Staff Attorney (Maryland)
Job Description
Staff Attorney – Legal Defense Fund (Civil Rights)
CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations), the nation's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, is seeking a Staff Attorney to join its Legal Defense Fund (LDF) civil rights department. This full-time position, based at CAIR National Headquarters in Maryland, reports to the General Counsel & National Litigation Director.
Role Overview
You will conduct civil rights litigation and legal advocacy on behalf of CAIR and its clients, focusing on cases affecting the American Muslim community. Working collaboratively with leadership, staff, and community partners, you will handle legal research, document preparation, client representation, and case resolution across administrative and judicial forums.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform legal research and draft legal documents including court filings, motions, answers, and routine pleadings
- Draft legal memorandums and research work product as assigned
- Draft demand letters and engage in alternative dispute resolution to resolve civil rights cases without court intervention
- Represent clients during FBI interrogations and in administrative proceedings
- Assist trial attorneys with all aspects of civil litigation: client interviews, factual investigation, discovery, trial preparation, negotiations, trials, and appellate work
- Speak publicly and lead educational sessions on civil rights issues facing American Muslims in Maryland
- Train and coach CAIR staff on legal and civil rights matters
- Stay current with changes in the law through continuing legal education
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines
- Strong independent and collaborative work skills
- Basic knowledge of federal court practice
- Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
- Clean disciplinary record with no pending actions
- Minimum three years preferred: prior associate-level civil rights work experience
- Deep understanding of civil rights issues affecting American Muslims
- Genuine commitment to CAIR's mission of civil liberties advocacy
- Bonus: Fluency in a language other than English
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $83,100 annually (non-negotiable, set for consistency and pay equity)
Full benefits package
- Health insurance (CAREFIRST; employee cost share up to 20%)
- Dental and vision coverage (employer-paid, 100%)
- 401(k) with employer match up to 4%
- 13 paid holidays
- Vacation, sick, and personal leave
- Life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage
- Optional FSA and HSA plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional development stipend
- Tuition reimbursement (subject to requirements)
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) certification eligibility
Application Requirements
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and reside in Maryland. Submit cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three professional references as a single PDF/Word document to jobs@cair.com with subject line "Staff Attorney/Maryland". Position open until filled.