Alvin Morrison Barnes discusses the intertwined roles of civil rights attorney and community activist, emphasizing that activism is a calling driven by a desire to create social change. A civil rights attorney works on issues of equality and discrimination, requiring a law degree and extensive legal skills, while activism does not necessitate formal education. Barnes highlights the average salaries for these professions and reflects on the importance of having a positive impact on society over financial gain.

1. CIVIL RIGHTS
AND
DEFENSE
ATTORNEY &
COMMUNITY
ACTIVIST
ALVIN MORRISON
BARNES

2. ACTIVISM IS JUST LIKE THE
PRIESTHOOD IT’S A
CALLING YOU DON’T WAKE
UP ONE DAY AND WANT TO
BE AN ACTIVIST
Rev. Jeremy Tobin
BARNES 2

3. BARNES 3
WHAT IS A CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY & A
COMMUNITY ACTIVIST
‣ A civil rights attorney focuses on cases involving issues such as
equality, human rights, social freedom, and discrimination. Their job
tasks may include conducting research on cases, drafting legal
documents, arguing cases in court, and negotiating settlements.
‣ Attorneys often work long hours and can experience a great deal of
stress presenting their client's case in a courtroom.
‣ An activist is a person who campaigns for some kind of social
change. Someone who's actively involved in a protest or a political or
social cause is an activist.

4. BARNES 4
SKILLS NEED TO BE AN
ATTORNEY AND ACTIVIST
‣ Critical thinking
‣ Analytical reasoning
‣ Research and writing skills
‣ Relationships
‣ Communication Skills
‣ Organize
‣ Write letters
‣ Recruit volunteers
‣ Raise money

5. BARNES 5
EDUCATION
▸Most law schools would like you to have a B.S. in English or
Political Science.
▸A Juris Doctored ( Law Degree) is required to become an
attorney in the United States.
▸ When you complete law school you must take the BAR
exam.
▸Community Activism doesn’t require any formal education.

6. BARNES 6
SALARY
▸ The average salary for attorneys in
the United States is $ 115,000.00 a
year.
▸ Most community activist earn about
$50,00.00 a year.

7. BARNES 7
WHY DID I CHOOSE
THIS CAREER
▸ I chose this career because I want
to have an impact on the world and
make it a better place.
▸ I believe all people deserve justice
and to be treated fairly.

9. TEXT
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ATTORNEY &
ACTIVIST
‣ Your daily tasks will vary depending on your area of law. A typical
day for most lawyers includes:
‣ Research. Lots of research.
‣ Writing: writing documents, responses, briefs, letters and plenty of
emails.
‣ Phone calls.
‣ Court appearances.
‣ Meeting with Clients.

10. YOUR CAREER
SHOULDN’T BE VALUED
BY HOW MUCH MONEY
YOU’LL MAKE. IT
SHOULD BE VALUED BY
HOW YOUR JOB WILL
IMPROVE THE LIVES
OF OTHERS BECAUSE
IN THE END THAT WILL
BE ALL THAT MATTERS