DESCRIPTION
Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization for first-hand experience working on a wide range of cases, serving clients from diverse backgrounds. Law clerks have the opportunity to assist in providing direct services to individuals impacted by discrimination and work on projects that highlight distinct civil rights issues ranging from immigration assistance (e.g., naturalization, adjustment of status, asylum and benefits delay), interacting with local and federal law enforcement and securing the rights of Muslims to practice their religion freely in the public sphere, schools, places of employment, prisons, and other institutions.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct intakes by communicating with and counseling a diverse group of callers and maintain detailed records of all communications
- Research discrimination, constitutional, employment, immigration, and national security laws to support representation of and advocacy for clients
- Legal writing including, but not limited to, drafting complaints, letters, and memos
- Communicate with administrative agencies, attorneys, employers, and others
- Participate in outreach efforts during religious services and community events as well as through CAIR’s Know Your Rights workshops and Citizenship Clinics
- Undertake term-long research and advocacy projects focusing on a host of issues such as prisoners’ rights, student bullying, law enforcement surveillance, travel complaints, unemployment insurance assistance, and immigration reform
- Compile and organize data for legal department projects
All CAIR law clerks are required to assist in general duties such as outreach, answering phones, and other office tasks. CAIR law clerks will be asked to participate in events outside of normal business hours.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Current law students enrolled in a J.D./L.L.M. program, or those who have completed one of these programs and are looking for a post-bar opportunity
- Past experience or interest in working with diverse clients who have faced discrimination
- Sound legal research, analytical, and writing skills. One semester of legal research and writing preferred
- Demonstrated time management and multitasking abilities
- Ability to work independently, handle concurrent assignments, and meet deadlines
- Supportive of CAIR’s mission
While CAIR-DFW does not compensate law clerks, we encourage candidates to apply for funding through scholarships and/or fellowships. For more information, contact your law school career services office.
Clerkships typically last from 10-12 weeks depending on the student’s academic calendar. Hours for an academic term clerkship are 10-15 hours per week (Fall/Spring) and 30-35 hours for a summer clerkship.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, email a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references to