Alabama, Staff 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: Staff Attorney (Full-Time)

Location: Huntsville, AL or Birmingham, AL

Reports to: General Counsel & National Litigation Director

Brief Description: CAIR is seeking a talented Staff Attorney to join its civil rights department at this crucial time in our nation’s history.

Essential Functions/Duties

The Staff Attorney will be primarily responsible for:

·        Performing legal research and drafting of legal documents, including answers, motions, and other routine court filings.

·        Drafting written work products, 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 pertaining to civil rights issues facing the American Muslim community.

·        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.