Senior Litigation Attorney

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.

Position: Senior Litigation Attorney

Organization: CAIR Legal Defense Fund (a nonprofit subsidiary of CAIR Foundation)

Reports to: CAIR LDF Deputy Director

Supervision Responsibilities: Trial Attorney/ Staff Attorney

Location: Washington, DC

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hour: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.( eastern time zone)

Compensation: The salary for this role is $130,000 annually.

Where we Operate: This position is open to candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States and currently reside in the following: Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Position Summary:

CAIR LDF seeks a seasoned Senior Litigation Attorney with demonstrated expertise in federal court litigation, including constitutional and civil rights claims brought under Section 1983 and other federal statutes. The attorney must have experience developing litigation strategy, managing all phases of discovery, supervising junior attorneys or staff, and independently handling hearings, oral argument, and trials.

The position will focus on cutting-edge federal litigation under Section 1983 and other civil rights statutes, involving First and Fourth Amendment violations, unlawful law enforcement practices, surveillance and watch listing, RLUIPA violations, and other forms of systemic discrimination and government overreach.

The Senior Litigation Attorney will be primarily responsible for:

• Leading or co-leading trial teams and collaborating with other attorneys on case strategy.
• Independently managing all aspects of litigation, including but not limited to conducting fact investigations, coordinating expert discovery, taking and defending depositions, drafting and arguing substantive motions, leading trial preparations, and presenting oral arguments in federal court.
• Supervising and mentoring junior attorneys and legal fellows, including reviewing legal work, coaching on litigation practice, and promoting skill development.
• Performing other litigation-related duties as assigned by the CAIR LDF Deputy Director or Director.
• 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 LDF 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.
• And any other duties as required.

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 in civil rights and constitutional litigation
• Excellent legal research, writing and oral skills.
• Minimum 5 years of federal litigation experience, with a preference for candidates who have led complex constitutional or civil rights litigation at trial or appellate levels. Applicants with fewer than five years of litigation experience will not be considered for this role.
• Demonstrated experience leading or co-leading constitutional or civil rights litigation in federal court, including drafting dispositive motions, managing discovery, and participating in trial or appellate briefing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex caseloads, supervise legal teams, and develop litigation strategy.
• Background in First and Fourth Amendment litigation, Section 1983 claims, RLUIPA, and challenges to discriminatory government practices is strongly preferred.
• Experience in appellate practice is preferred.
• No disciplinary actions on record or pending.
• Strong preference for applicants with experience litigating against government agencies or law enforcement in civil rights contexts.
• 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.

Compensation Package:

• Health Insurance is 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 13 paid holidays.
• Vacation, sick, and personal leave is 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 the PSLF.