Job Title: Legal Fellow
Department: Civil Rights
Status: Full-time
Fellowship: One to two years, depending on external funding
Reports to: National Litigation Director
CAIR is seeking a talented Legal Fellow to join its civil rights department in the Fall of 2024 at this crucial time in our nation’s history. CAIR Legal Fellows have a rare opportunity to be involved in substantive legal work on a variety of issues that impact the Muslim community. These issues include incarceration rights, federal watch list litigation, workplace discrimination, law enforcement discrimination, and free speech.
Essential Functions/Duties
The Legal Fellow will be primarily responsible for:
o Performing legal research and drafting legal documents, including complaints, motions, and other routine court filings
o Drafting written work product, including legal and research memorandums and other legal documents, as requested
o Drafting demand letters and engaging in alternative dispute resolution to resolve civil rights cases outside court intervention
o Assisting supervising attorneys with various aspects of litigation, including, but not limited to, client interviews, factual investigation, legal research, discovery, preparation of trial documents, negotiations, trials, and appellate work
o Participating in speaking engagements pertaining to civil rights issues facing the American Muslim community, as requested
o Attending Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars and keeping abreast of changes in the law through reading or other means
Qualifications:
o J.D. from an accredited law school
o Applicants must be recent law school graduates (0-2 years) or must be on track to complete law school before the position starting date.
o Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines; must be able to work well both independently and in a team environment.
o Excellent legal research, writing, and oral skills.
o No disciplinary actions on record or pending.
o An understanding of civil rights issues relating to American Muslims
o Passion for the mission of the Council on American-Islamic Relations
o Ability to communicate in a language other than English is a plus.
o Ability to work in a completely remote environment.
Salary:
CAIR will match any external fellowship funding up to $37,500 with the goal of a total salary in the range of $60,000-$70,0000, commensurate with experience.
Compensation Package:
· 401K retirement benefits with an employer match.
· The employee cost share for benefits is up to 20% this includes the medical, dental, and vision.
· We offer vacation, sick, personal leave, and paid holidays.
· Life, AD & D, and long-term disability coverages.
· Optional FSA (flexible spending account)
· HSA (Health Savings Account) must meet certain requirements
· EAP (Employee Assistance Program) available.
· Professional Development stipend is available.
· Tuition Reimbursement (must meet certain requirements)
· If you currently have student loans, you can certify your employment annually for the PSLF.
To apply:
· Please submit a cover letter with résumé, a writing sample, and a list of three professional references, to jobs@cair.com. Please reference “Legal Fellow” in the subject line.
· Legal Fellow applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.