Description:

Disability Rights New Jersey seeks a full-time Staff Attorney for the Adult Practice Group under the supervision of the Supervising Attorney and Managing Attorney. The Adult Practice Group provides legal assistance to individuals with disabilities in New Jersey that live ininstitutional settings, in the community with or without supports, and/or are enrolled in or seeking vocational rehabilitation services. Government clearance is required through the US Government Office of Personnel Management. Attorneys must have reliable means of transportation to travel throughout New Jersey.

Disability Rights New Jersey is the designated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in the diverse state of New Jersey, providing individual and systemic advocacy and legal representation, training, technical assistance, and outreach in order to protect legal, civil, and human rights.

Some of the subject areas of the Adult Practice Group include civil rights violations, Medicaid eligibility, Medicaid waiver service reductions and denials, personal care assistance, private duty nursing, vocational rehabilitation services, and patients' and residents' rights. A background in any of these subject areas is preferred, but not a requirement for employment.

Candidates with knowledge of the administrative procedures of the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI), and/or Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) are encouraged to apply.

This position will begin on March 2, 2026, or as soon thereafter as possible. The salary range for this position will be $82,000 to $88,750 for 0-3 years of experience, with a generous benefits package.

Responsibilities:

Interviews clients/guardians, identifies client concerns and establishes goals of service through retainer agreements.
Performs investigations of client case matters, gathers evidence, and interviews clients, family members, witnesses and other relevant individuals.
Analyzes cases by identifying facts, issues and preparing potential solutions and strategies.
Performs legal research and analysis on questions of law, procedure, practice, and evidence.
Prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other legal documents as requested and required.
Prepares and assists in the development of cases for administrative hearings or trial, including preparation of exhibits, testimony, evidence, and other documents.
Appears in administrative, trial, appellate, state, and federal courts to represent clients.
Prepares Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Interrogatories, and other legal documents as required and requested.
Engages in dispute resolution techniques, including negotiation and mediation, to resolve client complaints.
Prepares and/or presents webinars and self-advocacy materials; issues briefs, reports and other written outreach/education/training materials.

Qualifications:

Candidates should have a strong commitment to public interest, and particularly a demonstrated interest in advocating for individuals with disabilities.
Candidates should have strong legal writing and analytical skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Candidates must be barred in the state of New Jersey or be barred within one year of employment.
Candidates must also be admitted to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey or be admitted within one year of their date of hire.
Candidates must have the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary federal security clearances required by federal funders.
Presently, Disability Rights NJ staff work under a hybrid schedule, with some limited hours from home as work permits. Note: Additional in-office or field-work may be required initially.

Disability Rights is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Disability Rights NJ seeks candidates committed to diversity and to the rights of individuals with disabilities to full inclusion in society.

Interested applicants should email a resume and a letter of interest to: Interview Committee, Disability Rights New Jersey at advocate@disabilityrightsnj.org.