Staff Attorney, Litigation

Disability Rights Wisconsin•Monona, WI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Disability Rights Wisconsin is hiring two Staff Attorneys for its Litigation Team. The Attorneys will provide legal information, advice, and representation to individuals and groups seeking assistance on disability-related legal issues. The attorneys work collaboratively, through negotiation and mediation, to resolve problems and to provide assistance and/or direct representation in lawsuits, grievances, appeals, and fair hearings. The Attorneys will also provide guidance to internal and external partners through technical assistance and training.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate and licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, or the ability to become licensed within three to six months of hiring.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to investigate specific issues, identify relevant facts, and conduct legal research.
Experience meeting the legal needs of people of culturally diverse backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with persons with disabilities or social justice movements, either in a paid or unpaid capacity.
Knowledge and skill in at least one area of law directly relevant to individuals with disabilities, including special education, housing discrimination, employment discrimination, government benefits, prevention of abuse and neglect in institutional and community settings, and community-based mental health programs.
Experience conducting discovery, motion practice, preparing cases for contested hearings, and litigating through trial, post-trial, and appeal
Experience working with advocates and providing legal and case management support.
Prior advocacy experience, which could include teaching or training, outreach, or technical assistance, experience in special education is desired.
Ability to write and/or speak Spanish, Hmong, or American Sign Language (ASL) as well as English is desired.

Responsibilities

Represent clients in litigation and pre-litigation settings.
Perform legal research and writing.
Conduct discovery, motion practice, pre-trial, trial, post-trial, and appellate litigation.
Participate in negotiations, mediations, and settlements.
Accurately maintain case files and documentation.
Provide subject matter expertise, case analysis, and legal interpretation for external partners and internal staff.
Create training materials for advocates, external partners, parents, and people with disabilities in areas of subject matter expertise.
Participate in external meetings and serve on committees as a DRW representative.
Comply with program requirements, including reporting and filing deadlines.
Respond to inquiries from the media and other stakeholders as directed.
Adhere to all DRW policies and procedures, including but not limited to work hours, timesheets, file maintenance, confidentiality, and security.
Participate in DRW activities such as all staff meetings and committees.
Participate in community outreach
May be other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Generous employer contribution for individual and family health insurance, plus a Health Reimbursement Account for uncovered health care costs.
Employer-provided Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution
Flex Spending Account
Access to affordable, quality: Dental, Vision Coverage
Additional Life Insurance for the employee, spouse, and children
Critical Illness Insurance
Identity Theft
Pet Insurance
Public Student Loan Forgiveness: Employment at our organization may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness programs. We do not directly pay for, nor forgive, federal student loans. However, our status as a not-for-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) makes us an eligible employer. There may be other factors that determine whether one qualifies.
Generous paid time off policies include: 10 Fixed and 4 Floating Holidays
Leave time for: Medical and Caretaking, Vacation, Personal, Bereavement Leave
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Commuter Choice
Sabbatical Leave