Staff Attorney/Advocate

Staff Attorneys For Litigation TeamDisability 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.Direct Legal Services: (80%)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.Technical Assistance (10%)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.Program Support and Compliance (5%)Participate in external meetings and serve on committees as a DRW representative.General (5%)Adhere to all DRW policies and procedures, including but not limited to work hours, timesheets, file maintenance, confidentiality, and security.Participate in community outreachMay be other related duties as assigned.Required QualificationsJuris Doctorate and licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, or the ability to become licensed within three to six months of hiring.Demonstrated ability to investigate specific issues, identify relevant facts, and conduct legal research.Experience meeting the legal needs of people of culturally diverse backgrounds.Preferred QualificationsExperience 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 appealExperience 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.Ability to operate office equipment.Independent travel is required (10%).TravelThis position requires up to 10% travel throughout Wisconsin. Travel is anticipated to average 1 to 2 days per month, which may include an overnight stay. The travel schedule is expected to vary throughout the calendar year. While travel dates are typically scheduled far in advance, the position could require travel on short notice.The following benefits are offered for permanent employees who work 20 or more hours per week: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 Insurance401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer ContributionFlex Spending AccountAccess to affordable, quality:Dental, Vision CoverageAdditional Life Insurance for the employee, spouse, and childrenCritical Illness InsuranceIdentity TheftPet InsurancePublic Student Loan Forgiveness:gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-serviceGenerous paid time off policies include:Medical and CaretakingVacationPersonalBereavement LeaveAdditional benefits include the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Choice, and Sabbatical Leave.All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status following Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERA). Our organization is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.