Job Title: Senior Staff Attorney
Areas of Practice: Prisoners’/Incarceree Rights
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, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group, has about 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 their services has grown tremendously. The New Jersey branch strives to ensure that Muslims in New Jersey enjoy the same protections that all Americans have. The staff has quadrupled in the last four years and is committed to investing in the legal department. The legal work is the service-oriented “bread and butter” of the organization, and the New Jersey branch desires a robust legal department. They are looking for a qualified, passionate, and talented individual to lead the Legal Department and represent clients. This individual would lead a team of attorneys, a paralegal, and an intern, and the organization would seek to hire an additional paralegal and employ legal fellows. They are seeking an individual capable of managing the organization’s civil rights work and growing its impact. Join a quickly growing and influential team that defends civil rights on behalf of American Muslims fulfilling a private-sector vacuum. The organization aligns 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
Participate 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 (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 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 underserved communities.
Proficiency with legal research and proficiency 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 the civil rights and justice for Muslim-Americans and their families.
Interpersonal skills:
Be independent and self-motivated, require 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:
The organization is invested in the professional development of its staff. The hire will have access to mentors through the National & Chapter Legal Network and can attend periodic legal training held by the National. The organization will also seek other means of mentorship.
Provides unlimited access to a Practicing Law Institute membership for online, virtual and in-person Legal CLEs, business cards, and malpractice insurance
Provides an inclusive and supportive work environment for professional growth and advancement
Provides a 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, after health.
How to Apply:
All those interested and eligible to work in the . (citizens or proper work visa holders) are encouraged to apply. Please submit:
(1) Cover letter
(2) Resume
(3) Three references
(4) Legal writing sample
Application Deadline: Interviews conducted on a rolling basis.
Start Date: ASAP
The organization is an equal opportunity employer.
