Job Title: Senior Staff Attorney
Areas of Practice: Denial of service
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 known as the largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group in America, with around 35 offices and chapters across the nation. 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 its services has grown tremendously, and the organization in New Jersey is committed to ensuring that Muslims in the state enjoy the same protections that all Americans have. The staff has quadrupled in the last four years, and there is a commitment to investing in the legal department. Legal work is the service-oriented core of the organization, and there is a desire for a robust legal department.
The organization is seeking a qualified, passionate, and talented individual to lead the Legal Department and represent its 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 be capable of managing the organization’s civil rights work and growing its impact. The organization aligns with Islamic values and beliefs.
Job 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
- Collaborate strategically with staff, including the advocacy and media departments
- Conduct community education initiatives, 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
Education and Experience Information:
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, as well as 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 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
Salary Information:
Compensation:
- Annual Salary of $95,000 – $110,000, commensurate with experience
- Fully paid health insurance for the 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 organization's 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 to ensure a balanced approach to productivity
- 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. Please submit:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Three references
- Legal writing sample
Application Deadline: Interviews conducted on a rolling basis.
Start Date: ASAP
The organization is an equal opportunity employer.
