Disability Rights Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)

At Disability Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below, we’ve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.

Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
• Interview questions are provided prior to the interview
• Extended interview time
• A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
• Adjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants,)
• Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: talent@disabilityrightsca.org . Please note: resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

LOCATION:

Remote (Must Live in California)

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Exempt; Regular; Full-time

SALARY RANGE:

$89,435-130,958 annually – Band 12 (Step A-J)

As part of our commitment to internal equity, salary offers are determined through a structured analysis that considers each candidate’s relevant education and years of substantially similar experience for the position. We review the candidate’s resume to assess relevant experience in relation to current employees in comparable roles. This process ensures our compensation decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with organizational equity standards.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

• 8% Match – 401K
• Health benefits (HMO options)
• Additional Benefits: dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Health Reimbursement Accounts for some HMO Plans. Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Teladoc
• We offer ample vacation, Sick / Self Care time and holidays (including the last week in December)
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.

INTERNAL CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY

• Regular employees
• Meet the minimum requirements of the position for which they are applying
• Employed for more than 6 months
• In good standing

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Open until filled. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE) Practice Group is a statewide team consisting of committed advocates and attorneys who work together to empower, educate, and advocate for Californians with disabilities. We use a variety of advocacy tools, including individual representation, advocacy projects, and outreach. We provide training and self-advocacy workshops, advice and assistance on the intake hotline, coordinate and implement community-based legal clinics, provide short-term and direct advocacy on limited legal issues, and organize community members for future systemic litigation by Disability Rights California. Our staff are as diverse as the communities we seek to serve and are committed to reaching and empowering underrepresented and underserved communities.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Supervising Attorney works collaboratively with the ACE Supervision Team and other DRC staff. As part of the Supervisory team, the person in this role will oversee and manage intake, outreach and limited short-term assistance to ensure that DRC provides the best services possible and satisfies the grant deliverables and requirements. This position reports to the Managing Attorney and may oversee the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

DRC provides reasonable disability accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Supervising Attorney essential functions include:

Supervision – 70%

· Supervise attorneys and advocates, including workload management, training, mentoring, and monitoring staff.

· Lead a work team with emphasis on assisting the team in developing and implementing strategies to accomplish team goals.

· Ensure that all work complies with grant requirements and meets procedural and quality standards, including proper handling of personally identifiable information.

· Conduct at least weekly teleconferences with attorneys and advocates regarding work.

· Respond to inquiries and complaints concerning services.

· Train attorneys, advocates, clients and others in substantive disability rights law.

Support – 20%

· Collaborate with ACE Supervision Team to lead and/or assist in ACE projects and work, including leading hiring teams.

· Coordinate with colleagues to maximize resources and promote quality client services.

· Conduct quality assurance reviews of casework and outreach on a regular periodic basis.

· Compile reports by supervisees for submission to LAU Director in support of LAU’s grant reporting obligations.

Community-based advocacy – 10%

· Perform outreach and support and monitor supervisee outreach efforts to traditionally underserved communities.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The position directly supervises multiple attorneys and/or advocates and reports to a Managing Attorney, Associate Director, or Director. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the agency's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include to interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; monitor and manage employee performance and job satisfaction; address complaints and resolve problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

(Applicants MUST meet EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

- Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) or equivalent, and membership in the California State Bar.

- 7 years of experience practicing law; or internal candidates who have worked at DRC for three continuous years and have 6 years of experience practicing law.

- Demonstrated commitment – through lived experience and/or employment history – to working with people with disabilities and low-income clients and incorporating race equity and community lawyering principles into their work.

- 2 years of experience successfully leading, developing, mentoring, or supervising law clerks, attorneys, or advocates.

- Expertise in one or more substantive areas of law related to the position

- 2 years of successfully leading multiple advocacy projects, such as intake/outreach projects, administrative proceedings, writs, or single client lawsuits.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

(Applicants DO NOT have to meet any of the Desirable Qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

- Able to communicate fluently in American Sign Language or other non-English language.

- Experience in client representation particularly in public interest and civil rights law.

- Experience with advocacy for D/deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.

- Experience with pro per legal clinics.

- Project management and supervision experience.

- Experience in the disability rights movement and/or extensive contacts in the disability community.

- Experience with and/or extensive contacts in ethnic or language distinct communities.

- Familiarity and/or extensive contacts with one or more of the following: Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel routinely, up to 25% of the time, for activities such as hearings or trial, client visits, team meetings, education, training, or outreach activities. More travel may be required to meet client, program, or funder requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability related reasonable accommodations. Duties are performed between an office or home environment and the field in a wide range of settings, including health care facilities; in client, group, or family homes; community agencies; or in community-based outpatient settings; courthouses, facilities, or other institutional settings.

- Work areas are often noisy.

- Duties require regular communications over online platforms.

- Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, training, and community events.