Senior Civil Rights Attorney
About the role
To support the growing and complex civil rights legal needs of the American Muslim community, CAIR San Diego is seeking a Senior Staff Attorney - Civil Rights to join our dedicated legal team.
This role offers a meaningful opportunity to lead impactful civil rights work in a grassroots, community-centered organization committed to justice, dignity, and empowerment.
The Senior Staff Attorney will play a key role in identifying systemic issues and advancing creative, strategic legal solutions to address civil rights violations affecting American Muslims, including employment discrimination, law enforcement harassment, school bullying, and other areas of concern.
Responsibilities
- Conduct intakes and investigate legal claims through effective communication with an incredibly diverse community
- Manage individual caseload and oversee work of staff on civil rights matters
- Identify, develop, and lead litigation in federal and state courts. Prepare pleadings, motions, and briefs; conduct discovery; present oral arguments; and handle appeals
- Aid Executive Director and development team with research, preparation, and submission of grant applications and reports
- Develop community education materials, co-create webinars, and provide Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations
- Communicate with outside parties such as attorneys, employers, law enforcement agents, administrative agencies, media contacts, etc.
- Work to educate and empower community members on their rights through community presentations and material distributions
- Travel for outreach including participating in community events and coalition meetings
- Teach and mentor Staff Attorneys, supervise staff, law clerks, legal fellows, and volunteers
- Assist other staff in the production of internal and external reports
- Advance CAIR's administrative and legislative advocacy by providing legal analysis and technical assistance to colleagues in CAIR's other departments; government officials and staff; the media; organizers; and advocates and attorneys nationwide
- All CAIR staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, fundraising and other office tasks
Requirements
- Access to reliable transportation
Benefits
- 100% employer paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents
- 401(k) plan with an employer match
- 12 vacation days
- 10 sick days
- 12 holidays
- hybrid work schedule currently offered
About Us
Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate, and talented and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join the efforts.