Staff Attorney (Maryland)

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.

Job Title: Staff Attorney (Maryland)

Department: Legal Defense Fund (LDF)

Status: Full-Time

FLSA: Exempt

Job Reports to: General Counsel & National Litigation Director

Salary Range: The starting salary for this role is $83,100.00. To ensure consistency and pay equity, the starting salary is not subject to negotiation,

Where we operate: This position is open only to candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States and reside in the state of Maryland.

Position Summary:

LDF is seeking a talented Staff Attorney (Maryland) to join its civil rights department at this crucial time in our nation’s history. This position is responsible for conducting legal research, drafting, and reviewing legal documents, and representing LDF in administrative, judicial, or other legal proceedings as appropriate. The Staff Attorney (Maryland) works collaboratively with leadership, staff, and community partners to identify and mitigate legal risks while advancing LDF objectives.

Essential Duties:

The Staff Attorney (Maryland) will be primarily responsible for:

• Performing legal research and drafting legal documents, including answers, motions, and other routine court filings
• Drafting written work product, including legal and research memorandums and other legal documents, as requested
• Drafting demand letters and engaging in alternative dispute resolution to resolve civil rights cases outside court intervention
• Representing clients during FBI interrogations
• Assisting trial 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
• Participating in speaking engagements and leading educational sessions pertaining to civil rights issues facing the American Muslim community in Maryland.
• 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.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines; must be able to work well both independently and in a team environment.
• Basic knowledge of federal court practice
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral skills
• No disciplinary actions on record or pending.
• Ideal candidates have a minimum of 3 years’ prior associate-level experience in civil rights.
• 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 a language other than English is a plus.

Compensation Package:

• Health Insurance's available through CAREFIRST.
• The employee cost share for health benefits is up to 20%.
• Dental and vision benefits are covered by the employer at 100%.
• 401K retirement benefits with an employer match up to 4%.
• We offer thirteen paid holidays.
• Vacation, sick, and personal leave are offered.
• Ancillary coverage is available: 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) is available.
• A professional development stipend is available.
• Tuition reimbursement (must meet certain requirements)
• If you currently have student loans, you can certify your employment annually for PSLF.