Trial Attorney (Immigration Civil Rights Focus)

Trial Attorney (Immigration Civil Rights Focus) About the Organization: The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a nonprofit, grassroots civil rights and advocacy organization. CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties organization, with affiliate offices nationwide. Its national headquarters is located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Since its establishment in 1994, CAIR has worked to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America. Through media relations, lobbying, education and advocacy, CAIR works to make sure a Muslim voice is represented and seeks to empower American Muslims and encourage their participation in political and social activism. Category: Legal Hiring Manager: Ihab Tabbakha Employment Type: Full‑Time Shift: Days Exempt: Exempt Position: Trial Attorney Salary Range: $95,000 – $109,250 annually Job Reports to: National Litigation Director The CAIR Legal Defense Fund (CAIR LDF) is seeking a qualified individual for a full‑time position of Trial Attorney at its Washington, D.C., headquarters. The successful candidate should have prior law firm experience and a deep commitment to civil rights issues. 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 focuses 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 Investigate, develop, and litigate 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. Work collaboratively with other attorneys as a member of trial teams. Participate in all aspects of the trial stage, including 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 trial, and presenting oral arguments in federal court, local and state courts (if applicable), and administrative hearings. Engage in appellate litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings, recommending settlements when appropriate. Participate in speaking engagements related to civil rights issues facing the American Muslim community, especially on enforcement‑related civil liberties and constitutional protections. Provide training and coaching to CAIR staff as requested. Attend continuing legal education seminars and stay current with changes in the law. Collaboration Program Team – develop and maintain community education materials on immigration enforcement, rights, and policy shifts. Government Affairs Department – support or challenge local, state, or federal policies impacting civil rights in the immigration space. Engagement Community outreach, including Know Your Rights training, public education, and 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 active membership in the bar (any jurisdiction). Minimum three years of 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. Understanding of civil rights issues relating to American Muslims. Strong relationships with experts in immigration policy and law preferred. Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills. Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines; capable of working independently and as part of a team. No disciplinary actions on record or pending. Passion for the mission of the Council on American‑Islamic Relations. This position is currently accepting applications. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cair-foundation Inc