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Disability Rights Attorney Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Equip For Equality Inc.

Staff Attorney

Chicago, IL

$69K - $87K/yr

... the human and civil rights of people with disabilities across Illinois. Among our many ... Our dedicated staff of over 40 attorneys, social workers, and administrative staff work every day ...

Equip for Equality

Staff Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$69K - $87K/yr

... the human and civil rights of people with disabilities across Illinois. Among our many ... Our dedicated staff of over 40 attorneys, social workers, and administrative staff work every day ...

Sterling Lawyers

Associate Attorney

Naperville, IL

Short and Long-Term Disability The Culture: * Flexibility in work time and space * Learning ... client's rights and best interests. * Ability to delegate to the support team and mentor less ...

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All JobsDisability Rights Attorney JobsDisability Rights Attorney Jobs in Illinois

Disability Rights Attorney information

See Illinois salary details

$45.1K

$115.4K

$207.9K

How much do disability rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for disability rights attorney in Illinois is $115,408.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,100.00 and $150,200.00 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 Illinois? For Disability Rights Attorney jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Disability Rights Attorney jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Disability Rights Attorney jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Disability Rights Attorney jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Disability Rights Attorney job openings:
Disability Rights Attorney jobs near you
Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney

Equip For Equality Inc.

Chicago, IL

$69K - $87K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description

 For 40 years, Equip for Equality has been advancing the human and civil rights of people with disabilities across Illinois. Among our many accomplishments, Equip for Equality has made Chicago public transportation more accessible, helped tens of thousands of people with disabilities move from institutions into the community, increased inclusive education and educational outcomes for students with disabilities, and enhanced safety and quality of care in a variety of settings. We have offices throughout Illinois.


Equip for Equality has three teams: the Civil Rights Team, the Special Education Clinic, and the Independent Monitoring Unit. Our dedicated staff of over 40 attorneys, social workers, and administrative staff work every day to advance our mission. As we work to improve society's inclusion of individuals with disabilities, we also strive to be a welcoming workplace.


Equip for Equality's Civil Rights Team is hiring an experienced attorney to work in the community integration self-determination practice group. The work in this practice group involves advocacy and litigation promoting community integration to support individuals to live in the most integrated community setting; protecting the right to be free from abuse and neglect; advancing individuals' legal rights in institutions and community settings; and promoting self-determination and personal decision-making in the context of guardianship and other forms of substituted decision-making

Requirements

Required Experience:

  • A law degree from an accredited law school.
  • A license to practice law in Illinois, or admission to the Illinois State Bar, within one year of employment.
  • A minimum of two years of legal practice.
  • Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and disability rights.
  • Strong written and oral communication and organizational skills, including for effective advocacy, collaborative work, litigation, and strategic planning.
  • Creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving approaches.
  •  Ability to work collaboratively on a team as well as to self-direct.


Preferred Experience:

  • Experience working with people with disabilities.
  • Fluency in Spanish
  • Understanding of Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers and guardianship laws.

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