Contract Attorney - Litigation Counsel

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 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: talent@disabilityrightsca.org . Please note resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

DRC’s Litigation Counsel are dynamic, skilled leaders engaged in directing litigation and developing strategies to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities and fight against anti-discrimination laws. We encourage people with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people to apply. 

LOCATION:

Remote (California), Los Angeles, Berkeley, San Diego, or Sacramento 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Contract, Full-Time 

SALARY RANGE:

$58.00 - $85.00 per hour; up to 37.5 hours per week 

We base salary offers on program budget, experience and an internal equity analysis. Therefore, our offers are firm. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Open until filled. Applications should be received by  June 6, 2025 to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

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.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Disability Rights California is a statewide public interest law firm. We advocate for people with disabilities living in California by addressing systemic discrimination, and acknowledging the unique challenges created by intersecting types of discrimination.

DRC seeks innovative and experienced leaders and litigators to serve as Litigation Counsel in our Legal Advocacy Unit (LAU). As part of our systemic litigation group, Litigation Counsel are passionate about achieving impactful change and work closely with selected litigation teams to provide guidance, connection, and strategic direction.

DRC’s Litigation Counsel ensure the excellence of the LAU’s legal work. They lead and mentor LAU attorneys on multiple advocacy efforts, including federal and state court litigation and administrative hearings. Litigation Counsel identify complex legal and policy challenges, carry out necessary law reform activities, and offer technical assistance to, and collaborate with, other legal services and/or community-based organizations. They also provide litigation-related skills training to LAU staff.

Our Litigation Counsel are dynamic, skilled leaders engaged in guiding litigation and developing strategies to enforce civil rights and anti-discrimination laws.

Litigation Counsel partner with each other and other DRC staff to ensure that DRC simultaneously (1) provides strategic, holistic, and coordinated advocacy services; and (2) maintains a significant and impact-focused litigation docket.

Although initially a contract position, this position will be re-evaluated for possible full-time employment after six months from the initial contract date.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

DRC provides reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their employment. Working closely with the Litigation Counsel Team, essential functions of this position include the ability to:

Litigation and Advocacy Leadership

· Identify and pursue novel and/or systemic impact litigation and policy advocacy addressing intersectional issues;

· Develop and manage an appropriate litigation docket;

· Recognize and implement major policy advocacy, as necessary;

· Guide teams in targeted representation, complex litigation, appellate work, and/or major policy advocacy;

· Provide technical assistance and skills-based training to LAU staff;

· Monitor cutting edge legal issues that affect the disability community;

· Mentor and support LAU staff on litigation or advocacy projects; and

· Establish best practices for litigation and advocacy within DRC’s LAU.

Administrative/Management

· Participate as a member of DRC’s legal management and systemic litigation teams to help develop and advance the LAU’s strategic direction;

· Collaborate with other Litigation Counsel to fulfill various administrative and litigation-related responsibilities; and

· Co-review and approve requests to commence new litigation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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

· Member of the California State Bar;

· Eight years of practicing substantial civil litigation, or if experienced in clerkships or criminal defense practice, at least six years’ practice in civil litigation;

· Experience in mentoring or supervising attorneys;

· Experience representing clients with disabilities;

· Experience identifying and addressing clients’ intersectional needs; and

· Knowledge of laws, rights, and services that pertain to the representation of persons with disabilities.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

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

· Experience litigating and enforcing civil rights and/or anti-discrimination laws, including disability rights and/or race-based inequities;

· Familiarity with the disability rights movement and the disability community;

· Ability to develop impact strategies and identify structural discrimination;

· Client representation in ethnic- or language-distinct, LGBTQIA+, or unhoused communities; and

· Knowledge about Medicare programs, housing, or education laws.

BILINGUAL ABILITY:

Proficiency in American Sign Language, Spanish, or Asian language(s) desired but not required. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel to various DRC offices, courts, trainings, and other limited events. 

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.