Professionals in this field advocate for individuals whose fundamental protections, as guaranteed by the Constitution and federal and state laws, have been violated. Their work encompasses a broad range of issues, including discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability, age, and sexual orientation. For example, they may represent a student denied educational opportunities due to their ethnicity, or an employee facing workplace harassment because of their gender.
The importance of these legal professionals lies in their role as a check on governmental and institutional power. Their efforts ensure accountability and strive to correct systemic inequalities that have historically disadvantaged certain groups. Landmark legal precedents in areas like voting rights, fair housing, and equal employment opportunity are often the direct result of their advocacy and litigation.
