Staff Attorney (Criminal)

Job Summary

The National Security Criminal Defense Center (NSCDC) at the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA) is seeking to hire a Staff Attorney. The NSCDC provides direct representation and expert co-counsel representation nationwide in federal criminal national security cases where the government’s conduct is overreaching, discriminatory, and has the potential to compromise the constitutional rights of the defendant. The NSCDC represents individuals and organizations during investigation, through trial, appeal, and in post-conviction matters in federal courts nationwide.

The NSCDC is newly launched, and to ensure a robust and zealous defense in every case, we are growing our team. We are searching for a criminal defense attorney with federal litigation experience and/or jury trial experience.

Responsibilities

• Work with Sr Attorney and Director on NSCDC cases, including FBI investigations, pre-trial indicted cases, trial, appeal, habeas, compassionate release, etc.
• Meet with clients, experts, witnesses, and family members as necessary for the case.
• Supports pre-indictment representation, including FBI interviews, sanctions compliance advice, and clients under investigation under the supervision of, and in partnership with, NSCDC attorneys.
• Works with the team to prepare pleadings, briefs, motions, documents, and reports, and handles the discovery process
• Respond to requests in a timely manner and adhere to response deadlines
• Represent clients in court and in legal proceedings as assigned
• Conduct legal research and analysis
• Assist with administrative functions related to the administration of cases
• Assist with intakes and pre-representation research, including conflicts checks
• Procure relevant documentation related to clients and claims
• Collaborate with attorneys and the MLFA team to determine case strategy
• Stay up to date on changes to the law and legal practices to ensure clients receive the most accurate and current legal advice.
• Attend regular staff meetings and trainings as required
• Ensure work duties are being performed in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations

Experience and Education

• JD degree from an accredited university
• Admission and good standing with a state bar and eligible for admission to a United States District Court.
• Minimum of three years of post-graduation legal experience.
• Minimum of one year of federal litigation experience; felony trial experience preferred
• Superior writing skills and experience briefing compelling and well-researched motions to dismiss, appeals, evidentiary motions, etc.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest legal work and defense of marginalized populations.
• Able to manage a complex caseload, competing deadlines, and respond to cases under investigation as they evolve.
• Effective organizational skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a single pdf document that includes:

• a cover letter (including details on complex issue briefing and trial experience), resume,
• list of three references (must include your previous two direct supervisors),
• and two writing samples (this should be your own writing and not largely edited by others, 15 pages maximum for each.)
• sent to Sufia Khalid at Sufia.Khalid@mlfa.org
• The position is set to start in May 2026

MLFA is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Richardson, TX 75080 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Richardson, TX 75080: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $80,000