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Disability Rights Attorney Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Tenants' Rights Attorney

New York, NY · Hybrid

$85K - $90K/yr

Tenants Rights Attorney Department: Legal, Organizing, & Advocacy Unit: Organizing and Group ... NMIC offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance ...

Tenants' Rights Attorney

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Tenants' Rights Attorney Department: Legal, Organizing, & Advocacy Unit: Organizing and Group ... NMIC offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance ...

Civil Rights Paralegal

New York, NY · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Our attorneys regularly collaborate with advocacy organizations, provide community education, and contribute to policy initiatives that shape the future of disability rights. At Eisenberg & Baum, we ...

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Disability Rights Attorney information

See New York salary details

$50.9K

$130.3K

$234.7K

How much do disability rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for disability rights attorney in New York is $130,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,900.00 and $169,600.00 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 New York? For Disability Rights Attorney jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Disability Rights Attorney jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Disability Rights Attorney jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Disability Rights Attorney jobs? Cities in New York with the most Disability Rights Attorney job openings:
Tenants' Rights Attorney

Tenants' Rights Attorney

NMIC

New York, NY • Hybrid

$85K - $90K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

AGENCY BACKGROUND:

Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization founded in 1979 that has grown into a leading multi-service agency with over 140 staff serving New York City with a focus on upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of the people in our community on their paths to secure and prosperous futures. Integration is the cornerstone of NMICs programs, and our staff can identify and address a broad array of immediate needs through comprehensive crisis intervention services. With their crises resolved, clients move seamlessly to capacity building services through our holistic programs designed to transition individuals and families to self-sufficiency.

  • Our Legal, Organizing, Advocacy, and Weatherization programs meet community members

basic needs including housing, immigration, benefits/finance, and health.

  • Our Education and Career Services programs support community members as they develop the practical tools necessary to build secure and prosperous futures

Job Title: Tenants Rights Attorney

Department: Legal, Organizing, & Advocacy

Unit: Organizing and Group Advocacy Unit

Reports to: Managing Attorney for Organizing and Group Advocacy Location:

Main Office: 45 Wadsworth Avenue, New York, NY 10033

FLSA Status: Exempt

Model: Hybrid, averaging 3 days per week in office/field/court

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

NMICs Tenants Rights Attorney works with our highly skilled and experienced interdisciplinary legal and tenant organizing team. This position requires advocacy in housing matters including representation in Bronx & Manhattan Housing Courts, administrative hearings, benefits advocacy, and supreme court and appellate practice with proven approaches to affordable housing retention, community stabilization, and repair/maintenance issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide legal representation and advocacy to clients with housing issues with a focus on group advocacy and affirmative litigation, including representation in housing court, administrative venues, supreme court, and appellate litigation.
  • Work with organizing and group advocacy unit staff and tenant organizers to provide representation in possible group or class action cases.
  • Participate in community-based initiatives on housing issues.
  • Provide clients with benefits advocacy.
  • Collaboratively develop approaches to affordable housing retention.
  • Attend Tenant Association meetings as needed, including in the evening
  • Maintain daily and consistent case notes and status updates in NMICs proprietary database.
  • Organize and maintain client files in compliance with grant requirements.

Additional tasks may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • J.D. Law Degree/LL.B. with admission to the New York State Bar or willingness to take exam.
  • Relevant housing and court experience preferred.
  • Experience working with similar populations in a community-based setting strongly preferred.
  • Ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
  • Strong verbal and writing skills in English.
  • Bilingual skills in English/Spanish are preferred but not required.

SALARY/BENEFITS:

BENEFITS: NMIC offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance; paid time off consisting of 20 vacation days, 15 sick days, 5 personal days, 11 agency holidays, plus the week off from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day; a 401k with agency contribution; and other benefits.

Salary range: $85,000 - $90,000

NMIC IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

NMIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds to apply for employment. Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements. A combination of education and experience will be considered unless specifically stated otherwise.