Supervising Attorney

JOB TITLE: Supervising Attorney

UNIT: Legal Advocacy Unit - ACE

REPORTS TO: Managing Attorney 

LOCATION: Remote - Hybrid (Within California) Sacramento, Oakland, Ontario, Los Angeles or San Diego

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:  Exempt, 100% Full-time (37.5 hours week), Optional 80% Full-Time (30 hours week)

SALARY RANGE:  $89,435 - $130,958 annually.  (Based on experience and internal equity analysis.)

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.

Make a difference! We stand for the rights of people that have disabilities.... JOIN US!

Individuals who are Deaf or Disabled are encouraged to apply.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS including 8% 401k Match and an LRAP (Loan Repayment Assistance Program) that pays up to $300 per month depending on salary and debt. A language differential up to $250/mo. Health (HMO and PPO options), dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance and flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Additionally, we offer ample vacation, sick/self-care leave and eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December) and more…. We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer. 

Advocacy and Community Engagement Practice Group

The Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE) Practice Group is a statewide team consisting of committed advocates and attorneys who work together to empower, educate, and advocate for Californians with disabilities.  We use a variety of advocacy tools, including individual representation, advocacy projects, and outreach. We provide training and self-advocacy workshops, advice and assistance on the intake hotline, coordinate and implement community-based legal clinics, provide short-term and direct advocacy on limited legal issues, and organize community members for future systemic litigation by Disability Rights California. Our staff are as diverse as the communities we seek to serve and are committed to reaching and empowering underrepresented and underserved communities.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Supervising Attorney works collaboratively with the ACE Supervision Team and other DRC staff.  As part of the Supervisory team, the person in this role will oversee and manage intake, outreach and limited short-term assistance to ensure that DRC provides the best services possible and satisfies the grant deliverables and requirements.  This position reports to the Managing Attorney and works closely with them to oversee the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

DRC provides reasonable disability accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Supervising Attorney essential functions include:

Supervision – 70%

• Supervise attorneys and advocates, including workload management, training, mentoring, and monitoring staff.
• Lead a work team with emphasis on assisting the team in developing and implementing strategies to accomplish team goals.
• Ensure that all work complies with grant requirements and meets procedural and quality standards, including proper handling of personally identifiable information.
• Conduct at least weekly teleconferences with attorneys and advocates regarding work.
• Respond to inquiries and complaints concerning services.
• Train attorneys, advocates, clients and others in substantive disability rights law.

Support – 20%

• Collaborate with ACE Supervision Team to lead and/or assist in ACE projects and work, including leading hiring teams.
• Coordinate with colleagues to maximize resources and promote quality client services.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of casework and outreach on a regular periodic basis.
• Compile reports by supervisees for submission to LAU Director in support of LAU’s grant reporting obligations.

Community-based advocacy – 10%

• Perform outreach and support and monitor supervisee outreach efforts to traditionally underserved communities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The position directly supervises multiple attorneys and/or advocates and reports to a Managing Attorney, Associate Director, or Director. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the agency's policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include to interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; monitor and manage employee performance and job satisfaction; address complaints and resolve problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience 

- Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) or equivalent, and membership in the California State Bar. 

- 7 years of experience practicing law; or internal candidates who have worked at DRC for three continuous years and have 6 years of experience practicing law.

- Demonstrated commitment – through lived experience and/or employment history – to working with people with disabilities and low-income clients and incorporating race equity and community lawyering principles into their work.

- 2 years of experience successfully leading, developing, mentoring, or supervising law clerks, attorneys, or advocates.

- Expertise in one or more substantive areas of law related to the position

- 2 years of successfully leading multiple advocacy projects, such as intake/outreach projects, administrative proceedings, writs, or single client lawsuits.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Able to communicate fluently in American Sign Language or other non-English language.

- Experience in client representation particularly in public interest and civil rights law.

- Experience with advocacy for D/deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. 

- Experience with pro per legal clinics. 

- Project management and supervision experience.

- Experience in the disability rights movement and/or extensive contacts in the disability community.

- Experience with and/or extensive contacts in ethnic or language distinct communities.

- Familiarity and/or extensive contacts with one or more of the following: Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities.

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 between an office environment and the field in a wide range of settings, including health care facilities; in client, group, or family homes; community agencies; or in community-based outpatient settings. Work areas are often noisy. Duties frequently require sitting, talking and/or listening; and occasional periods of standing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching. Weights to be lifted and/or moved up to 10 pounds are frequently encountered. Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, centers, etc.

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, applicants MUST submit the following:

1. Disability Rights California Employment Application (must fill out completely; do not state “See Resume”).

2. Resume

3. Cover Letter that addresses your personal and professional motivation for seeking this position and indicating how you meet EACH of the Minimum and ANY of the Desirable Qualifications for this position.

4. Sample of legal writing (i.e., a legal argument, letter or analysis) consisting of no more than 10 pages of text.

Incomplete applications will not be considered 

Working at DRC is more than just a job - it is a rare opportunity to do what you are good at while making a difference! DRC offers competitive salaries and a generous benefit package.