Staff Attorney/Civil Rights Attorney

Work Location: Philadelphia, PA (Hybrid)Term: Full-time; occasional evenings and weekends requiredPosition Status: ExemptReports to: Legal DirectorSalary Range: $68,000 – $73,000, commensurate with skills and experienceBenefits: Competitive benefits package including employer-supported health coverage, paid vacation and sick leave, and paid holidays.About UsJoin the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines of protecting the rights to free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without discrimination, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal.The Council on American-Islamic Relations – Philadelphia (CAIR-Philadelphia) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) civil rights and advocacy organization serving Muslims across Central and Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, including the Greater Philadelphia region. Our mission is to protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and promote justice and mutual understanding.Our team is driven by a deep commitment to defending civil rights, supporting community empowerment, and building coalitions across faith and civic communities. We believe our staff are our greatest asset, and we strive to create a workplace rooted in collaboration, integrity, and service.About the RoleCAIR-Philadelphia seeks a Staff Attorney / Civil Rights Attorney with civil litigation experience to develop and litigate cases addressing systemic civil rights violations affecting American Muslims and other communities.This role will help lead impact litigation and civil rights advocacy in Pennsylvania. The attorney will work closely with the Legal Director to identify strategic cases and advance CAIR’s broader civil rights objectives.Litigation areas may include:First Amendment and free speech violationsEmployment discrimination and religious accommodationConstitutional and civil rights violationsEducational discrimination and school bullyingImmigration-related civil liberties issuesLaw enforcement and national security practicesHate crimes and bias incidentsPrisoners’ religious rightsWorkplace discrimination and retaliationThe position will also support advocacy campaigns, public education initiatives, and community outreach efforts that advance CAIR-Philadelphia’s civil rights mission.Primary Roles and ResponsibilitiesIdentify, develop, and lead litigation addressing systemic civil rights violations impacting American Muslims and other marginalized communities.Review and investigate legal intakes from community members to identify matters suitable for impact litigation or strategic advocacy.Conduct legal research and factual investigation to develop viable claims, legal theories, and litigation strategies.Lead litigation matters through all phases, including client and witness interviews, pleadings, discovery, motions practice, settlement negotiations, and trial where appropriate.Draft legal documents including memoranda, demand letters, pleadings, affidavits, motions, briefs, and discovery materials.Conduct legal research and analysis to support emerging civil rights claims and litigation opportunities.Assist in supervising and mentoring fellows, paralegals, interns, and volunteers supporting CAIR-Philadelphia’s legal work.Coordinate with CAIR-Philadelphia departments including Communications, Policy & Advocacy, and Development to maximize the impact of litigation and legal advocacy.Communicate with co-counsel, administrative agencies, employers, law enforcement, and media when appropriate.Participate in press conferences and media engagement related to legal filings and civil rights developments.Represent CAIR-Philadelphia at community events, coalition meetings, and outreach programs.Conduct public education efforts, including community presentations and “Know Your Rights” trainings.Assist with additional legal, advocacy, or organizational initiatives as assigned.Support organizational operations when needed, including outreach events, fundraising efforts, and other shared responsibilities.QualificationsRequiredJuris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law schoolAdmission to the Pennsylvania State Bar (or eligibility to obtain admission promptly). Admission to Delaware State Bar is a plus but not required.2+ years of civil litigation experience in state or federal courtAbility to independently develop and litigate casesStrong commitment to CAIR’s mission and American Muslim empowermentDemonstrated dedication to social justice, civil liberties, and civil rights advocacyExcellent legal research, writing, and analytical skillsStrong oral communication skills and public speaking abilityExceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneouslyStrong attention to detail and demonstrated problem-solving skillsAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environmentExperience working with diverse communities and cultural backgroundsAbility to travel within the Greater Philadelphia region and occasionally beyondHigh degree of initiative, professionalism, and self-disciplineBasic proficiency in Office 365 and legal research platforms such as Lexis or WestlawPreferredExperience in civil rights litigation, constitutional law, employment discrimination, religious accommodation, student rights, or related fieldsExperience with cloud platforms such as SharePoint and digital collaboration tools Conversational proficiency in Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, or another community language is a plus but not requiredTo ApplyPlease submit: A cover letter describing your interest in the position and commitment to civil rights workYour resumeThe names and contact information of at least two professional referencesAs a single PDF document to careers@cairphilly.org with a subject line following this format [YOUR LAST NAME, CRA26]Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.Equal Employment Opportunity: CAIR-Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other protected status under applicable law.