Staff Attorney (Maryland)

Ummah Jobs; Maryland; On-site; USD 75,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (CAREFIRST)

Dental & vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

13 paid holidays

Paid vacation/sick/personal leave

Life/AD&D/LTD coverage

FSAs/HSA plans

Employee Assistance Program

Professional development stipend

Tuition reimbursement

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, seeks a Staff Attorney to join the Legal Defense Fund in Maryland. You will handle civil rights litigation, draft pleadings, and represent clients in federal and administrative settings, working with leadership and partners to advance civil liberties for American Muslims.

The role requires a J.D., strong research, writing, and advocacy skills, and a commitment to CAIR's mission.

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.
• Fluency in a language other than English is a bonus.
• Genuine commitment to CAIR's mission of civil liberties advocacy.

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

Skills

Deadline management

Independent & collaborative work

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Disciplinary record clean

Civil rights focus

Bilingual (bonus)

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

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. Position open until filled.