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

Amundsen Davis LLC

OSHA Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

... disability in hiring, promotion, firing, compensation, or other terms, conditions, or privileges of ... This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment ...

Amundsen Davis LLC

OSHA Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

... or disability with respect to hiring, promotion, firing, compensation, or other terms, conditions ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Georgia

Attorney 2

Darien, IL · On-site

Explains and advises clients regarding their rights, and the investigative and judicial process ... age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.

NACBA

Supervising Attorney - Joliet, IL

Joliet, IL · On-site

$83 - $106/hr

Supervising Attorney - Joliet, IL Every day, people across Illinois are denied the basic rights to ... sex, disability, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age ...

Circuit Court of Cook County

Staff Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K/yr

Staff Attorney Location: George W. Dunn County Building 69 W. Washington Chicago, IL 60602 Grade ... with Disabilities Act, Titles I and II, FLSA, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act strongly ...

Freeman Mathis and Gary LLP

Attorney at Law

Chicago, IL · On-site

$69.71 - $100.96/hr

Company paid long-term disability coverage. * Year-end bonuses and referral fee incentives ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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Showing results 21-40

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.

Labor & Employment Law Attorney (Legal Advisor II)

Illinois Secretary of State

Chicago, IL • On-site

$6.0K - $7.9K/mo

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Office of the Illinois Secretary of State
Alexi Giannoulias
Job Title: Legal Advisor II
Division: General Counsel - Personnel
Union: N/A
Location: 115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, IL - Cook County
Salary: $6,019 to $7,917 monthly - commensurate with experience
Benefits: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
Overview:
Under administrative direction of the General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel and/or the Director of the Department of Personnel, serves as staff attorney performing complex technical legal functions as lead attorney for arbitration, unemployment, mediation, unfair labor practice charges, and Merit Commission hearings as directed, as well as matters before the Department of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission; assists with labor relations and provides legal advice to the Department of Personnel on matters involving labor relations; provides guidance on policy changes as they relate to changes to the law; assists Director of Personnel with legislative analysis as it relates to the personnel and human resources matters.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Serves as staff attorney performing complex technical legal functions as lead attorney for arbitration, unemployment, mediation, unfair labor practice charges, and Merit Commission hearings and appeals, as directed, as well as matters before the Department of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission; Serves as liaison to the Attorney General's office on legal matters assigned to them for representation, coordinating with them on all aspects of the cases.
  • Assists with labor relations, including any hearings associated with labor relations and union negotiations as directed. Provides legal advice to the Department of Personnel and Executive Office on matters involving labor relations.
  • Conducts research and investigative work in the field of employee and labor relations, as well as legal matters as they relate to changes to the Department of Personnel Rules, Code and Policy Manual to assure adherence to procedures and policies.
  • Serves as liaison with other personnel staff, management, department staff, and various union representatives to effectively resolve matters and to assist in the administration and interpretation of union contracts, Rules, Code and Policy Manual.
  • Provides advice and counsel concerning statutory interpretations and compliance with laws and office procedures and policies as required.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Specific Skills:
  • Requires extensive knowledge of federal and state labor law including but not limited the National Labor Relations Act, the Illinois Labor Relations Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Illinois Human Rights Act, and similar laws and regulations.
  • Requires experience in litigating primarily with administrative proceedings, as well as mediations, arbitrations, unfair labor practices, unemployment, and serve as representative of the Office on matters involving litigation on employment issues in federal and state courts.
  • Requires extensive knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedure and of the rules of evidence, hearings, and trial procedures.
  • Requires working knowledge of management practices and procedures.
  • Requires ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with superiors, other attorneys, employees and the public.
  • Requires ability to present material in clear and logical form for oral or written presentation, such as briefs, orders, reports or decisions.
  • Requires ability to exercise sound judgement in appraising and evaluating problems of a procedural nature.
  • Requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull 50 lbs.
  • Requires some travel and possession of a valid Illinois driver's license.
Education and Work Experience:
Requires possession of a license to practice law in Illinois AND one (1) year of professional experience in the practice of law.
Preferred candidate with experience in litigating labor and employment matters, as well as experience in the skills indicated in the previous section above.
Application Process:
  • Please visit https://ilsos.applytojob.gov/apply to apply by completing the online application; you may also upload a resume, or other attachments as needed.
  • Preference will be given to Illinois residents in the hiring and selection process, in accordance with the Illinois Secretary of State Merit Employment Code.
  • Questions regarding this posting or Illinois Secretary of State employment practices may be directed to Job Counselors at our Personnel offices in Chicago (312-793-5515) or Springfield (217-782-4783).

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability.

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