Director of Litigation

Job Type


Full-time

Description

People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people who have disabilities.... JOIN US!


Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)


At Disability Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below, we've outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.

Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
• Interview questions are provided prior to the interview
• Extended interview time
• A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
• Adjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants,)
• Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: View email address on click.appcast.io . Please note: resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Location / Work Environment: This position requires you to be a California Resident at the time of hire. Aside from the California residency requirement this is a remote position.


EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Full-time; Exempt; Regular

SALARY RANGE:

Band 16: $143,141 to $209,623 annually


Note: As part of our commitment to internal equity, salary offers are determined through a structured analysis that considers each candidate's relevant education and years of substantially similar experience for the position. We review the candidate's resume to assess relevant experience in relation to current employees in comparable roles. This process ensures our compensation decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with organizational equity standards.


EXCELLENT BENEFITS

• 8% Match - 401K
• Health benefits (HMO options)
• Additional Benefits: dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Health Reimbursement Accounts for some HMO Plans. Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Teladoc.
• We offer ample vacation, Sick / Self Care time and holidays (including the last week in December)
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.

INTERNAL CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY

• Regular employees
• Meet the minimum requirements of the position for which they are applying
• Employed for more than 6 months
• In good standing

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

This position will be open until it is filled. Applications should be received by May 31, 2026 to be considered for the first round of interviews.

Note: Your resume and cover letter will be reviewed and are required. Applications submitted without a cover letter and resume will not be considered.


WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights California (DRC) works in partnership with disabled people to defend rights, advance opportunities, grow power, and expand public support for disability justice in California and beyond.

DRC envisions a world where all people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, disability is recognized as a natural part of human experience.

People with disabilities are supported, valued, and afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities. They are encouraged to take leadership in their communities and make their own decisions. Our vision is grounded in disability justice, where equity, self-determination, and collective liberation help to build a world in which all disabled people can thrive.


DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

ABOUT THE LEGAL ADVOCACY UNIT


The Legal Advocacy Unit (LAU) is DRC's core Protection & Advocacy legal program, tasked with fulfilling our federal mandate to defend the rights of people with disabilities in California. The LAU has approximately 145 staff statewide. The community integration principles of the U.S. Supreme Court's Olmstead decision are the heart of our legal advocacy. We fight for the rights of people with all types of disabilities, of any age or background, to be fully integrated into the life of our communities, with equality of opportunity, freedom from discrimination, and access to the services and supports they need to pursue their aspirations.


ABOUT DIRECTOR OF LITIGATION POSITION


The Director of Litigation provides leadership and direction for DRC's litigation practice, with particular emphasis on providing leadership, collaboration, and strategic direction to litigators and practice groups in the LAU. The Director honors, supports, and amplifies the expertise within each practice group and works closely with DRC's Leadership Team to promote and guide a cohesive and coordinated approach to high-quality litigation across the organization. The Director mentors and supports attorneys at all levels while serving as the leader of a team of experienced attorneys, supervising Litigation Counsel and possibly senior litigation support staff as needed. The Director reports to the Associate Executive Director overseeing the LAU.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS


Essential functions are the job responsibilities an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. Director of Litigation essential functions include:


Organization-Wide Litigation Strategy and Leadership

• Collaboratively develops a coordinated strategic vision and goals to guide DRC's litigation priorities across issue areas and brings this vision to life in DRC's work.
• Guides and strengthens DRC's overall litigation strategy by aligning work across teams.
• Coordinates amicus strategies across DRC, including identifying amicus opportunities and overseeing the drafting and filing of amicus briefs.
• Stays abreast of national, state, and local legal developments to ensure DRC deploys the most effective strategies to meet its priorities and goals.
• Represents DRC in the national network of disability Protection & Advocacy agencies' litigation collaboration and activities.

Management and Leadership of LAU Litigation

• Leads, mentors, and supports the LAU's litigation attorneys, advocates, and support staff, fostering excellence, collaboration, and growth.
• Oversees DRC's case docket and the development of novel or complex legal theories in our cases.
• Actively assists in select pieces of high-profile litigation by supporting lead counsel and the team through all phases of litigation, including investigations, discovery, motions, trial, appeals, settlements, and settlement implementation and monitoring.
• Directly supervises and mentors Senior Litigation Counsel and Litigation Counsel, including by holding consistent individual check-in meetings, supporting their development, providing needed resources, and providing growth-oriented feedback.
• Recruits and hires LAU litigation staff, attracting and retaining high-performing employees.
• Ensures that all work complies with professional, ethical, and program requirements and meets procedural and quality standards.
• In collaboration with other LAU leaders, oversees the departmental litigation budget and compliance with associated grant terms and deliverables.

Litigation Development, Execution, and Technical Expertise

• Collaborates with staff to identify, evaluate, and develop potential litigation matters arising from DRC's direct services work and from disability community needs.
• Consults on factual investigations, legal research, case analysis, and risk assessments to determine litigation viability.
• Provides technical assistance and strategic thought partnership to attorneys throughout the organization at all stages of litigation.
• Collaborates with other LAU leaders to identify litigation training needs and facilitates or conducts litigation trainings.

Cross Department Collaboration, Partnerships, and External Engagement

• Builds and sustains strong relationships with community partners, co-counsel, coalitions, peer organizations, law firms, pro bono partners, and external stakeholders to support coordinated and community-centered litigation.
• Partners with the Communications team to craft compelling messaging and elevate the visibility and impact of DRC's litigation and related campaigns, including by representing DRC at conferences, trainings, and other public-facing events.
• Collaborates with the Information Technology team to identify and implement IT platforms and tools that enhance litigation management, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Performs other duties as assigned.


Requirements

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS


Ability to travel routinely, up to 25% of the time, for activities such as hearings or trial, client visits, team meetings, education, training, or outreach activities. More travel may be required to meet client, program, or funder requirements.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

(Applicants MUST meet EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

• Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) or equivalent and membership in good standing with the California State Bar. Will consider applications from current California Registered Legal Aid Attorneys.
• 15 years of experience litigating complex cases in State or Federal court.
• 10 years of experience supervising or leading litigating attorneys with demonstrated results reflecting successful mentorship, coaching, and supervision.
• Demonstrated skills and results as a litigator with substantive legal and practice expertise that earns the respect of their teams.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize resources and goals, determining which work requires immediate attention and being transparent about what is achievable with available resources.
• Effective interpersonal, communication, and teambuilding skills to build and maintain a positive and supportive working environment.
• Expertise in one or more substantive areas of law DRC practices, including but not limited to civil rights, disability accessibility, and public benefits.
• Expertise in legal professional responsibility and ethics.
• Ability to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Windows-based computer applications including Microsoft Office, case management software, and Zoom.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

(Applicants DO NOT have to meet any of the Desirable Qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

• Experience working in legal services or a nonprofit organization.
• Experience in the disability rights movement and/or extensive contacts in the disability community.
• Familiarity with requirements governing recipients of federal and California State Bar funding.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability-related reasonable accommodations.

• Duties are performed in office and home environments and the field in a wide range of settings, including courthouses, congregate care or other institutional settings, and community agencies.
• Duties frequently require sitting and communicating with others.
• Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, hearings, facilities, and settings where clients live.