Disability
Rights Florida has two openings for
Staff Attorneys. Onevacancy on
the Investigations Team and one vacancy on the Advocacy, Education
and Outreach Team.
LOCATIONS:
Investigations
has an opening to work in the Tallahassee or Gainesville, Florida office or as
a telecommuter in the Pensacola area.
Advocacy,
Education and Outreach has an opening in the Tampa, Florida office, but
candidates who seek to work in a different DRF office will also be considered.
Disability Rights
Florida attorneys provide legal services and engage in individual and systemic
advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities. Our 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. The Staff Attorney is responsible for delivery
of legal services provided by Disability Rights Florida including legal
supervision of the work of assigned advocate/investigators and paralegals.
Staff Attorneys provide legal representation in a variety of forums to clients
and the organization as well as appear in administrative hearings, state and
federal court, state agency and legislative meetings in addition to providing
advocacy, education, outreach and other services related to disability issues.
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:
Responds to requests for
information from clients or representatives, and provides information,
referral and technical assistance as provided by federal funders.
Keeps accurate and
contemporaneous time records and notes on case activity or projects in DRF
case management database Legal Server.
Represents the client’s interests
in meetings, negotiations, and mediations, as provided for by law and
regulation, and enforced through effective use of legal strategies.
Provides legal representation at
administrative hearings, state and federal court, state agency and
legislative meetings.
Develops case strategies based on
client information, investigations and thorough research of applicable
state and federal law, regulation and case law.
Drafts pleadings, discovery,
depositions and motions as appropriate, assuring professional quality and
accuracy of documents, and insuring compliance with all current court
rules of procedure.
Prepares comprehensive
publication ready written reports for internal and external distribution,
including executive summaries and recommendations.
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
Travels to meetings, outreach,
trainings, presentations, mediations and hearings.
Ensures
that the rights of people with disabilities as provided for by law and
regulation are enforced.
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 up to 25% of the time.
Maintenance of a
valid Florida driver license or state-issued identification required.
Our
organization values diversity and inclusion. We welcome
and encourage individuals with disabilities and from other diverse
backgrounds to apply.
DFWP/EEO
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to
apply, and reasonable employment accommodation requests will be honored and
provided as applicable and appropriate.
