Subject to the general supervision of the Attorney General and under the direction of the Associate Attorney General on civil matters and the Deputy Attorney General on criminal matters, the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division is responsible for conducting, handling, and supervising civil rights matters, as more particularly described in 28 C.F.R. § 0.50. The Civil Rights Division consists of the following Sections: Administrative Management, Appellate, Criminal, Disability Rights, Educational Opportunities, Employment Litigation, Federal Coordination and Compliance, Housing and Civil Enforcement, Immigrant and Employee Rights, Policy and Strategy, Special Litigation, and Voting.

Because of the sensitive nature of the constitutional and statutory issues involved and the desirability of uniform application of federal law in this field, close consultation between United States Attorney’s Offices and the Civil Rights Division on civil rights matters is essential. Civil Rights Division attorneys may conduct investigations and litigation in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Offices. Civil Rights Division attorneys will maintain close contact and consult with the United States Attorney’s Offices on a continuing basis.

Any statements issued to the press in connection with civil rights investigations, litigation, or trial should be coordinated through the Department of Justice’s Office of Public Affairs and the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, and the relevant United States Attorney’s Office, where such an office is involved.

[updated March 2018]