Civil Rights Paralegal

Civil Rights Paralegal Work Location: Anaheim, CAPosition Status: Non-Exempt, Full TimePay Range: $28 - $39/hour, commensurate with experience Reports to: Civil Rights Managing AttorneyGenerous 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 & RESPONSIBILITIESProviding 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 referralAssisting 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 subpoenasCommunicating with outside parties, including courts, opposing counsel, experts, and other stakeholders or partnersPerforming 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 foldersMaintaining and organizing department inboxes, files, and documents, including electronic and physical mail, as well as department contact and referral listsMaintaining calendar system for deadlines and timely filing of extensions, pleadings, petitions, and applications Supporting legal mailing for the departmentServing as a liaison to other groups and entities vital to the positive resolution of casesProviding clients with referrals to other servicesConducting 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 reportingProviding additional support to civil rights staff as neededOrganizing 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 meetingsAssisting in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, fundraising, team building activities, staff recruitment, and other office tasks as requiredQUALIFICATIONSParalegal Certification from an ABA approved programMinimum 3-5 years of experience in the areas of California and federal civil litigation, with a preference for civil rights or employment law experienceDemonstrated experience with:Drafting complaints, answers, motions, discovery requests/ responses, and legal correspondenceElectronic court filing systems: California Courts and Federal CourtsManaging firm and court calendar, including litigation and filing deadlinesLegal research and writingMinimum 3-5 years experience with client case management and client communicationsAbility to manage and prioritize a caseloadEffective time managementAttention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and an ability to meet strict deadlinesComfort working productively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environmentExcellent verbal and written communications skills High degree of self-motivation and creativityAccess to a working vehicle and the ability to drive throughout the Greater Los Angeles AreaA strong commitment to civil rights and CAIR's missionThe ideal candidate will also possess the following preferred qualifications:Working knowledge of civil rights litigation and civil rights statutes, both state and federalProficiency in Arabic and/or Urdu, Farsi, Dari Experience working with (and/or strong familiarity with) the American Muslim communityA strong commitment to civil rights and CAIR's missionTO APPLY: Submit cover letter and updated resumeEqual Employment Opportunity: CAIR-CA is an equal-opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.