Description:
Position Summary:CAIR-NJ seeks a Supervising Attorney to grow its Legal Department. This position will supervise a small team while representing clients and guiding the organization's civil rights strategy and impact. Join an influential team committed to defending the rights of American Muslims. CAIR-NJ's work aligns with Islamic values and beliefs.
The Supervising Attorney will oversee CAIR-NJ's statewide civil rights legal practice, supervise legal staff, manage case strategy, and ensure quality legal services for clients. This role combines alternative dispute resolution, litigation, strategic leadership, team management, and community engagement. The ideal candidate is an experienced civil rights advocate prepared to elevate the organization's legal impact.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Leadership & Management
- Supervise a small team of staff attorneys, paralegals, legal fellows, and/or interns.
- Oversee department workflow, case strategy, and legal priorities.
- Develop and refine systems for legal intake, case selection, and case management in collaboration with the Operations Director.
- Work closely with the Executive Director and Operations Director on legal department growth and strategy.
- Lead litigation matters through all steps of litigation including, but not limited to, interviewing witnesses and potential clients, preparing pleadings, discovery, motions, briefs, oral arguments, settlement, and trial if necessary.
- Manage an active civil rights caseload across federal, state, administrative, and alternative resolution settings.
- Conduct direct intake review, investigate facts, identify viable legal claims, and select cases aligned with impact and priority objectives.
- Represent clients in negotiations, mediations, administrative proceedings, and settlement discussions.
- Work strategically with CAIR-NJ's advocacy, communications, and programs teams.
- Participate in Know Your Rights workshops and public education events.
- Assist with the creation of reports, publications, and legal guidance.
- Review and approve legal documents prepared by staff.
- All CAIR staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, occasional outreach, fundraising, and other office tasks as required.
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with impacted communities, law schools, clinics, law firms, and allied organizations.
- Help develop and sustain partnerships to expand civil rights protections and policy impact.
Required Qualifications:
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; admission and good standing with the New Jersey Bar.
- 3+ years of experience practicing law, preferably in civil rights, employment, constitutional, or public interest law.
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights of low-income and underserved communities.
- Knowledge of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (including Title VII), First Amendment issues, EEOC and relevant administrative procedures.
- Strong litigation, writing, organizational, and supervisory skills.
- Passion for CAIR's mission and a strong commitment to securing justice and civil rights for Muslim Americans and their families.
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to work with minimal supervision. Ability to work effectively with culturally diverse staff and community members.
- Demonstrated commitment to the cause of social justice, civil liberties, and civil rights.
- Experience in litigation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 6+ years of experience practicing law, preferably in civil rights, employment, constitutional, or public interest law.
- Familiarity with the American Muslim community.
- Experience drafting demand letters or civil rights complaints.
- Experience in coalition-building or community organizing.
- Bilingual skills in a relevant language.
- Flexible and adaptive leadership style.
How to Apply:
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States and must already be admitted and in good standing with the New Jersey Bar. Please submit:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Three references
- Bar admission(s)
- Legal writing sample (no more than 10 pages and must be the applicant's own work and not substantially edited by others)
- Interviews conducted on a rolling basis.