Volunteer Attorney

DRNY is pleased to welcome experienced Volunteer Attorneys to provide legal advocacy for people with disabilities. The Volunteer Attorney provides legal services and supports litigation to protect clients' civil rights.

Possible Functions

Volunteer Attorneys may engage in a wide range of advocacy activities such as:

• Provide legal, administrative, and other appropriate means of support to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities;
• Investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and draft investigative reports;
• Monitor service providers for abuse, neglect, and compliance with federal and state laws and draft monitoring reports;
• Analyze new and existing cases as well as other matters to determine if they present systemic issues; which may be appropriate for DRNY to address, and, with the Director or their designee, formulate strategies for their prevention, reduction, or elimination;
• Consult with professionals such as attorneys, physicians, psychologists, therapists, educators, and others to identify options and barriers for individuals and groups;
• Support DRNY projects, project teams, and initiatives that foster self-determination and self-advocacy, and coalition building;
• Participate in committees, task forces, and other organization-wide groups;
• Conduct and participate in training and outreach activities;
• Maintain accurate, confidential files;
• Maintain accurate time records and client records, including accurate use of the client tracking database for DRNY to meet its programmatic and fiscal responsibilities, and to obtain prevailing party attorney fees when appropriate;
• Timely open and close case files regarding client matters;
• Travel throughout New York State and outside of New York State as agreed;
• Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities;
• Other assignments as mutually agreed.

Qualifications

• Be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar;

• Interest and commitment to public interest law;
• Ability to work efficiently, independently, and collaboratively as part of a team;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Relationship-building skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Strong problem-solving skills;
• Demonstrated professionalism and ethical judgment;
• Multilingual skills preferred;
• Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals.

Preferred Experience

• Public interest, civil rights, or disability law experience;
• Litigation and administrative hearing experience;
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• NYS Drivers' license preferred.

Working Conditions

The Volunteer Attorney usually performs work remotely or in an office environment. The mission of the organization may sometimes take a Volunteer Attorney to non-standard workplaces. The Volunteer Attorney may be invited to travel to various events.

The position is unpaid.

To view more about our organization, check out our YouTube videos highlighting DRNY's mission in advocating for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. Please visit our DRNY YouTube Channel and review our DRNY Press Releases.