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

Burr and Forman LLP

Staff Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Staff Attorney will manage a growing, high-volume caseload of commercial foreclosure matters ... with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to ...

Sterling Lawyers

Associate Attorney

Naperville, IL · On-site

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.

Litigation Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

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

Burr & Forman

Staff Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

... Rights and Bankruptcy group. This position requires a J.D. degree and membership in the Illinois ... disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan and retirement planning services, paid time off, and ...

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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 Jul 3, 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,688 per year, or $59 per hour.
Supervising Attorney

Supervising Attorney

Center for Disability & Elder Law

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Be an early applicant

Job description

Salary:

Supervising Attorney

The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) provides free legal services to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. CDELs clients, individuals often marginalized by age, disability and poverty, may have difficulty accessing the legal system. CDEL strives to provide access to the legal system to assist our clients in asserting their legal rights and live better lives.

CDEL seeks a full-time Supervising Attorney to oversee its intake process and general practice area. The Supervising Attorney will lead a team of staff attorneys, paralegals, coordinators and interns.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise a team of staff attorneys, paralegals, coordinators and interns
  • Ensure that all intakes are processed correctly and timely
  • Advise and represent clients in civil court on matters
  • Negotiate resolutions with opposing counsel and opposing parties
  • Manage a time-sensitive caseload
  • Ensure grant reporting compliance for certain programs
  • Provide supervision to interns and volunteers
  • Draft, file, and present dispositive motions in court
  • Monitor and interpret laws, rules, and ordinances
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois
  • At least five years of experience as a practicing attorney
  • Experience with consumer debt, housing matters and/or public benefits preferred
  • Demonstrated commitment to CDELs client base, including working with older adults and people with disabilities
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines
  • Enthusiastic about providing legal services throughout communities in and around Chicago
  • Enjoys engaging with clients and other staff
  • Desire to work with and mentor interns and pro bono volunteers
  • Detail-oriented
  • Creative and innovative approach to solving problems
  • Works collaboratively and communicates transparently with other staff members
  • Previous management experience preferred

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $89,000-$99,000, depending on experience. Full-time position.

CDEL offers a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance, a 401(k) planwith matching, access to Employee Assistance Program, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance.Chicago Bar Association Membership is provided at no cost. Annual ARDC registration fees are reimbursed. CDEL also has a generous personal time off policy.

About the Organization

The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) is a dynamic 501(c)(3) legal aid organization dedicated to empowering low-income older adults and persons with disabilities in Chicago and Cook County through pro bono legalassistance. Founded by the Chicago Bar Association in 1982, CDEL servesapproximately3,000 clients annually, delivering access to justice and improving lives.

With a talented in-house team and a network of hundreds of volunteer attorneys, students, and paralegals, CDEL focuses on resolving legal challenges in four key practice areas: end-of-life planning, adult guardianship, housing, and consumer issues. Through innovative programs and passionate advocacy, CDEL ensures that legal solutions are within reachforthousands of individuals every year, enabling them to lead their lives with dignity and security.

CDEL is an equal opportunity employer. We are a welcoming community that engages, encourages, and empowers those who are members of underrepresented communities. We are a dedicated advocate for our clients who hold many diverse identities and experiences, across race, color, sex, age, religion, class, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge, source of income, housing status, and gender identity. We believe that these communities must be centeredinthe work we do. Hence, we encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized and underrepresented communities to apply for this position. We also encourage you to read our Diversity,Equityand Inclusion Statement available on our website.

Position is openimmediatelyand will be closed when filled. Applications received byMarch 15, 2026will be given preference.