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: Land use

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 the largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group in the United States, 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 grown tremendously, particularly in New Jersey, where the organization strives to ensure that Muslims enjoy the same protections as all Americans. The staff in New Jersey has quadrupled in the last four years, and there is a commitment to investing in the legal department. The legal work is considered the service-oriented "bread and butter" of the organization, with a desire for 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 individual would manage a team of attorneys, a paralegal, and an intern, with plans to hire an additional paralegal and employ legal fellows. The role involves managing the organization's civil rights work and expanding its impact, aligning with Islamic values and beliefs.

Duties/Responsibilities:
- Manage caseload and supervise related casework
- Coordinate legal intake process with other staff, case selection, and case referral
- Participate in all aspects of litigation
- Engage in alternative dispute resolution
- Work strategically and collaborate with staff, including the advocacy and media departments
- Participate in community education, such as Know Your Rights workshops
- Assist in the production of reports and written documents
- Build or maintain relationships with clients, affected communities, law firms, law schools, legal clinics, and allied legal groups to advance the organization's 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 under-served communities
- Knowledge of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (especially Title VII) and 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 and/or working in coalition spaces to advance the rights of low-income and under-served communities
- Proficiency with legal research and 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 to deal 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
- 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 (going to court, meetings, workshops, etc.)
- Annual NJ attorney registration reimbursement
- Offers flexible ad-hoc remote working options to ensure a balanced approach to productivity
- Offers comprehensive health benefits, including dental and vision coverage

How to Apply:
All those interested and eligible to work in the . (citizens or proper work visa holders) are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, three references, and a legal writing sample. Application interviews are conducted on a rolling basis, with an immediate start date.

The organization is an equal opportunity employer.