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Staff Attorney – DLC

Position: Staff Attorney 

Reports To: Supervising Attorney 

Location: Hybrid – combination of remote and in-office in Boston or Northampton DLC offices.  

Summary: The staff attorney will advocate for the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities. The attorney will provide representation in civil rights cases; investigate allegations of abuse and neglect; conduct monitoring of community residences and other facilities; and engage in advocacy to address human rights, discharge planning, community integration issues.

Essential Functions: 

DLC Staff Attorneys perform a wide range of duties, including the following: 

  •  Represent clients consistent with DLC’s case selection criteria; develop and implement case strategies; engage in litigation and negotiation in consultation with the Director of Litigation and/or the Director of Advocacy.
  • Conduct in-person monitoring, and investigative activities in facilities and community settings, including psychiatric hospitals and other group living environments; conduct factual investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect of people with disabilities; develop and execute workplans to address incidents of abuse and neglect.
  • Attend in-person meetings with colleagues, clients, opposing parties, government officials and others.
  • Provide information and self-advocacy assistance to DLC clients and conduct training and outreach activities in the community.
  • Analyze statutes, regulations, agency policies/procedures and proposed legislation.
  • Gather information from individuals with disabilities, family members and stakeholder groups to assist with policy analysis.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with subject area professionals and advocates, including state officials and agency staff, providers, and advocacy organizations.
  • Collaborate with Senior Attorneys, Supervising Attorneys, the Director of Advocacy, and the Director of Litigation in the development of systemic activities as appropriate, including impact litigation.
  • In accordance with DLC policies and procedures, maintain: the security of confidential information and records; complete and accurate records documenting advocacy, monitoring, and investigation activities and time spent.
  • Be available to travel throughout Massachusetts to perform assigned job tasks.
  • Perform related tasks, consistent skills, and general responsibilities as required to support DLC’s mission, as assigned.

Qualifications: 

  • Juris Doctorate and ability to practice law in Massachusetts (current MA bar admission or immediate ability to be admitted to MA bar required).
  • Practical legal experience, such as client counseling, appearances in court and administrative proceedings, legislative advocacy, and administrative advocacy.
  • Demonstrated commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of people with disabilities, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and/or people with low-income.
  • Professionalism and sound ethical judgment.
  • Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals.
  • Ability to analyze facts and pertinent legal authority and develop creative solutions.
  • Ability to produce high quality legal writing.
  • Ability to work efficiently, independently, and collaboratively.
  • Ability to travel throughout the Commonwealth.

Desired Attributes: 

  • Ability to communicate effectively in a language other than English: ASL, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Mandarin, or another non-English language.
  • 2 to 5 years of legal practice experience.

Compensation:  

Salary is determined by a collectively bargained salary scale based upon years of experience. On the scale, the salary of an attorney with 2-3 years of experience is $70,500. DLC provides a generous benefits package, including a 35-hour work week, generous vacation, retirement benefits and dental insurance.

To Apply:  

Interested applicants for this position must submit a cover letter and a resume through a form, located here: Staff Attorney (November 2023) – Disability Law Center (dlc-ma.org). Applications received by December 22, 2023 will be prioritized for consideration, then will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

If you require a reasonable accommodation for completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in our employee selection process, please contact Amanda Gasparonis via email at agasparonis@dlc-ma.org.  

Disclaimer: The position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions or inclusive of all job responsibilities that may arise. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.