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Disability Rights Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Morgan & Morgan, P.A.

Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

... rights. Our over 6,000 employees are all united by one mission: For the People. Summary We are ... disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or ...

Agnello & Rogers

Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$124 - $140/hr

... rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international ... Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform ...

Robert Half

Attorney/Lawyer

Palos Heights, IL · On-site

$47.50 - $55/hr

Federal civil rights experience is preferred but not required. The pay range for this position is ... disability insurance. Hired contract/contract professionals are also eligible to enroll in our ...

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All JobsDisability Rights Attorney JobsDisability Rights Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL

Disability Rights Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.9K

$122.7K

$221K

How much do disability rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for disability rights attorney in Chicago, IL is $122,688.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $159,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Disability Rights Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Disability Rights Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Disability Rights Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Disability Rights Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Disability Rights Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Disability Rights Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,688 per year, or $59 per hour.

Senior Attorney or Partner, Civil Rights Litigation

Romanucci & Blandin

Chicago, IL • On-site

$135 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage all aspects of civil rights litigation, including pre-suit investigation, discovery, depositions, motion practice, settlement negotiations, and trial.

  • Collaborate with clients, co-counsel, and staff to develop case strategies and contribute to team case priorities.

  • Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, law clerks, and paralegals, including oversight of case management, organization, and deadlines.

Job description

Senior Attorney or Partner, Civil Rights Litigation

April 23, 2026

Romanucci & Blandin seeks a litigator with a minimum of 5-10 years of litigation experience to join its Civil Rights practice group. Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to the Managing Partner at careers@rblaw.net .

Romanucci & Blandin, based in Chicago, is a nationally recognized civil rights, personal injury, and medical malpractice law firm. The firm’s civil rights practice group litigates high-profile civil rights cases across the country that involve police brutality, wrongful convictions, violations of the rights of people who are imprisoned or detained, and violations of the rights of people with disabilities. The firm litigates in both federal and state courts. Cases are frequently brought under Section 1983, the ADA and related state causes of action. Cases frequently involve Monell claims and may also involve class action and mass tort litigation devices. Our civil rights team is a close-knit group of litigators who have a shared commitment to accountability and justice for our clients.

The attorney will manage a full caseload while collaborating closely with other attorneys on the team. The attorney will be responsible for all aspects of litigation, including pre-suit investigation, discovery, depositions, motion practice, settlement negotiations, and trial. The attorney will work closely with clients, co-counsel, and attorneys and staff across the firm’s practice areas. The attorney will also be responsible for working with the team to vet and investigate potential cases. The position will involve travel.

We seek a seasoned litigator with proven substantive civil trial experience. The candidate should have significant federal civil litigation experience, with a strong preference for civil rights experience. Still, we also welcome applications from excellent litigators across practice areas who are passionate about civil rights. The candidate must be a self-starter who thrives both independently and as part of a collaborative team. The position requires outstanding research and writing skills, the ability to communicate effectively, a creative approach to litigation, and a commitment to social justice and advocating for impacted communities.

Additional Role/Responsibilities Include:
  • Ensure high-quality, responsive client service across your caseload
  • Develop litigation strategy for cases and contribute to the team’s overall case priorities
  • Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, law clerks, and paralegals, including oversight of case management, organization, and deadlines
  • Responsible for evaluating and providing quarterly projections
  • Uphold the firm’s reputation for ethical and professional excellence
Education
  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Admission to the Bar of the State of Illinois and the Northern District of Illinois will be required
Job Type
  • Full-time
Pay

Commensurate with experience, a base salary of $135,000 (Senior Attorney) or $150,000 (Partner) plus additional compensation structure

  • 401(k)
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Vision insurance
Schedule
  • Monday to Friday
  • Availability evenings or weekends as needed
Work Location
  • Chicago, IL (Loop / River North)
Work Remotely
  • Remote work is not available for the first six (6) months; after that, attorneys are generally expected to work in the office at least four (4) days per week.
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