrimination
- Discretion and respect for client confidentiality
- Commitment to continual learning and staying updated with changes in employment law
Employment Discrimination Attorney Experience Requirements
To become an Employment Discrimination Attorney, the candidate should have completed a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Juris Doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
This typically includes a significant amount of theoretical and practical experience in law studies with a focus on employment law and discrimination.
Further, the candidate must pass the state bar examination to be licensed to practice law.
Some law firms may prefer candidates who have completed internships or clerkships that provided experience specifically in employment discrimination cases.
Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 3 years of experience, often gained through internships, clerkships, or junior attorney roles, focusing on employment law.
They are typically skilled at legal research, client counseling, and drafting legal documents.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a track record of successfully handling employment discrimination cases.
They may have gained their experience through roles such as Associate Attorney or Deputy Attorney in law firms specializing in employment law or within the legal departments of large corporations.
Those with more than 7 years of experience usually possess a rich portfolio of employment discrimination cases that they have managed.
These attorneys might also have experience in supervising junior attorneys and paralegals, making them suitable for senior attorney or partner roles within law firms.
Advanced roles may require the attorney to have experience in appearing before federal and state courts, agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and conducting mediations or arbitrations in employment discrimination cases.
Employment Discrimination Attorney Education and Training Requirements
Employment Discrimination Attorneys typically hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, although a pre-law or political science degree may provide a useful foundation.
The crucial step is obtaining a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, which usually takes three years.
In law school, individuals can elect to focus on civil rights or employment law, which will provide relevant education for a future as an Employment Discrimination Attorney.
Upon completion of the JD degree, prospective attorneys must pass the Bar Exam in their state to practice law.
This rigorous exam tests knowledge of the law and its applications.
Some attorneys may also choose to pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M) in employment law, civil rights, or a related field.
This is not a mandatory requirement but can demonstrate a higher level of expertise.
Experience in the field is highly valued.
Many attorneys gain this by working in law firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations that deal with employment discrimination issues.
Finally, ongoing training to keep updated with changes in employment law and civil rights is crucial.
These can be done through seminars, workshops, or short courses offered by professional legal associations.
Employment Discrimination Attorney Salary Expectations
An Employment Discrimination Attorney can expect to earn an average salary of $89,000 (USD) per year.
However, actual earnings can vary greatly based on years of experience, the complexity of cases handled, geographical location, and the size and reputation of the employing law firm.
Employment Discrimination Attorney Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Employment Discrimination Attorney need?
An Employment Discrimination Attorney needs excellent communication and negotiation skills, along with an exceptional ability to interpret laws and regulations.
They should be able to conduct thorough research and have strong analytical skills to build compelling cases.
Attention to detail, tenacity, and empathy are also important qualities to have in this role.
What qualifications are necessary to become an Employment Discrimination Attorney?
Becoming an Employment Discrimination Attorney requires a Bachelor’s degree, typically followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
They must also pass the Bar examination in the state they plan to practice in.
Additionally, experience with labor and employment law or civil rights could be beneficial.
What should you look for in an Employment Discrimination Attorney’s resume?
A strong resume for an Employment Discrimination Attorney should showcase a solid educational background, including a law degree and passing the Bar examination.
Look for experience in employment law, particularly with discrimination cases.
Involvement in professional organizations, such as the American Bar Association, and any certifications in employment law can also be valuable indicators of a strong candidate.
What qualities make a good Employment Discrimination Attorney?
A good Employment Discrimination Attorney is not only knowledgeable about employment laws and regulations but also has a deep understanding of workplace dynamics.
They should be empathetic, as they often deal with individuals who have experienced distressing situations.
They need to be tenacious and persistent, willing to fight for their clients’ rights.
Strong communication and negotiation skills are also essential in achieving favorable outcomes for their clients.
What are the typical duties of an Employment Discrimination Attorney?
Typical duties of an Employment Discrimination Attorney include meeting with potential clients, assessing their cases, researching relevant laws and past court decisions, preparing legal documents, and representing clients in court.
They may also engage in negotiation or mediation efforts to resolve disputes out of court.
Regular communication with clients to keep them updated on the progress of their case is also a significant part of their job.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Today, we’ve given you an insider’s look at what it truly means to be an employment discrimination attorney.
And you know what?
It’s not just about defending rights.
It’s about shaping a fair and equitable future, one case at a time.
With our comprehensive employment discrimination attorney job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to embark on your journey.
But why halt your progress here?
Go further with our job description generator. It’s your tool for fine-tuning your job postings or perfecting your resume.
Remember:
Every case you handle plays a vital role in the broader landscape.
Let’s shape that fair future. Together.
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