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Disability Rights Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Immigration Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Conduct "Know Your Rights" presentations and community education workshops. * Advocate for ... Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key ...

Child, Youth & Family Advocacy, Community Development, Consumer Rights & Economic Justice ... disabilities, and people of all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexualities. We ...

Child, Youth & Family Advocacy, Community Development, Consumer Rights & Economic Justice ... disabilities, and people of all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexualities. We ...

Immigration Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Conduct "Know Your Rights" presentations and community education workshops. * Advocate for ... Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key ...

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Disability Rights Attorney information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$117.5K

$211.7K

How much do disability rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for disability rights attorney in California is $117,538.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Disability Rights Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Disability Rights Attorney, you need a law degree, active bar membership, and in-depth knowledge of disability law, such as the ADA and Section 504. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and courtroom procedures is typically required. Exceptional advocacy, empathy, and strong written and verbal communication skills help build trust with clients and influence legal outcomes. These skills are vital to effectively represent individuals with disabilities, ensure compliance, and drive systemic change.

What is the difference between Disability Rights Attorney vs Disability Advocate?

AspectDisability Rights AttorneyDisability Advocate
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseNo formal legal credentials required, but often experienced in disability issues
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, legal clinicsNonprofits, community organizations, advocacy groups
Employer & IndustryLegal industry, government agencies
Primary FocusLegal representation, litigation, legal advicePolicy advocacy, awareness campaigns, support services

Disability Rights Attorneys focus on legal representation and litigation to protect clients' rights, while Disability Advocates work on policy change and raising awareness without necessarily providing legal services. Both roles are vital in advancing disability rights but differ in their methods and credentials.

What does a Disability Rights Attorney do?

A Disability Rights Attorney is a legal professional who advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities. They work on cases involving discrimination, accessibility, education, employment, and public accommodations under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These attorneys may represent clients in court, negotiate settlements, and provide guidance on legal compliance. Their goal is to ensure that people with disabilities receive equal opportunities and are protected from unfair treatment.

What are some common challenges Disability Rights Attorneys face when advocating for clients?

Disability Rights Attorneys often encounter challenges related to complex and evolving regulations, balancing large caseloads, and navigating bureaucratic systems to secure accommodations and protections for clients. They may need to educate employers, schools, or public entities on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant laws. Additionally, building trust with clients—who may have experienced discrimination or systemic barriers—requires empathy, patience, and strong communication skills. Collaborating with social workers, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups is also a key part of the role.
What are popular job titles related to Disability Rights Attorney jobs in California? For Disability Rights Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Disability Rights Attorney jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Disability Rights Attorney jobs in California are:
Supervising Attorney - Impact Litigation (Hybrid)

Supervising Attorney - Impact Litigation (Hybrid)

Community Legal Aid SoCal

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Do you aspire to help communities thrive by shaping systemic solutions rooted in dignity, fairness, and collective well-being? If so, join our team!
The Supervising Attorney of the Systemic Impact Unit (SIU) will supervise the impact advocacy of CLA SoCal and our team of staff attorneys and paralegal. This full-time, hybrid, exempt position reports to the Director of Legal Services and can be based in any of our three offices: Compton, Norwalk, or Santa Ana. SIU seeks to effect meaningful social and legal change that benefits vulnerable low-income and historically marginalized communities in southeast Los Angeles and Orange Counties. SIU uses an array of tools-writs, appeals, impact litigation, and policy advocacy-to achieve the best possible outcomes for our client communities.
Responsibilities:
  • Identify systemic issues affecting our client communities and develop impact advocacy to address those issues, including through affirmative litigation and/or policy advocacy.
  • Develop and manage partnerships and co-counseling relationships with advocates, community partners, and pro bono partners in furtherance of SIU's work.
  • Lead case reviews and work collaboratively with staff to develop case strategies, best practices, and unit protocols for impact cases and policy initiatives.
  • Conduct trainings and outreach activities as necessary in support of SIU advocacies.
  • Represent CLA SoCal in the community, including via trainings, conferences, outreach activities, and media.
  • Collaborate with the Development Team to develop communication strategies connected to SIU advocacy.
  • In conjunction with the Director of Legal Services and Director of Pro Bono, recruit, train, and supervise SIU volunteer attorneys, fellows, and law students.
  • Supervise administrative staff, staff attorneys and paralegals within the unit, with flexibility to supervise staff in Orange County and Southeast Los Angeles County offices.
  • Co-counsel cases with unit attorneys as part of staff development and be responsible for training staff and overseeing their professional development.
  • Mentor, train, and support unit staff, including conducting monthly case reviews and completing annual evaluations and performance reviews.
  • Facilitate and conduct trainings, outreach, and community education for the unit, CLA SoCal, and partner organizations.
  • Participate in recruitment and engage in policy advocacy, coordinating with community partners to address and improve systemic issues.
  • Manage grant deliverables and assist in grant reporting requirements in collaboration with CLA SoCal Grants Management staff in order to maintain and secure funding.
  • Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Requirements
Education:
  • Juris Doctor and active license in good standing with the State Bar of California Bar or member of another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in complex litigation including impact litigation, writ litigation, and appellate advocacy.
  • Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and active insurance-or other ability to travel frequently within the service area.
  • Bilingual proficiency - Preferred.
  • Extensive litigation experience in State and/or Federal Court.
  • Experience co-counseling with pro bono and/or community partners.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and skill using litigation tools, including discovery, remedies, and all phases of motion and writ practice, as well as trial experience.
  • Experience and demonstrated interest in public interest litigation, impact litigation, complex litigation, appeals, writs, and/or policy advocacy, as well as substantive areas of law such as civil rights, constitutional law, poverty law, housing, disability rights, government benefits, family law, immigration, health, and/or consumer law.
  • Expertise in unit practice area and knowledge of legal research methods.
  • Experience managing, supervising, and mentoring.
  • High level of initiative and mature judgement in tackling multiple projects and tasks with limited supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Work, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and other software programs
  • Experience providing Trauma-Responsive/Informed services to clients.
  • Commitment to CLA SoCal's mission and values - Required.

Holistic Benefits:
  • May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
  • Hybrid Schedule
  • 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
  • 401(k) with employer contribution
  • Student loan reimbursement program
  • Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal:
Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.
Salary Description
$95,000.00 to $130,000.00 (Based on Experience)