Trial Attorney (Immigration Civil Rights Focus)

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

The CAIR Legal Defense Fund (CAIR LDF) is seeking a qualified individual for the full-time position of Trial Attorney at its Washington, D.C., headquarters. The successful candidate should have prior law firm experience. A deep commitment to civil rights issues and a strong work ethic are essential.

Job Title: Trial Attorney

Department: CAIR LDF

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position: Salaried

Job Reports to National Litigation Director

Salary Range: The salary range for this role $95,000 -$109,250 annually. Candidates can expect to be offered $95,000 as a new hire in the role.

Position Summary:

CAIR LDF seeks a mission-driven Trial Attorney to develop and litigate strategic impact cases addressing civil rights violations arising from or masked as immigration enforcement. This role does not entail general immigration services work.

Rather, it is focused on government accountability litigation where immigration intersects with First Amendment retaliation, selective enforcement, unlawful searches/seizures, watch listing, and other forms of discriminatory state action. The attorney will also contribute to public education and outreach efforts, including Know Your Rights training and community engagement related to enforcement trends and constitutional protections.

Essential Functions/Duties:

The Trial Attorney will be primarily responsible for:

• Investigating, developing, and litigating high-impact civil rights cases involving:
  • Discriminatory immigration enforcement based on religion or national origin.
  • Government retaliation against immigrant activists for protected advocacy
  • Unconstitutional raids, surveillance, or coercive tactics against Muslim communities
  • Watchlist or national security designations used to block immigration benefits.
  • 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 discoveries, taking and defending depositions, drafting substantive and procedural briefs, conducting all aspects of any trial, and presenting oral arguments 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 recommend settlements of litigation when appropriate.
  • Participating in speaking engagements pertaining to civil rights issues facing the American Muslim community, especially on enforcement-related civil liberties and constitutional protections
  • Training and coaching of CAIR staff as requested.
  • Attend continuing legal education seminars and keep abreast of changes in the law through reading or other means.
• Collaborate with:
  • The Programs Team to develop and maintain community education materials on immigration enforcement, rights, and policy shifts under the current administration.
  • The Government Affairs Department to support or challenge local, state, or federal policies impacting civil rights in the immigration space.
• Engage in:
  • Community outreach, including Know Your Rights training, public education, Training and mentoring of CAIR staff on enforcement-related civil liberties, Speaking engagements and coalition partnerships.
  • Travel and weekend hours are required as needed.

Skills and Education Requirements

• • J.D. from an accredited law school and an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction)
• Minimum 3 years litigation experience; prior civil rights, constitutional, impact litigation, or appellate practice strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of immigration enforcement systems and how they intersect with civil rights violations.
• Demonstrated relationships with experts in immigration policy and law preferred.
  • 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 civil rights law
  • Excellent legal research, writing and oral skills.
  • 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