Civil Rights Paralegal

Civil Rights Paralegal

Work Location: Anaheim, CA

Position Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time

Pay Range: $28 - $39/hour, commensurate with experience

Reports to: Civil Rights Managing Attorney

Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 3% employer-matched retirement plan, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days and 12 holidays, hybrid work schedule utilized temporarily.

About Us: Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate, and talented and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join the efforts.

About the Role: The Civil Rights Paralegal will play a vital role in supporting CAIR-LA's civil rights litigation efforts, case management, client intakes, and day to day operations. Working closely with attorneys and administrative staff, the paralegal's job duties include managing case files, conducting legal intakes, conducting legal research and writing, drafting pleadings and discovery, handling court filings in state and federal courts, and maintaining litigation and department calendars. This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented individual with strong civil litigation experience who can seamlessly step into active cases while also helping coordinate administrative functions within the department. The ideal candidate is passionate about civil rights and ready to contribute to high-impact legal work that defends the rights of marginalized communities.

Practice Areas: Civil Rights/Civil Liberties (Religious Freedom), Employment, National Security & Law Enforcement Practices, Public Accommodations, Prisoners' Rights, School Issues, Hate Crimes/Incidents, etc.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing legal administrative support to senior and managing attorneys including case data analysis and input, legal filings, document filings, mailing, scanning, copying, and other related tasks
• Coordinating and conducting legal intake requests, interviews, follow-ups, and responses; summarizing intake substance, and presenting recommendations for future action or referral
• Assisting on assigned litigation efforts, including preparing pleadings, motions, and briefs, propounding and responding to discovery, assisting with trial preparation, compiling exhibits, drafting witness lists, preparing subpoenas
• Communicating with outside parties, including courts, opposing counsel, experts, and other stakeholders or partners
• Performing legal research and writing, using computerized data base, online resources, and legal materials
• Drafting client correspondence, retainers, legal memoranda, and administrative filings (including FOIA requests, DHS TRIP applications, and other agency complaints under attorney supervision)
• Conducting document review and summary
• Maintaining the organization of the case management system of the civil rights department, including storing and organizing both electronic and physical documents, files, and folders
• Maintaining and organizing department inboxes, files, and documents, including electronic and physical mail, as well as department contact and referral lists
• Maintaining calendar system for deadlines and timely filing of extensions, pleadings, petitions, and applications
• Supporting legal mailing for the department
• Serving as a liaison to other groups and entities vital to the positive resolution of cases
• Providing clients with referrals to other services
• Conducting data reporting, generating department reports and statistics and reporting on a regular basis to internal and external sources, including as part of grant deliverables and reporting
• Providing additional support to civil rights staff as needed
• Organizing and engaging in special civil rights events, forums, and sensitivity trainings provided to the community
• Traveling for outreach including participating in community events and coalition meetings
• Assisting in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, fundraising, team building activities, staff recruitment, and other office tasks as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• Paralegal Certification from an ABA approved program
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in the areas of California and federal civil litigation, with a preference for civil rights or employment law experience
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Drafting complaints, answers, motions, discovery requests/ responses, and legal correspondence
  • Electronic court filing systems: California Courts and Federal Courts
  • Managing firm and court calendar, including litigation and filing deadlines
  • Legal research and writing
  • Minimum 3-5 years experience with client case management and client communications
  • Ability to manage and prioritize a caseload
  • Effective time management
  • Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and an ability to meet strict deadlines
  • Comfort working productively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills
  • High degree of self-motivation and creativity
  • Access to a working vehicle and the ability to drive throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area
  • A strong commitment to civil rights and CAIR's mission
• The ideal candidate will also possess the following preferred qualifications:
  • Working knowledge of civil rights litigation and civil rights statutes, both state and federal
  • Proficiency in Arabic and/or Urdu, Farsi, Dari
  • Experience working with (and/or strong familiarity with) the American Muslim community
  • A strong commitment to civil rights and CAIR's mission

TO APPLY: Submit cover letter and updated resume

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

Salary

• $28 - $39/hour