Legal Clerk / Civil Rights Intern

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Position Type:

Summer Internship, Internship (Fall or Spring Part-Time), Winter/January Term Internship

Desired Major(s):

Arts and Humanities/American Studies, Behavioral and Social Sciences/Anthropology, Behavioral and Social Sciences/Government and Politics, Undergraduate Studies/Pre-Law, Journalism, Public Policy

Location:

Washington, District of Columbia (United States)

Description:

Legal interns at the Council on American-Islamic Relations handle a wide variety of work. Most of this work falls under two categories: (1) intake and case management of individual clients who have been the victims of religious discrimination and (2) research assistance on pending litigation.

(1) Case management: Interns take shifts handling the intake line for civil rights complaints. Interns are responsible for handling individual cases and performing advocacy short of litigation. For example, interns will work with victims of discrimination to draft letters and EEOC complaints.

(2) Research assistance: Interns write legal memos on topics connected to CAIR's pending civil rights litigation. For example, topics may include religious discrimination by law enforcement and the terror watchlist statutory regime. Interns will discuss their research with staff attorneys to help develop creative approaches to litigation.

About CAIR:

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, with regional offices nationwide and in Canada. The national headquarters is located on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

Since its establishment in 1994, CAIR has worked to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America. Through media relations, government relations, education and advocacy, CAIR puts forth an Islamic perspective to ensure the Muslim voice is represented. In offering this perspective, CAIR seeks to empower the American Muslim community and encourage their participation in political and social activism.

Job Function:

Administrative/Support Services, Communication, Research, Social Services

Approximate Hours Per Week:

10-20 hrs / week

Qualifications:

•All students interested in civil rights work are welcome to apply; preference given to 2Ls and 3Ls.

•Preference given to students who can devote 20 hours a week.

•Strong legal research and writing skills.

•Excellent interpersonal and phone skills.

•Interest in civil rights work and issues affecting the American Muslim community.

•Preference given to students who have taken constitutional law, administrative law, and federal courts.