Legal Fellow

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.