Disability Rights Florida

STAFF ATTORNEY

Full-time, Exempt position

Disability Rights Florida was founded in 1977 as the
statewide designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with
disabilities in the State of Florida and is the third largest Protection and
Advocacy system in the nation representing a growing, diverse state. Disability
Rights Florida advocates, educates, investigates, and litigates to protect and
advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, self-determination and
choices for all people with disabilities. We are a passionate, highly motivated
group and we are looking for exceptional talent to join our team.

Disability Rights Florida offers an excellent comprehensive
employee benefit package. Some of the benefits included are paid vacation time,
contributed employer medical, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) plan with an
employer 3% match, life, short and long-term disability insurance, and generous
paid holidays. Salary is commensurate with experience.

LOCATION: This position will be located in
our Tallahassee or Gainesville, Florida office.

Disability Rights Florida has an opening for a Staff Attorney
on the Investigations Team.

Our attorneys provide legal services and engage in individual
and systemic advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities. Staff attorneys
investigate allegations of civil rights violations and monitor state and
private facilities for compliance with laws that protect the rights of
individuals with disabilities. This position specifically focuses on the areas
of abuse, neglect, and rights violations in institutional settings and fair
housing in the community. The staff attorney is responsible for delivery of
legal services provided by Disability Rights Florida including legal
supervision of the work of assigned to members of an interdisciplinary team,
including advocate/investigators and paralegals. Knowledge of civil rights and
disability law required and state or federal court litigation experience
preferred. The ideal candidate will have complex litigation experience,
excellent writing and organizational skills and must be a member in good
standing of the Florida Bar. Salary is commensurate with education and
experience. The ability to travel statewide and a favorable background check is
required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures that the rights of people with disabilities as
  provided for by law and regulation are enforced.
• Investigates and takes appropriate action to resolve
  complaints of rights violations.
• Works with other members of an interdisciplinary team to
  handle assigned cases and projects.
• Demonstrates command of current relevant law and
  procedure, as well as current legislative, administrative and regulatory
  policy and procedure impacting persons with disabilities, and conducts
  research utilizing available resources.
• Prepares pleadings for court or other tribunal, conducts
  formal discovery, and presents legal arguments.
• Prepares written reports for internal and external
  distribution, makes recommendations for resolution of complaints to
  assigned attorney supervisor and keeps appropriate staff informed of
  progress and status.
• Acts with utmost commitment to the code of professional
  conduct and ethics.
• Develops and conducts outreach, education, and training
  for clients and their families, community groups, public policy makers,
  state agency staff, and other stakeholders, as assigned.
• Prepares and completes accurate and timely
  administrative reports regarding cases, hours worked, travel and other
  administrative reports.
• Participates as part of an interdisciplinary team
  including but not limited to participation in regularly scheduled team and
  other organizational meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Member of the Florida Bar and eligible for membership in
  federal bars.
• Knowledge of current state and federal law, regulations,
  court and administrative procedure as well as rules of professional
  conduct.
• Significant experience, paid or voluntary, working in a
  social, human service, government, legal or health care environment.
• Ability to read, write and speak and communicate
  professionally and effectively in English, including a working knowledge
  of correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure and legal
  citation.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and
  develop effective solutions.
• Organizational skills that will allow attorney to manage
  multiple priorities and meet internal and external deadlines.
• Proficient with on-line legal research.
• Dedication to and experience working with and/or
  sensitivity to persons with disabilities.
• Proficient with PC and Microsoft operating system and
  Microsoft Office, especially Word.
• Ability to travel statewide.
• Maintenance of a valid Florida driver license or
  state-issued identification.

To apply:

Please submit a resume, Disability Rights Florida application
and a legal sample writing to: Renee Jackson, Disability Rights Florida, 2473
Care Dr. Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL 32308, by email:  or
by fax: 850-617-6691 or visit: https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/about/career_opportunities. 

Our organization values diversity and inclusion. We encourage
individuals with disabilities and from other diverse backgrounds to apply.

DFWP/EEO