Hiring Staff Attorney

Position Summary

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Arizona (CAIR-AZ) is a chapter of the nation’s leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. CAIR-AZ is a non-profit organization that protects the civil liberties of Muslim Americans. We serve our community members through legal advocacy, education, media relations, civic engagement, and grassroots mobilization. CAIR-AZ also seeks to build coalitions for justice and mutual understanding.

As a first line of defense, CAIR-AZ protects those who have experienced Islamophobia, discrimination, harassment, hate crimes, and more.

The Staff Attorney will focus on CAIR-AZ’s civil rights practice, which includes advocacy and litigation for victims of hate crimes, those facing discrimination in employment, school, airports, law enforcement interactions, public accommodations and other areas.

Schedule Type:

Full Time

Duties and Responsibilities:

Coordinate legal intake process, case selection, case referral;
Participate in all aspects of litigation including, but not limited to, client interviews, factual investigation, legal research, discovery, preparation of legal documents, negotiations, trials in both state and federal courts, and appear at administrative hearings;
Conduct community education and outreach including Know-Your-Rights presentations and clinics on issues of discrimination and law enforcement interactions at mosques, community centers, and college campuses.
Build or maintain relationships with clients, affected communities, elected officials, law firms, law schools and legal clinics, allied legal groups, and other key stakeholders to advance the organization’s legal and policy work.
Assist other staff in the production of internal and external reports

All CAIR-AZ staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, fundraising, and other office tasks.

Required Qualifications:

Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited school
Licensed to practice law in Arizona and member in good standing
Familiarity with civil rights issues impacting the Muslim community
Minimum of 1-2 years of litigation experience, focus on employment discrimination is a plus
Knowledge of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (especially Title VII) and First Amendment. Knowledge of EEOC and other administrative procedures
Passion for the mission of the Council on American-Islamic Relations
Excellent research skills, oral and written communication, and comfortable with public speaking
High degree of initiative and willingness to work hard and collaborate with others
Creativity, demonstrated passion for civil rights work, determination, and a positive attitude
Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to follow through on various ongoing and newly assigned casework
Familiarity/cultural competency, and experience interacting with Muslim audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Arabic, Farsi, or Urdu proficiency
Experience working with non-profit organizations

Reporting Relationship & Location

The Staff Attorney will directly report to the Executive Director. The position is located in our Mesa office. Staff is currently on a hybrid in-person and remote work schedule.

Compensation

The salary range is between $65,000 and $70,000, depending upon experience
CAIR-AZ is invested in the professional development of its staff. Staff attorney will have access to mentors through the CAIR legal network and annual legal trainings.
The organization will reimburse attorney bar fees and provide access to CLE courses
Benefits package includes, but not limited to, paid vacation, sick days, health care options and 401k.

To Apply

Please submit (1) a cover letter discussing your interest in the position (1 page), (2) your resume, (3) a brief example of your writing (max 10 pages), and (4) the names and contact information of three references via email to Azza Abuseif at [email protected]. The subject line of your email should include your first and last name and “Staff Attorney.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

CAIR-AZ is an equal opportunity employer.