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First Amendment Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CAIR LA

Civil Rights Legal Fellow

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... First Amendment rights, the rights of incarcerated individuals to religious accommodations, school bullying, equal protection, and procedural due process issues.The position will remain open until ...

NEWSWELL

General Manager, Times of San Diego

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity and champion First Amendment principles. * Oversee print, newsletters, social media channels, website operations and future audience engagement ...

Asuep

General Manager, Times of San Diego

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity and champion First Amendment principles. * Oversee print, newsletters, social media channels, website operations and future audience engagement ...

CAIR LA

Civil Rights Legal Fellow

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... First Amendment rights, the rights of incarcerated individuals to religious accommodations, school bullying, equal protection, and procedural due process issues. The position will remain open until ...

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First Amendment information

What is the difference between First Amendment vs Paralegal?

AspectFirst AmendmentParalegal
Required CredentialsNone; constitutional knowledge beneficialAssociate's degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentLegal settings, government, advocacy groupsLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Industry UsageLegal, government, advocacyLegal support, research, document preparation

The First Amendment refers to constitutional rights protecting free speech, religion, and assembly, often discussed in legal and advocacy contexts. A paralegal is a legal support professional assisting attorneys with research, documentation, and case preparation. While both operate within the legal industry, the First Amendment is a constitutional concept, whereas a paralegal is a job role supporting legal processes.

What are some common challenges faced by First Amendment lawyers when handling cases involving freedom of speech?

First Amendment lawyers often navigate complex legal and ethical challenges, particularly when balancing the right to free speech with other societal interests such as public safety, national security, or the prevention of hate speech. They must stay current with evolving jurisprudence, as court decisions frequently refine the boundaries of protected speech. Additionally, these attorneys regularly collaborate with clients, courts, and sometimes advocacy organizations to build persuasive arguments while managing intense public scrutiny. The work can involve both litigation and advisory roles, requiring strong research, writing, and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Amendment lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Amendment lawyer, you need expertise in constitutional law, strong research and writing abilities, and a Juris Doctor degree with bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and experience with court filing systems are typically required. Excellent oral advocacy, analytical thinking, and negotiation skills help set top performers apart in this field. These qualifications are essential for effectively defending clients’ rights and navigating the complex legal landscape of free speech and related issues.

What is a First Amendment lawyer?

First Amendment lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in issues related to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects freedoms such as speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. They represent clients in cases involving free speech rights, freedom of religion, and censorship, often defending individuals, journalists, organizations, or media outlets. These lawyers may work in private practice, for nonprofit organizations, or as part of advocacy groups, and they play a crucial role in upholding constitutional liberties.
What are popular job titles related to First Amendment jobs in California? For First Amendment jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Amendment jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for First Amendment jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for First Amendment jobs? Cities in California with the most First Amendment job openings:
First Amendment jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Amendment job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Civil Rights Senior Litigation/Staff Attorney

CAIR LA

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Work Location: Anaheim, CA
Term: Full-time, occasional evening and weekends required
Position Status: Exempt
Reports to: Civil Rights Managing Attorney
Salary: $100,000 to $130,000 commensurate with skills and experience
Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 401(k) plan with an employer match, 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 of California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate, 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 these efforts.
About the role: The Los Angeles office of CAIR (CAIR-LA) is looking for a candidate with extensive civil litigation experience to develop and litigate cases that will address systematic issues facing the American Muslim community. Anticipated litigation matters that this position will handle will vary and may include issues of: Student Free Speech, First Amendment Issues, Constitutional Violations, Employment Discrimination, Religious Accommodation, Federal and State Civil Rights Claims, National Security & Law Enforcement Practices, Prisoners' Rights, Grade School Bullying, Hate Crimes/Incidents, etc. The position will work closely with the Civil Rights Managing Attorney and Legal Director to identify, develop, and fulfill key litigation goals. This position will also participate in advocacy, campaigns, and public education.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Identify, develop, lead and manage litigation efforts that involve various legal claims that address systematic issues impacting the American Muslim community.
  • Review and investigate an array of legal intakes brought by an incredibly diverse community to identify intakes most suitable for impact litigation.
  • Conduct factual and legal analysis and research as part of the identification of viable legal claims, theories, and the development of viable litigation.
  • Identify litigation opportunities, in line with CAIR-LA's Civil Rights Department strategic objectives and ensure timely and effective representation of clients.
  • Lead litigation matters through all steps of litigation including, but not limited to, interviewing witnesses and potential clients, preparing pleadings, discovery, motions, briefs, oral arguments, settlement, and trial if necessary.
  • Legal writing including, but not limited to, drafting memoranda, demand letters, pleadings, affidavits, motions, discovery, briefs, and other litigation-related documents.
  • Conduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation matters.
  • Assist in managing support staff including attorneys, fellows, paralegals, clerks, interns, and coordinators who are supporting CAIR-LA's litigation efforts.
  • Coordinate with other CAIR-LA departments including Policy and Advocacy, Communications, and Development to ensure maximum impact of the position's work
  • Communicate with outside parties such as co-counsel, employers, law enforcement agents, administrative agencies, media contacts, etc.
  • Participate in press conferences regarding legal filings and relevant issues.
  • Travel for outreach including participating in community events and coalition meetings.
  • Assist efforts to educate and empower community members on their rights through public speaking, community presentations and material distributions
  • Support and complete other legal and advocacy projects or duties as assigned
  • All CAIR staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, fundraising, and other office tasks as required

Qualifications:
  • Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited school
  • California State Bar admission
  • 5-7+ years of experience in civil litigation, in state and/or federal court, preferably in areas such as anti-discrimination matters, civil rights, constitutional violations, free speech, employment law, religious discrimination, national security and law enforcement practices, prisoners' rights, and student rights.
  • Ability to develop and litigate cases independently.
  • Strong commitment to advancing the work and mission of CAIR and American-Muslim empowerment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the cause of social justice, civil liberties, and civil rights.
  • Excellent research, writing and analytical skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking experience.
  • Extremely strong project and time management skills, including a high level of organization, attention to detail and follow-through, while balancing and prioritizing multiple activities and responsibilities.
  • Strong time management skills with a demonstrated ability for meeting deadlines.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills with outstanding attention to detail.
  • Comfort working productively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Experience working with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Access to a working vehicle and the ability to drive throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area.
  • Willingness to travel within Southern California as well as occasionally to other parts of the state.
  • High degree of self-motivation and self-discipline.
  • Basic computer proficiency including knowledge of Office 365, OneDrive, Lexis and/or WestLaw.
  • Knowledge of cloud applications such as SharePoint, Office365, and social media applications (preferred).
  • Conversational proficiency in Arabic, Farsi or Urdu (preferred but not required).

TO APPLY: Please submit (1) cover letter discussing your interest in the position, (2) your resume, (3) the names and contact information of three references via the link below.
Equal Employment Opportunity: CAIR-CA is an equal-opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

Apply