Trial Attorney

About the role

The Trial Attorney will be primarily responsible for:

• Working collaboratively with other attorneys as a member of trial teams.
• Involvement in all aspects of the trial stage, including, but not limited to conducting fact investigation, working with expert witnesses, serving, and responding to written discovery, taking and defending depositions, drafting substantive and procedural briefs, conducting all aspects of any trial, and presenting oral argument in federal court, local and state courts if applicable, and administrative hearings.
• Involvement in appellate litigation.
• Involvement in alternative dispute resolution proceedings and settlement negotiations and recommending settlements of litigation when appropriate.
• Participating in speaking engagements pertaining to civil rights issues facing the American Muslim community.
• Training and coaching of CAIR staff as requested.
• Attend continuing legal education seminars and keep abreast of changes in the law through reading and other means.
• Travel and weekend hours required as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directs and reviews the work of staff attorneys assigned to you.
• Provides advice, assistance, and guidance to staff attorneys.
• Reviews work for proper application of professional judgement, conformity with established Civil Rights (legal) policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction).
• Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines; must be able to work well both independently and in a team environment.
• Well-versed with the civil rights law.
• Excellent legal research, writing and oral skills.
• The ideal candidate has a minimum of three years of experience.
• Experience in appellate practice preferred.
• No disciplinary actions on record or pending.
• An understanding of civil rights issues relating to American Muslims.
• Passion for the mission of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
• Ability to communicate in language other than English is a plus.