Managing Civil Rights Litigation Attorney

The Opportunity

Position Title: Managing Civil Rights Litigation Attorney

Department: Civil Rights

Location: Anaheim, CA

Reports To: CAIR-LA Legal Director

Classification: Exempt

Status: Full-Time , occasional evening and weekends required

Compensation : $ 125,000- $150,000 / annually commensurate with skills and experience

Join the team behind the mission

Every day, people across California turn to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California ( CAIR-CA ) when they face discrimination, threats to their civil rights, or challenges to their freedom to practice their faith . As the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in California, we protect constitutional rights, advance justice, and empower communiti es through legal advocacy, public policy, civic engagement, and education.

Since 1994, that work has been made possible by a dedicated team committed to serving individuals, families, and communities across California. Behind every case, campaign , and initiative are people working together to create meaningful change.

Whether you serve clients directly or support our mission behind the scenes, your work helps build a more just, inclusive, and equitable California.

Why CAIR-CA

Meaningful Work : Your work directly contributes to protecting civil rights, advancing justice, and strengthening communities throughout California.

Collaborative Culture : Team members value respect, teamwork, innovation, and continuous learning.

Professional Growth : We support your development through mentorship and opportunities to expand your skills and impact.

Purpose-Driven Environment : Colleagues create meaningful change and serv e communities with dedication and integrity.

Statewide Impact : No matter your role, your contributions advance CAIR-CA's mission and create lasting impact throughout California .

How You'll Make an Impact

As a key member of the CAIR-LA legal team, you will use your civil litigation expertise to develop and lead strategic litigation that protects civil rights, advances justice, and addresses systemic issues affecting the American Muslim community. You will have the opportunity to shape litigation strategies, take on complex and meaningful cases, and help establish legal precedents that create lasting impact beyond individual clients.

Yo u will identify emerging legal issues and opportunities for strategic litigation that advance CAIR-CA's mission and priorities. Your work will span a broad range of civil rights matters, which may include:

• Student free speech and First Amendment rights

• Constitutional violations

• Employment discrimination and religious accommodation

• Federal and state civil rights claims

• National security and law enforcement practices

• Prisoners' rights

• Grade-school bullying

• Hate crimes and incidents

• Beyond the courtroom, you will collaborate with colleagues across Policy and Advocacy, Communications, and Development to amplify the impact of litigation and help turn individual cases into broader advocacy and systemic change. You will also contribute to public education and community engagement, helping individuals understand and exercise their rights

In this role, you will do the following:

• Lead strategic litigation: Develop, lead, and manage complex litigation addressing systemic issues affecting the California Muslim community, from case assessment and strategy through resolution, settlement, and trial when appropriate .

• Shape litigation strategy: Identify emerging legal issues and potential cases with the opportunity to create meaningful, lasting impact, while ensuring litigation priorities align with CAIR-CA's mission and strategic goals.

• Develop compelling cases: Conduct sophisticated factual and legal research and analysis to evaluate potential claims, develop legal theories, assess litigation risks, and build strong cases.

• Manage cases from start to finish: Lead all stages of litigation, including interviewing clients and witnesses, developing case strategy, preparing pleadings and discovery, drafting and arguing motions, handling settlement negotiations, and preparing cases for trial when necessary.

• Produce high-quality legal work: Draft persuasive and strategic legal documents, including memoranda, demand letters, pleadings, motions, discovery, briefs, and other litigation-related materials.

• Lead and mentor a legal team: Provide direction, mentorship, and oversight to attorneys, fellows, paralegals, clerks, interns, coordinators, and other team members supporting litigation and civil rights efforts.

• Help build the litigation program: Strengthen the systems, policies, procedures, and practices needed to expand and sustain CAIR-CA's strategic litigation capacity.

• Collaborate across the organization: Partner with Policy and Advocacy, Communications, Development, and other departments to maximize the legal, advocacy, and community impact of litigation.

• Build strong external partnerships: Work effectively with co-counsel and community partners.

• Represent CAIR-CA publicly: Participate in press conferences, public statements, community events, coalition meetings, and other opportunities to communicate the significance of legal victories and emerging civil rights issues.

• Educate and empower the community: Help community members understand and exercise their rights through public speaking, community presentations, know-your-rights education, and distribution of educational materials.

• Engage with communities across California: Travel as needed for litigation, community outreach, coalition meetings, and other matters that advance CAIR-CA's legal and advocacy mission.

• Contribute to the broader mission: Support additional legal, advocacy, and organizational initiatives as needed and contribute to the shared responsibilities that help CAIR-CA serve its communities effectively.

• Other duties as assigned, dependent on organizational needs and employee skills. All CAIR staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, and other office tasks.  *

What You Brin g

Required Qualifications

• Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited school

• Active member of California State Bar in good standing

• At least 8 years of exper ience in civil litigation, in state and/or federal court, preferably in areas such as anti-discrimination matters, civil rights, constitutional violations, free speech, employment law, religious discrimination, national security and law enforcement practices, prisoners' rights, and /or student rights

• At least three years of experience supervising legal professionals

• Ability to develop and litigate cases independently

• Strong commitment to advancing the work and mission of CAIR-CA

• Demonstrated commitment to the cause of social justice, civil liberties, and civil rights

• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking experience

• S trong project and time management skills, including a high level of organization, attention to detail and follow-through, while balancing and prioritizing multiple activities and responsibilities

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with outstanding attention to detail

• Comfort working productively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

• Experience working with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds

• Access to a working vehicle and the ability to drive throughout Greater Los Angeles /Or ange County

• Willingness to travel within Southern California as well as to other parts of the state

• High degree of self-motivation and self-discipline

• Basic computer proficiency including knowledge of Office 365, OneDrive, Lexis and/or Westlaw

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of cloud applications such as SharePoint, Office365, and social media applications

What You'll Gain

At CAIR-CA, we believe our employees are essential to advancing our mission. We strive to provide a workplace where employees can grow professionally while doing meaningful work.

Depending on eligibility, our benefits include:

• Competitive C ompensation

• Hybrid Work Schedules

• Generous Time Off: 12 P aid H olidays, 10 S ick D ays, and 12 V acation D ays

• Comprehensive Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees and dependents

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match

• Perks:

• Professional development opportunities

• Paid parental leave

• Employee Assistance Program

• Sabbatical Leave

How to Apply

We encourage interested candidates to apply early. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To apply, please submit :

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and why you are a strong fit for the role

• A current resume

• A brief writing sample

• The names and contact information for three professional references

Application Deadline: November 20, 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer

CAIR-CA is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

• Empowering American Muslims. Protecting Civil Rights. Promoting Justice. *