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With so many headlines on civil rights and discrimination in the workplace, it appears the demand for lawyers to represent these cases is on the rise. Most recently, Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) predicted the legislation currently up for congressional approval that bans discrimination in the workplace due to sexual orientation and gender identity will be passed before the calendar year is up. Senator Harkin, who is also the chairman of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, vowed to U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Tom Perez that his goals include fast tracking the bill. A. Harrison Barnes, attorney and founder of Law Crossing, says this comes as little surprise since less than thirty states have laws on their books that protect gays and lesbians in the workplace.

The Employment Non Discrimination Act applies to those employers with 15 or more employees as well as all government agencies. It prohibits the use of sexual orientation or gender identity when making a decision to hire a candidate. It should be noted this bill was not passed by the House in 2007 until the gender identity provision was removed. Advocates of the bill are sure the support now exists for passage and are also confident President Obama will sign the bill. While this will be a big step forward in civil rights, a recent survey of Fortune 500 companies revealed more than 85% already have sexual orientation policies in place and one third of those companies have special provisions regarding gender identity. These provisions include modified restrooms and showers.

So what does this mean for law firms across the country, especially those seeking to play a role in this political issue? A. Harrison Barnes says Law Crossing has seen an increase in the number of legal positions being made available that deal exclusively with civil rights. He predicts these numbers will continue to grow through 2010 and possibly longer. Republican Representative John Kline (MN) warns of the potential “explosion in litigation” due to the vague wording of current bill and says it’s too subjective in its entirety.

It’s not only sexual orientation discrimination that’s front and center, but discrimination as a whole. Legal jobs that include paralegals, legal secretaries and other support personnel are increasing in some law firms as they begin to take more civil rights and discrimination cases. Recent law school graduates are focusing their talents and education to the civil rights sector as well. Dedicated to a level playing field, even in a tough market we now face, these brilliant legal minds are in it for the long haul and determined to make a difference.

If you’re looking to make your own mark in any capacity, consider Law Crossing. With a resume service, job listings from around the country and dedicated team of employment experts, it’s the one advantage that can make the difference in what path your legal career ultimately takes you. Many employers that are part of the Law Crossing network offer internships for law students, too. See for yourself why this award winning site is poles apart from other job sites.

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