Senior Staff Attorney/Managing Attorney

Position: Senior Staff Attorney or Managing Attorney, Fulltime

Areas of Practice: First Amendment, Prisoners’ Rights, Religious Accommodations

Location: Atlanta, Georgia; Hybrid

Reports to: Legal Director

Application deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Start Date: ASAP

About CAIR-Georgia

CAIR-Georgia is the Georgia chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest civil liberties and advocacy group serving the Muslim community. Our mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil liberties, and empower Muslims in America to advocate for themselves. From restrictions placed on Muslims to practice their religion, to profiling and discrimination stemming from a lack of understanding of Islam, the need for CAIR in Georgia is great. The proof is reflected in the dramatic increase in civil rights cases by 275% from 2023 to 2024.

The Opportunity

To respond to the ongoing and growing civil rights needs of the Georgia Muslim community, CAIR-Georgia seeks to hire a Senior Staff Attorney or a Managing Attorney (depending on experience) with a demonstrated commitment to and interest in public interest advocacy and serving diverse communities.

The Senior Staff Attorney or the Managing Attorney is expected to use a combination of direct services, litigation, community education, and advocacy to address issues facing the Muslim community in Georgia. The Senior Staff Attorney will report to the Legal Director.

Responsibilities:

Legal Representation

Manage, supervise, lead, and engage in all aspects of litigation and litigation-related advocacy, including case development and filing, legal and factual research, client counseling and interviews, motions practice, discovery, resource creation, policy advocacy, and media advocacy.

Community Engagement

• Participate in community outreach and educational activities, including planning and conducting legal clinics
• Work in, lead, or form coalitions with other organizations and collaborate with civil rights partners

Leadership and Supervision (Managing Attorney only)

• Provide leadership and supervision to the legal team
• Oversee the work of civil rights volunteers, including law students and pro bono attorneys
• Supervise casework of attorneys, paralegals, and volunteers

Outreach and Reporting

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

Legal Research and Documentation

• Research and analyze law sources such as statutes, legal articles, and legal codes
• Prepare legal documents such as memos, motions, and appeals and non-legal documents such as community advisories, issue briefings, and reports

Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. and J.D. degrees with membership in good standing with the Georgia State Bar, required
• At least 4 years of civil rights experience, including at least 2 years of litigation experience in state and/or federal courts
• At least one year of experience managing legal staff
• Highly motivated and self-starting
• Excellent research, analytical, written, and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to work independently and in collaboration with other attorneys, community advocates, and community-based organizations
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights of low-income, Black, Muslim, people of color, and/or immigrant communities
• Experience in organizing and/or working in coalition spaces to advance the rights of low-income, Black, Muslim, people of color, and/or immigrant communities
• Bilingual skills in Arabic, Farsi, or other relevant languages, preferred

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation $72,000 – $83,000, depending on role and experience
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policies
• Health care coverage options
• BAR dues, CLE funding support, and malpractice insurance

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply via email to j-jamil@cair.com, and include the following as PDF attachments:

• Cover letter addressing your interest in the position, relevant experience, and particular interest and/or experience in civil rights issues as they affect the Muslim community
• Resume summarizing your education, qualifications, and experience, including any relevant community-grounded advocacy or experience
• Legal writing sample (no more than 10 pages)
• Three professional references and their contact information (email and phone)

Please indicate “2024 Managing Attorney” in the subject line.