Job description
Our Civil Rights Department handles cases that range from prejudiced gestures to full-blown discrimination. Our clients are Muslims, as well as members from other faith communities who have had Islam imputed upon them.
Law Clerks and interns assist in several projects that highlight distinct civil rights issues that range from citizenship delays to securing the rights of Muslims to practice their religion freely in the public sphere, schools, places of employment, prisons, and other institutions.
INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION
Law Clerks will work closely with the Civil Rights Director, Litigation Director, and/or Staff Attorney on resolving cases of discrimination reported to CAIR-Chicago. Law Clerkships are ONLY open to students who are currently enrolled in a J.D. or L.L.M. program, or who have completed one of these programs. The position is unpaid; however, we feature fellowships through partner organizations, such as the renowned Public Interest Law Interest (PILI) fellowship for recent law school graduates studying for the state bar exam. This is a paid fellowship. Click here to apply for the PILI Graduate Fellowship, all candidates MUST submit their application through PILI’s online application system.
In order to ensure that each Law Clerk’s experience is maximized, each Civil Rights team member will be required to develop and train in the following core specialties:
1. Intake Processing
2. Legal & Policy Research
3. Administrative Assistance
Essential duties and responsibilities may include (but are not limited to) the following:
• Assist in documenting incidents of religious discrimination by counseling and interviewing complainants regarding their incidents
• Research laws and policies on employment, student conduct, immigration procedures, criminal offenses, and other relevant areas
• Assist in maintaining the Civil Rights Online Center
• Update databases containing information about abuses reported to CAIR-Chicago
• For those proficient in languages commonly spoken by Muslim communities (Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, Spanish), assist in translating for complainants and translating documents
Additional Legal Responsibilities for Law Clerks:
• Produce legal writings, including drafting arguments, memoranda, complaints, and discovery materials
• Assist in representing complainants in dispute resolution, EEOC mediation, and in the preparation and filing of complaints and lawsuits
• Those who are qualified and have obtained an Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711 License may also represent individual complainants in court proceedings under attorney supervision
Qualifications:
• An original writing sample (maximum 15 pages) meeting legal writing standards; any legal topic may be addressed, can be related to CAIR-Chicago’s scope on civil rights and advocacy.
• Organized and able to manage multiple ongoing and newly assigned tasks
• Excellent written communication skills and a commitment to serving the community
Civil Rights Law Clerks are required to commit 20 hours per week during the Summer session and 15 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters.
To apply, please (1) complete the application: www.cairchicago.org/internship-application, (2) email a cover letter, relevant writing sample(s) (limited to 15 pages), and resume to Legal Director, Heena Musabji at hmusabji@cair.com, and (3) CC outreach@cairchicago.org.
