The Disability Law Center

 

DISABILITY LAW CENTER

Attorney Job Description

 

Position Staff Attorney
Location Boston Office
Reports To Team Leader/Litigation Director/Managing Attorney
Wage Class Exempt
Union Classification Eligible
Responsible For Representation of clients in individual cases, in addition to participating in impact litigation.  Shares responsibility with other legal and advocacy staff for systemic advocacy, as well as for providing technical assistance, consultation, outreach and training to clients, family members, advocates, and service providers

Attorney will represent individuals with psychiatric, developmental or physical disabilities, or traumatic brain injuries, who are residing in a facility relating to discharge, healthcare, informed consent, and human rights issues. 6-15 years practice experience preferred.

 

 

Essential functions:  

  1. Ability to practice law in the State of Massachusetts.
  2. Ability to travel
  3. Ability to occasionally work long hours and/or weekends when necessary to adequately perform job duties.
  4. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
  5. Ability to identify facts and analyze pertinent legal authority and develop creative solutions.

 

Duties: 

  1. Provide information and short-term assistance to DLC clients which includes writing letters and memoranda.
  2. Represent individual clients consistent with the Law Center’s priorities and selection criteria including the development and implementation of all phases of case strategies and activities including negotiation, mediation, and representation in administrative and judicial proceedings in consultation with Team Leader and Litigation Director.
  3. Prepare reports, articles and special projects, draft legislation and regulations, and participate when assigned to legislative and administrative advocacy.
  4. Prepare written materials and conduct activities for the education and training of consumers, professional and others consistent with the Law Centers priorities.
  5. Participate in outreach activities to un-served and underserved populations.
  6. Develop staff training programs in substantive issues including updating staff on legal developments within their specialty area of law as well as training staff on office practices and policies.    
  7. Collaborate with senior attorneys and the Litigation Director in the development of systemic activities as appropriate, including impact litigation.
  8. Assist in the planning and development of the agencies program priorities.
  9. Compile information and prepare activities reports.
  10. May serve as a contact for media and may make public speaking appearances on behalf of the Law Center regarding its activities in consultation with the Executive Director or Director of Litigation.

 

Qualifications: 

 

  1. Juris Doctor degree.

  2. Admitted to practice law in Massachusetts within a reasonable time after employment.

 

Other Requirements: 

  1. Demonstrated experience working with and/or sensitivity to people with disabilities.

  2.  Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize complex tasks.

  3. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

  4. Demonstrated ability to work with a minimum of supervision.

  5. Familiarity in using computers for word processing, data collection and communication.

 

Desired Attributes:

  1. Demonstrated interest in disability law.

  2. Demonstrated commitment to the civil rights of all people.

  3. Experience in individual representation, administrative and/or legislative advocacy, and/or impact litigation preferred.

  4. Experience in working with a Protection and Advocacy (“P&A”) system or legal service program preferred.

  5. Experience in working with people with psychiatric and/or cognitive or intellectual disabilities, and/or people with traumatic brain injury preferred.

  6. Experience in working with people with disabilities in hospitals, ICF-MRs, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, prisons and/or jails preferred.

  7. Ability to speak another language in addition to English preferred.

 

 APPLICATION PROCESS:

 

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following materials in Microsoft Word format to careers@dlc-ma.org:

  • Cover Letter, which must indicate: a) your personal and professional motivation for seeking this position; and b) a discussion of how you meet each of the minimum and any of the desirable qualifications for this position;

  • Resume, including references (3);

  • Sample of Professional Written Work (case report, analytical report, investigation report, etc.) consisting of no more than 5 pages.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:          Position closed when filled.   Applications received by Monday, August 30, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. will be given full consideration.

 

The Disability Law Center is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer and candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply

 

Careers at DLC