Litigation - Civil Rights Attorney in Newark, NJ

Public Interest

Newark, NJ

Litigation - Civil Rights Attorney in Newark, NJ

Attorney

Min 3 yrs required

No

Job Title: Senior Staff Attorney

Areas of Practice: Employment Discrimination & Accommodation

Reports to: Executive Director or Operations Director

Schedule Type: Full-time (Exempt) At-Will

Hybrid: 3 days remote, 2 days at the office per week

About the Organization:

The organization is America's largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group with approximately 35 offices and chapters nationwide. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. The demand for services has significantly increased, and the New Jersey chapter strives to ensure that Muslims in New Jersey enjoy the same protections as all Americans. The staff in New Jersey has expanded fourfold in the last four years, demonstrating a commitment to investing in the legal department. Legal work is a core service of the organization, and the New Jersey chapter aims to maintain a robust legal department.

The New Jersey office is seeking a qualified, passionate, and talented individual to lead the Legal Department and represent clients. This role involves leading a team of attorneys, a paralegal, and an intern, with plans to hire an additional paralegal and employ legal fellows. The ideal candidate will manage civil rights work and expand its impact, joining a rapidly growing and influential team that defends civil rights for American Muslims, aligning with Islamic values and beliefs.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Manage caseload and supervise related casework
Coordinate legal intake process with other staff, including case selection and referral
Participate in all aspects of litigation
Engage in alternative dispute resolution
Collaborate strategically with staff, including advocacy and media departments
Participate in community education, such as Know Your Rights workshops
Assist in producing reports and written documents
Build and maintain relationships with clients, communities, law firms, law schools, legal clinics, and allied legal groups to advance legal and policy work

Required Qualifications:

. degree from an American Bar Association accredited school with admission in good standing with the NJ Bar
At least 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney
Demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights of low-income and underserved communities
Knowledge of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, especially Title VII, and the First Amendment
Knowledge of EEOC and other administrative procedures

Bonus, Non-Required Qualifications:

Working knowledge of the American Muslim community
Experience drafting claim letters
Experience in organizing or working in coalition spaces to advance the rights of low-income and underserved communities
Proficiency in legal research and with legal search engines
Bilingual skills in a relevant language

Commitment to the Mission:

Passion for the mission of the organization, including a strong commitment to securing civil rights and justice for Muslim-Americans and their families

Interpersonal Skills:

Be independent and self-motivated, requiring minimal supervision
Ability to work fluidly with staff, who may also be Muslim-American
Must be able to work flexibly with different cultural norms, educational backgrounds, and professional skills

Compensation:

Annual salary of $95,000 – $110,000, commensurate with experience
Fully paid health insurance for employee
Up to 3% retirement matching contribution
12 paid holidays, 12 days paid vacation, 5 sick days, and 7 personal days per year

Other Benefits:

Investment in professional development with access to mentors through the National & Chapter Legal Network and periodic legal training
Unlimited access to a Practicing Law Institute membership for online, virtual, and in-person Legal CLEs, business cards, and malpractice insurance
An inclusive and supportive work environment for professional growth and advancement
Hybrid remote/in-person work schedule (3 days remote, 2 days at the office per week)
Mileage/travel reimbursement for business travel
Annual NJ attorney registration reimbursement
Flexible ad-hoc remote working options
Comprehensive health benefits, including dental and vision coverage

Application Process:

Interested and eligible candidates (. citizens or proper work visa holders) are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, three references, and a legal writing sample. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis, with a start date as soon as possible. The organization is an equal opportunity employer.