Apply Now: CAIR-TX DFW Seeks Civil Rights Law Clerks
CAIR-TX DFW Civil Rights department is seeking law students (2L, 3L or recent graduates)
Location: Council on American-Islamic Relations – Texas Dallas-Fort Worth office (CAIR-TX DFW)
Description:
CAIR-TX DFW is a local office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). CAIR is the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights organization and was established to promote an accurate image of Islam and Muslims in America. CAIR-TX DFW’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance. The Civil Rights Department counsels, mediates, and advocates on behalf of Muslims and others who have experienced religious discrimination, defamation, or hate crimes. The department works to protect and defend the constitutional rights of Muslims to freely practice their religion and be treated in a non-discriminatory manner.
The civil rights clerkship program provides law school students and recent law graduates with the skills, knowledge, and exposure required to handle contemporary civil rights issues affecting the American Muslim community. Clerks will be exposed to assisting victims of hate crimes and incidents, issues relating to FBI and law enforcement overreach, employment discrimination, public accommodation, First Amendment, equal protection, and procedural due process issues.
Qualifications
Applicants should have completed their first year of law school. Applicants who have already taken a course in Constitutional Law are preferred for the Civil Rights Clerkship. Candidates must possess a passion for social justice and poverty related issues, as well as sensitivity to working with people from diverse backgrounds. Special consideration will be given to students who have a demonstrated commitment to serving low income or disadvantaged communities. Students who speak Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Urdu, or Spanish are encouraged to apply. CAIR-TX DFW welcomes and gives preference to students who can commit to more hours than the required minimum, indicated below.
Law Student Requirements:
Law clerks will work closely with Attorneys in representing complainants who have experienced various forms of religious discrimination. The ideal law clerk will possess excellent oral and written communication skills and an interest in protecting civil liberties in the United States.
All positions are unpaid. Clerks are expected to work at least 15 hours a week during Spring and Fall terms, and 20 hours a week during the Summer term. Clerks may receive course credit, depending on their law school’s program.
To Apply:
When applying, indicate whether you have a specific interest in civil rights or immigrants’ rights work.
Please submit a copy of your resume, cover letter, a list of at least two references and writing sample to:
Interested applicants should submit their resume, legal writing sample, cover letter to Executive Director Faizan Syed via email at: