Managing Civil Rights Litigation Attorney

CAIR LA • Anaheim, CA

40d • $125,000 - $150,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the team behind the mission. Every day, people across California turn to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) when they face discrimination, threats to their civil rights, or challenges to their freedom to practice their faith. As the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in California, we protect constitutional rights, advance justice, and empower communities through legal advocacy, public policy, civic engagement, and education. Since 1994, that work has been made possible by a dedicated team committed to serving individuals, families, and communities across California. Behind every case, campaign, and initiative are people working together to create meaningful change. Whether you serve clients directly or support our mission behind the scenes, your work helps build a more just, inclusive, and equitable California.

Requirements

• Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited school
• Active member of California State Bar in good standing
• At least 8 years of experience in civil litigation, in state and/or federal court, preferably in areas such as anti-discrimination matters, civil rights, constitutional violations, free speech, employment law, religious discrimination, national security and law enforcement practices, prisoners' rights, and/or student rights
• At least three years of experience supervising legal professionals
• Ability to develop and litigate cases independently
• Strong commitment to advancing the work and mission of CAIR-CA
• Demonstrated commitment to the cause of social justice, civil liberties, and civil rights
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking experience
• Strong project and time management skills, including a high level of organization, attention to detail and follow-through, while balancing and prioritizing multiple activities and responsibilities
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with outstanding attention to detail
• Comfort working productively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Experience working with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• Access to a working vehicle and the ability to drive throughout Greater Los Angeles/Orange County
• Willingness to travel within Southern California as well as to other parts of the state
• High degree of self-motivation and self-discipline
• Basic computer proficiency including knowledge of Office 365, OneDrive, Lexis and/or Westlaw

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of cloud applications such as SharePoint, Office365, and social media applications

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and manage complex litigation addressing systemic issues affecting the California Muslim community, from case assessment and strategy through resolution, settlement, and trial when appropriate.
• Identify emerging legal issues and potential cases with the opportunity to create meaningful, lasting impact, while ensuring litigation priorities align with CAIR-CA's mission and strategic goals.
• Conduct sophisticated factual and legal research and analysis to evaluate potential claims, develop legal theories, assess litigation risks, and build strong cases.
• Lead all stages of litigation, including interviewing clients and witnesses, developing case strategy, preparing pleadings and discovery, drafting and arguing motions, handling settlement negotiations, and preparing cases for trial when necessary.
• Draft persuasive and strategic legal documents, including memoranda, demand letters, pleadings, motions, discovery, briefs, and other litigation-related materials.
• Provide direction, mentorship, and oversight to attorneys, fellows, paralegals, clerks, interns, coordinators, and other team members supporting litigation and civil rights efforts.
• Strengthen the systems, policies, procedures, and practices needed to expand and sustain CAIR-CA's strategic litigation capacity.
• Partner with Policy and Advocacy, Communications, Development, and other departments to maximize the legal, advocacy, and community impact of litigation.
• Work effectively with co-counsel and community partners.
• Participate in press conferences, public statements, community events, coalition meetings, and other opportunities to communicate the significance of legal victories and emerging civil rights issues.
• Help community members understand and exercise their rights through public speaking, community presentations, know-your-rights education, and distribution of educational materials.
• Travel as needed for litigation, community outreach, coalition meetings, and other matters that advance CAIR-CA's legal and advocacy mission.
• Support additional legal, advocacy, and organizational initiatives as needed and contribute to the shared responsibilities that help CAIR-CA serve its communities effectively.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Hybrid Work Schedules
• Generous Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays, 10 Sick Days, and 12 Vacation Days
• Comprehensive Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Perks: Professional development opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sabbatical Leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed