LITIGATION ATTORNEY FOR WASHINGTONIANS WITH DISABILITIES
People with disabilities, people of color, formerly institutionalized or incarcerated, and those from other groups underrepresented in the legal profession are strongly encouraged to apply. Disability Rights Washington looks forward to reviewing all applicants, including applicants who have concerns about how accepting this job could affect their eligibility for Medicaid or other programs.
Disability Rights Washington seeks an attorney with litigation experience, preferably two to three years, but people with less will be considered, and a demonstrated interest in disability issues or other social justice issues. Experience in assisting with class actions and large impact litigation is valuable but not necessary. This position is in Disability Rights Washington’s Spokane office.
Responsibilities:
The attorney will advocate for individuals and groups who are neglected, abused or had their civil rights violated in treatment institutions. The attorney will work on systemic litigation cases. This includes developing, litigating, monitoring, and enforcing new and existing systemic cases. Other responsibilities include monitoring conditions at treatment facilities, writing reports and educating policy makers about these institutions, and assisting institutionalized individuals to become better self-advocates through technical assistance.
Requirements:
Disability Rights Washington works to pursue justice on matters related to human and legal rights. We do this to further our mission, which is to advance the dignity, equality, and self-determination of people with disabilities. Therefore, the ideal candidate has personal and professional experience working on behalf of marginalized communities generally or for people with disabilities specifically. The ideal candidate also has a disability and/or represents diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Bilingual fluency in certain languages is also an asset. Relevant experience may include civil rights impact litigation, the criminal justice system, and civil commitment representation. A law degree from an accredited school of law and current good standing with the Washington State Bar Association at the time of assuming the position or shortly thereafter are required. The attorney must be an organized, self-motivated professional who is able to work collaboratively with other staff to engage in creative, multimodal advocacy strategies to achieve social justice for people with disabilities. Strong research, writing, and oral communication skills are required.
About DRW:
Disability Rights Washington is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. Disability Rights Washington encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals from all race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status backgrounds.
Disability Rights Washington is a private nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights of people with disabilities across Washington. We are designated by the governor as the independent federally-mandated protection and advocacy system for Washington State. As such, Disability Rights Washington promotes, expands, and protects the human and civil rights of people with disabilities. For information about us, please visit http://www.disabilityrightswa.org/.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three professional reference contacts to the attention of Jodi Rose at Disability Rights Washington, 315 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 850, Seattle, WA 98104 or jodir@dr-wa.org. We would like to fill this position as soon as possible. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the position is filled. All applications received by May 21, 2018 will be considered.
Position Title: Attorney
Company Name: Disability Rights Washington
Location: Spokane, WA
Posted: May 3, 2018
Job Function: See description
Entry Level: No
Education and Experience required: Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law and a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association at the time of assuming the position or shortly thereafter.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary $50-55,000/year plus excellent benefits and leave
