Supervising Attorney

Schedule Type: Full Time, Exempt

About the Organization:

CAIR-NY is a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Our vision is to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding. Our mission is to protect civil rights, promote justice, enhance an understanding of Islam, and empower American Muslims. We serve Muslim New Yorkers through legal representation, policy advocacy, education, media relations, civic engagement, and grassroots mobilization

CAIR-NY has sustained steady progress and established deep roots within the Muslim community by expanding our services, strategic partnerships, and the reach of our programs. The Supervising Attorney will further CAIR-NY’s objectives by overseeing our civil rights matters, assisting in structuring immigration legal services, and helping shape policy advocacy efforts.

Position Summary

CAIR-NY is seeking a Supervising Attorney with a demonstrated commitment to public interest law, advocacy, and serving diverse communities. This position aims to increase access to, and provide culturally competent legal and immigration services for, members of the New York State Muslim community. The Supervising Attorney’s primary role will be to oversee CAIR-NY’s civil rights practice, which includes but is not limited to advocacy for victims of hate crimes and abusive law enforcement interactions, those discriminated against in employment, school, airports, and public accommodations, and some immigration matters. The Supervising Attorney will also co-counsel litigation with other firms, as well as oversee and mentor a small legal team, including legal fellows, paralegals, and interns.

The candidate should have a strong passion for empowering underserved communities and an interest in representing discriminated individuals in front of administrative bodies and courts. The candidate will be expected to use creative legal and grassroots advocacy solutions to address systemic issues facing the American Muslim community.

Practice Areas: Civil Rights/Civil Liberties (Religious Freedom, Discrimination), Employment, National Security/Police Practices/Surveillance, Immigration

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, and trials in both state and federal courts; appear at administrative hearings.
• Conduct community education and outreach including Know-Your-Rights presentations and clinics on issues of immigration, 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.
• Participate in legislative advocacy as needed in consultation with the policy and advocacy team.
• Mentor and direct the activities of other members of the legal team, including junior attorneys, fellows, and interns.
• Assist other staff in the production of internal and external reports

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

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent research, oral, and written communication to interface with community leaders, government officials, and staff in a professional and effective manner.
• Familiarity, cultural competency, and experience interacting with Muslim audiences.
• Legal knowledge and experience with common civil rights issues impacting Muslims in America.
• Ability to work cooperatively and to communicate effectively with attorneys, other staff members, and diverse community organizations and coalitions on a variety of projects in legal and non-legal settings.
• Comfort and familiarity in public speaking at mosques, community centers, legislative meetings and other public facing events, to a variety of audiences.

Some evenings, weekends and off-hour work will be required. Some travel will be required. Having your own car along with a valid driver’s license is a plus but not required.

Required Qualifications

• Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited school
• Licensed to practice law in New York State and member in good standing
• 3 or more years of experience
• Familiarity with civil rights and immigration issues impacting the Muslim community

Preferred Qualifications

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

Reporting Relationship & Location

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

Compensation

• The salary range is between $70,000 and $80,000, depending upon experience
• CAIR-NY is invested in the professional development of its staff. Attorney will have access to mentors through the CAIR Legal Network and annual legal trainings.
• The organization will reimburse attorney bar fees, provide malpractice insurance, and access to CLE courses
• Benefits package includes, but not limited to, paid vacation and sick days, health care, 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 admin@ny.cair.com. The subject line of your email should include your first and last name and “Supervising Attorney.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

CAIR-NY is an equal opportunity employer.