Staff Attorney position available

Application deadline: November 14, 2022

Employer: Disability Rights Wisconsin

Location: Anywhere in Wisconsin

What is DRW?

Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state’s Protection and Advocacy system, charged with protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and keeping them free from abuse and neglect. Employing a variety of means, our advocates and attorneys use individual casework and systems advocacy to achieve positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We are seeking employees who value this work. In turn we treat our employees well, offering a supportive environment, talented colleagues, excellent benefits and generous leave.

DRW arose out of a disability civil rights movement demanding that the abuse of people with disabilities end and that people with disabilities be included in life, school, workplaces, and communities. Our core values include Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation.

One of our core values is diversity. A diversity-based approach to disability rights recognizes the intersectional nature of oppression experienced by people with disabilities from underprivileged and underserved communities. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment at DRW. We work to specifically address disability-related injustices at the intersections of disability and race, disability and gender, disability, and gender-based violence, and more.

Job Summary

The Victim Advocacy Program of DRW works to ensure that survivors with disabilities receive the advocacy, legal representation, services, and support they desire to move forward, find justice, and obtain safety and stability in whatever form the survivor needs. A main goal of the VAP is to promote self-determination for survivors with disabilities.

The Staff Attorney for the Victim Advocacy Program will: provide direct, comprehensive representation to victim/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and/or stalking with disabilities in relevant areas including family law and victim’s rights; provide advice and counsel to clients, guardians, and family members; and participate in litigation, systems change initiatives, and outreach and training opportunities.

This is an entry level position for people with 0-3 years of experience. December 2022 graduates are encouraged to apply.

Primary responsibilities

Legal: (80%)

Provide effective legal representation to survivors with disabilities in hearings, administrative appeals, and court proceedings on relevant issues such as Injunctions, family law, and victim’s rights issues.
Provide information and referral on cases that are not eligible for direct representation.
Provide timely information, referrals, and legal advice to assigned clients.
Adhere to good legal practice.
Demonstrate ability to assess specific issues, identify relevant facts, conduct research, and provide advice to Advocacy Specialists regarding development of VAP cases.
Develop content area expertise in disability and victimization.

VAP Program Responsibilities: (10%)

Prepare in a timely fashion all reports associated with VAP and DRW.
Follow DRW policies, including but not limited to client communications, records maintenance and retention, and opening and closing cases.
- Participate in meetings, committees, work groups, hiring, and more in furtherance of DRW or VAP program goals.
- Develop and maintain resource files on topics including legal rights of individuals, grievance procedures, and other advocacy resources and disability related organizations.
Other duties as may be necessary to achieve the objectives of the VAP.

Outreach: (10%)
- Participate in outreach strategies, including efforts focused on specific culturally diverse groups and organizations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

0-3 years of experience in the practice of law. Law degree and licensed to practice law in Wisconsin or ability to become licensed within six months;
Experience/direct contact with persons of culturally diverse backgrounds;
Experience/direct contact with victim/survivors of crime;
Excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills;
Basic computer skills including email, word processing, and use of the internet;
Statewide travel required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in providing advocacy and/or support to survivors of crime and/or people with disabilities or mental illness;
Fluency or strong proficiency in American Sign Language, Hmong, or Spanish;
Knowledge and skill in areas of law directly relevant to this project (victim’s rights, family law, immigration) and people with disabilities or mental illness.

Agency responsibilities

Job Type: Permanent full time

Full Time Equivalent: 1.0 (40 hours/week)

Salary: $50,000 – $60,000 DOE

Location: Anywhere in Wisconsin. If the employee lives within 45 miles of DRW’s Madison, Milwaukee, or Green Bay offices, they will have the option to work fully in-office or under a hybrid work arrangement. If the employee lives more than 45 miles, they will work fully remotely. Must be a Wisconsin resident.

Benefits

Disability Rights Wisconsin offers the following benefits for full time employment: health, vision, dental, and life insurance; short- and long-term disability; 401(k) retirement savings plan, and flex spending. Paid time off includes 8 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays, personal and sick time off, volunteer and voting time off.

Application instructions

Submit resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
For priority consideration apply online at http://www.disabilityrightswi.org/careers/.
Application deadline: November 14, 2022. Position will remain open until filled.

Alternate formats of this Position Announcement are available upon request. Materials may be submitted in alternate formats if necessary.

Application deadline: November 14, 2022

Sorry, we are no longer accepting applications for this position.

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