Job Description
Managing Attorney – Access Team
Disability Rights Maine, a progressive non-profit organization whose mission is to advance justice and equality by enforcing rights and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities in Maine, has a unique opportunity for an experienced attorney to help lead our Access Team.
Position Summary
DRM is seeking an experienced attorney who is committed to enforcing and enhancing the rights of people with disabilities to help lead our Access Team. The Access Team focuses on addressing discrimination in places of public accommodation, employment discrimination, and advocacy regarding vocational rehabilitation services, voting access, assistive technology and representative payee services. The Managing Attorney is responsible for supervising advocates and staff attorneys. The Managing Attorney works under the supervision of the Legal Director.
Duties of the Managing Attorney include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Provide direct representation to clients in cases selected in accordance with agency priorities. This will include informal advocacy and negotiation and representation in administrative proceedings as well as state and federal courts.
2. Supervise and support staff attorneys and non-attorney advocates.
3. Identify systemic issues and participate with other staff in the development and implementation of systemic advocacy strategies, including litigation.
4. Provide training to people with disabilities and others and develop content area resource materials.
5. Develop and implement outreach strategies to ensure people with disabilities have access to information about their rights and DRM services.
6. Analyze and develop responses to proposed legislation, regulations and policy guidance.
7. Represent DRM on boards, commissions, work groups, etc.
8. Ensure that required federal and state reports are drafted and submitted.
Qualifications
1. J.D. and license to practice law in Maine or eligibility to practice under Maine Rule of Civil Procedure 89(c) while seeking admission to the Maine Bar.
2. 3 years of experience (5+ years preferred) representing clients through some combination of informal advocacy, administrative proceedings, and representation in state and federal courts.
3. Experience and/or strong interest in mentoring and supervising lawyers and advocates and demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
4. Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including legal research and writing skills and public speaking.
5. Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with internal and external partners.
6. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.
7. Experience and/or strong interest in advocacy for the legal rights of people with disabilities and/or other vulnerable populations. Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other state and federal laws impacting people with disabilities is strongly preferred.
Note: This position handles confidential and private information and government security clearance is required. Persons employed in this position must receive clearance through a background investigation conducted by the United States Government Office of Personnel Management.
Location
Augusta or New Gloucester, with flexibility for hybrid work options. This position includes regular travel throughout Maine.
Compensation and Benefits:
The starting salary range is $65,000 – $75,000, depending on experience.
Benefits include: employer funded health insurance with options for dental and vision; employer funded life insurance; employer 401(k) match of up to 4% of salary; long term disability insurance; and 14 paid holidays, paid parental leave and generous vacation and sick leave.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
DRM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Persons from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
To apply, send a cover letter and a resume by March 1, 2024 to:
Tammy Cunningham
160 Capitol Street, Suite 4
Augusta, ME 04330
careers@drme.org
When applying, mention you saw this opening listed on Disability Scoop.
