Senior Litigation Attorney

Cair-foundation Inc; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 117,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

CAIR Legal Defense Fund seeks a seasoned Senior Litigation Attorney for full-time, remote work based at our Washington, D.C. headquarters.

The candidate will lead complex federal civil rights litigation, including Section 1983 claims, and manage all phases of discovery, motions, and trial preparation. Responsibilities include leading trial teams, mentoring junior attorneys, supervising staff, and engaging in appellate work and settlement negotiations as needed.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in federal constitutional and civil rights litigation.
• Ability to lead litigation strategy and manage discovery.
• Experience supervising junior attorneys and staff.
• Proven track record in hearings, oral arguments, and trials.
• Willingness to travel and work weekend hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead or co-lead trial teams and develop case strategy with colleagues.
• Manage all aspects of litigation, including fact investigations and depositions.
• Draft and argue motions, coordinate expert discovery, and trial prep.
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys and legal fellows.
• Involve in appellate litigation and settlement negotiations when appropriate.
• Participate in speaking engagements and training CAIR LDF staff.
• Attend CLE seminars and stay updated on changes in the law.

Skills

Constitutional litigation

Civil rights litigation

Federal court litigation

Litigation strategy

Deposition

Trial preparation

Appellate litigation

Team leadership

Job description

Senior Litigation Attorney

The CAIR Legal Defense Fund (CAIR LDF) is seeking a qualified individual for the full-time position of Senior Litigation Attorney to join our team. This position is remote but based at our Washington, D.C., headquarters. The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience in constitutional and complex civil rights litigation in federal court, a demonstrated ability to lead litigation strategy, and a deep commitment to civil rights and government accountability. Comparable high-stakes litigation experience is strongly preferred.

Job Title: Senior Litigation Attorney
Organization: CAIR Legal Defense Fund (a nonprofit subsidiary of CAIR Foundation)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position: Salaried
Job Reports to CAIR LDF Deputy Director
Location: Remote
Pay Range: The salary for this role is $130,000 annually. The compensation for this role is set and not subject to negotiation.

Position Summary:CAIR LDF seeks a seasoned Senior Litigation Attorney with demonstrated expertise in federal court litigation, including constitutional and civil rights claims brought under Section 1983 and other federal statutes. The attorney must have experience developing litigation strategy, managing all phases of discovery, supervising junior attorneys or staff, and independently handling hearings, oral argument, and trials. The position will focus on cutting-edge federal litigation under Section 1983 and other civil rights statutes, involving First and Fourth Amendment violations, unlawful law enforcement practices, surveillance and watch listing, RLUIPA violations, and other forms of systemic discrimination and government overreach.

The Senior Litigation Attorney will be primarily responsible for:

• Leading or co-leading trial teams and collaborating with other attorneys on case strategy.
• Independently managing all aspects of litigation, including but not limited to conducting fact investigations, coordinating expert discovery, taking and defending depositions, drafting and arguing substantive motions, leading trial preparations, and presenting oral arguments in federal court.
• Supervising and mentoring junior attorneys and legal fellows, including reviewing legal work, coaching on litigation practice, and promoting skill development.
• Performing other litigation-related duties as assigned by the CAIR LDF Deputy Director or Director.
• Involvement in appellate litigation.
• Involvement in alternative dispute resolution proceedings and settlement negotiations, and recommending settlements of litigation when appropriate.
• Participating in speaking engagements pertaining to civil rights issues facing the American Muslim community.
• Training and coaching of CAIR LDF staff as requested.
• Attend continuing legal education seminars and keep abreast of changes in the law through reading and other means.
• Travel and weekend hours required as needed.
• And any other duties as required.