Senior Civil Rights Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Senior Civil Rights AttorneyWork Location: San Diego, CATerm: Full-time, Occasional evenings and weekends required.Status: ExemptPay Range: $90,000 - $115,000/year commensurate with skills and experienceReports to: Executive DirectorRequirements: Access to reliable transportationGenerous Benefits: 100% employer paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 401(k) plan with an employer match, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days, 12 holidays, and hybrid work schedule currently offered.About Us: Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate, and talented and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join the efforts.About the Role: To support the growing and complex civil rights legal needs of the American Muslim community, CAIR San Diego is seeking a Senior Staff Attorney – Civil Rights to join our dedicated legal team. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to lead impactful civil rights work in a grassroots, community-centered organization committed to justice, dignity, and empowerment.The Senior Staff Attorney will play a key role in identifying systemic issues and advancing creative, strategic legal solutions to address civil rights violations affecting American Muslims, including employment discrimination, law enforcement harassment, school bullying, and other areas of concern. This position combines direct legal advocacy, leadership, and community engagement in a collaborative and mission-driven environment.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESConduct intakes and investigate legal claims through effective communication with an incredibly diverse communityManage individual caseload and oversee work of staff on civil rights mattersIdentify, develop, and lead litigation in federal and state courts. Prepare pleadings, motions, and briefs; conduct discovery; present oral arguments; and handle appealsAssist Executive Director, and development team with research, preparation, and submission of grant applications and reportsDevelop community education materials, co-create webinars, and provide Know Your Rights (KYR) presentationsCommunicate with outside parties such as attorneys, employers, law enforcement agents, administrative agencies, media contacts, etc.Work to educate and empower community members on their rights through community presentations and material distributionsTravel for outreach including participating in community events and coalition meetingsTeach and mentor Staff Attorneys, supervise staff, law clerks, legal fellows, and volunteersAssist other staff in the production of internal and external reportsAdvance CAIR's administrative and legislative advocacy by providing legal analysis and technical assistance to colleagues in CAIR's other departments; government officials and staff; the media; organizers; and advocates and attorneys nationwideAll CAIR staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, fundraising and other office tasks.QUALIFICATIONSLaw degree from an American Bar Association-accredited schoolCalifornia State Bar admissionAt minimum five years of full-time experience advocating for, representing and/or litigating on behalf of clients in areas such as employment law, religious discrimination, public accommodation, denial of benefits by governmental and private actors in courts and administrative agenciesStrong time management skills with a demonstrated ability for meeting deadlinesDemonstrated problem-solving skills with outstanding attention to detailComfort working productively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environmentExcellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking experienceExperience working with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgroundsAccess to a working vehicle and the ability to drive throughout the San Diego AreaHigh degree of self-motivation and creativityA strong commitment to civil rights and CAIR's missionBasic computer proficiency including knowledge of MS Office, and MS OutlookKnowledge of cloud applications such as SharePoint, Office365, WestLaw Next, Lexis Nexis and social media applications (preferred)Conversational proficiency in Arabic, Farsi or Urdu (preferred)TO APPLY:  Submit a cover letter, resume with writing sample and 3 professional references.CAIR-CA is an equal-opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination. 

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