Staff Attorney (Hybrid)

Description:

Who We Are: The Disability Law Center (https://www.dlc-ma.org/) (DLC) is a statewide, nonprofit legal organization and Massachusetts'designated Protection and Advocacy agency for people with disabilities. DLC is committed to protecting the civil and human rights of all persons with disabilities through zealous advocacy and representation. Our work is firmly rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. The guiding principles for DLC's advocacy are to promote and protect inclusion, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity Mission Statement: DLC is dedicated to protecting and promoting the fundamental human rights of our clients in appreciation of their diverse circumstances and to approaching our work through an intersectional lens. To do this effectively, we must foster diversity at all levels of the agency and maintain an inclusive environment that supports success and the well-being of staff. DLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer by choice. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service, veteran status, age, citizenship, marital status, status as a parent/guardian, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Staff Attorney – Job Description

Position: Staff Attorney

Summary: The staff attorney will advocate for the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities. The attorney will provide representation in civil rights cases; investigate allegations of abuse and neglect; conduct monitoring of community residences and other facilities; and engage in advocacy to address human rights, discharge planning, community integration issues.

Essential Functions:
DLC Staff Attorneys perform a wide range of duties, including the following:

• Represent clients consistent with DLC's case selection criteria; develop and implement case strategies; engage in litigation and negotiation in consultation with the Director of Litigation and/or the Director of Advocacy.
• Conduct in-person monitoring, and investigative activities in facilities and community settings, including psychiatric hospitals and other group living environments; conduct factual investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect of people with disabilities; develop and execute workplans to address incidents of abuse and neglect.
• Attend in-person meetings with colleagues, clients, opposing parties, government officials and others.
• Provide information and self-advocacy assistance to DLC clients and conduct training and outreach activities in the community.
• Analyze statutes, regulations, agency policies/procedures and proposed legislation.
• Gather information from individuals with disabilities, family members and stakeholder groups to assist with policy analysis.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with subject area professionals and advocates, including state officials and agency staff, providers, and advocacy organizations.
• Collaborate with Senior Attorneys, Supervising Attorneys, the Director of Advocacy, and the Director of Litigation in the development of systemic activities as appropriate, including impact litigation.
• In accordance with DLC policies and procedures, maintain: the security of confidential information and records; complete and accurate records documenting advocacy, monitoring, and investigation activities and time spent.
• Be available to travel throughout Massachusetts to perform assigned job tasks.
• Perform related tasks, consistent skills, and general responsibilities as required to support DLC's mission, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate and ability to practice law in Massachusetts (current MA bar admission or immediate ability to be admitted to MA bar required).
• Practical legal experience, such as client counseling, appearances in court and administrative proceedings, legislative advocacy, and administrative advocacy.
• Demonstrated commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of people with disabilities, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and/or people with low-income.
• Professionalism and sound ethical judgment.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals.
• Ability to analyze facts and pertinent legal authority and develop creative solutions.
• Ability to produce high quality legal writing.
• Ability to work efficiently, independently, and collaboratively.
• Ability to travel throughout the Commonwealth.

Desired Attributes:

• Ability to communicate effectively in a language other than English: ASL, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Mandarin, or another non-English language.
• 2 to 5 years of legal practice experience.

Compensation:
Salary is determined by a collectively bargained salary scale based upon years of experience. On the scale, the salary of an attorney with 2-3 years of experience is $70,500. DLC provides a generous benefits package, including a 35-hour work week, generous vacation, retirement benefits and dental insurance.

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