Disability Rights Advocates Jobs in Baltimore, MD

Managing or Assistant Managing Attorney- Full-Time
Location: Baltimore, MD, 21211

Experience you will need:

• J. D. Degree from an accredited law school; licensed to practice law in Maryland or admission to practice in Maryland after sitting for the next available Bar Exam;
• Demonstrated commitment to DRM’s core mission of advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities to self-determination, dignity, community integration, equal opportunity, and freedom from discrimination;
• A minimum of 5 years’ legal experience in positions of increasing responsibility. At least one year of experience providing direct supervision of legal work preferred;
• Experience working on advocacy and policy initiatives, and/or litigation;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate with DRM staff and colleagues in a team environment;
• Ability to motivate and direct team staff; and • Ability to travel within the State of Maryland.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of and experience with: Maryland landlord-tenant law, Maryland Access to Counsel in Evictions, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act; federally subsidized housing programs;
• Knowledge of public policy and legislative processes;
• Knowledge of laws, regulations and case law regarding disability discrimination;
• Experience in Maryland District and Circuit courts, and Federal courts;
• Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons with disabilities and from multi-ethnic communities;
• A demonstrated interest or background in public interest work, particularly related to disability rights issues;
• Life experience with a disability; and
• Fluency in American Sign Language or Spanish.

What you will be doing:

• Seeks a civil rights attorney to promote and advance the human and legal rights of people with disabilities as a leader with our Housing team 
• This position is part of management team and directly supervises the legal work of staff attorneys, paralegals and advocates.
• Responsibilities include mentoring, supervising and supporting the professional development of supervised staff. 
• This positions also supports reporting and compliance requirements for companies programs, including preparation and submission of grant reports with other members of the leadership team.
• The managing attorney or assistant managing attorney will supervise and support our team of 2 advocates and 2-4 attorneys, representing clients with disabilities to prevent evictions, investigating fair housing violations, and monitoring compliance with settlement agreements.
• The managing attorney or assistant managing attorney will also develop strategies to achieve long-term organization goals using litigation, individual representation, advocacy, legislative initiatives, policy analysis, coalition building, and other strategies.
• Possibility of some remote work if desired. Travel throughout the State of Maryland may be required.

Responsibilities Include: 

• Programmatic Management & Administration
• Participate as part of the DRM management team in the planning and execution of DRM goals and objectives, including long-range planning, legislative and administrative
• education and technical assistance, public and media relations, budgetary planning, and staffing;
• Collaborate with external coalitions, organizations, associations, etc., to advance DRM’s advocacy initiatives;
• Supervise maintenance of program information necessary for grant reports, audits, applications, etc., and have first and primary responsibility for writing and submitting all
• required grant applications and program performance reports within the team; and
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or her designee. 

Supervision of Legal Work:

• Provide supervision for attorneys, advocates and paralegals;
• Provide substantive guidance, consultation, and technical assistance to staff as needed;
• Monitor and review the team’s work to ensure quality, and evaluate staff performance.
• Individual Casework
• Managing and Assistant Managing Attorneys also may engage in individual casework and other advocacy initiatives.

What is it for you:

• Nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities in Maryland.
• They provide free legal advocacy assistance to individuals of all ages with various types of disabilities.
• works to create a more integrated and just society by ensuring equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.
• outstanding benefit packages and a people-first work environment
• Stable, growing company with tremendous opportunity for career advancement
• Competitive compensation and benefits