Who is Disability Rights Wisconsin?

Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state’s Protection and Advocacy system, working to uphold disability rights and ensure freedom from abuse and neglect. Through legal advocacy, individual representation, and systems change, our advocates and attorneys advance dignity, access, and justice across Wisconsin. 

We were founded through the disability civil rights movement demanding an end to abuse and self-determination. That legacy continues to drive our work today. We are guided by core values of equal access, dignity, independence, accessibility, community integration, rights and safety, and self-determination. 

We are working toward a Wisconsin that is accessible and just. We seek team members who are motivated by that mission and ready to make a meaningful impact. In return, we offer a collaborative, mission-driven workplace, supportive colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave to support your well-being and success. 

Our programs include:

● Protection & Advocacy for people with disabilities (addressing abuse/neglect, discrimination, and access to services)

● Disability Benefits Specialist program (helping people access Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance)

● Family Care & IRIS Ombudsman program (supporting people to remain in community-based settings)

● Victim Advocacy services for crime victims with disabilities

About This Position

Disability Rights Wisconsin is hiring two Staff Attorneys for its Litigation Team. The Attorneys will provide legal information, advice, and representation to individuals and groups seeking assistance on disability-related legal issues. The attorneys work collaboratively, through negotiation and mediation, to resolve problems and to provide assistance and/or direct representation in lawsuits, grievances, appeals, and fair hearings. The Attorneys will also provide guidance to internal and external partners through technical assistance and training.

Key Responsibilities

1.   Direct Legal Services: (80%)

• Represent clients in litigation and pre-litigation settings.
• Perform legal research and writing.
• Conduct discovery, motion practice, pre-trial, trial, post-trial, and appellate litigation.
• Participate in negotiations, mediations, and settlements.
• Accurately maintain case files and documentation.

2.    Technical Assistance (10%)

• Provide subject matter expertise, case analysis, and legal interpretation for external partners and internal staff.
• Create training materials for advocates, external partners, parents, and people with disabilities in areas of subject matter expertise.

3.    Program Support and Compliance (5%)

• Participate in external meetings and serve on committees as a DRW representative.
• Comply with program requirements, including reporting and filing deadlines.
• Respond to inquiries from the media and other stakeholders as directed.

4.    General (5%)

• Adhere to all DRW policies and procedures, including but not limited to work hours, timesheets, file maintenance, confidentiality, and security.
• Participate in DRW activities such as all staff meetings and committees.
• Participate in community outreach
• May be other related duties as assigned.

Note on Attorney - Litigation: The Staff Attorney - Litigation designation is differentiated by the majority of time spent on client representation.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate and licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, or the ability to become licensed within three to six months of hiring.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to investigate specific issues, identify relevant facts, and conduct legal research.
• Experience meeting the legal needs of people of culturally diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with persons with disabilities or social justice movements, either in a paid or unpaid capacity.
• Knowledge and skill in at least one area of law directly relevant to individuals with disabilities, including special education, housing discrimination, employment discrimination, government benefits, prevention of abuse and neglect in institutional and community settings, and community-based mental health programs.
• Experience conducting discovery, motion practice, preparing cases for contested hearings, and litigating through trial, post-trial, and appeal
• Experience working with advocates and providing legal and case management support.
• Prior advocacy experience, which could include teaching or training, outreach, or technical assistance, experience in special education is desired.
• Ability to write and/or speak Spanish, Hmong, or American Sign Language (ASL) as well as English is desired.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Ability to perform sedentary work that primarily involves sitting and standing.
• Ability to operate office equipment.
• Independent travel is required (10%).

Travel

This position requires up to 10% travel throughout Wisconsin. Travel is anticipated to average 1 to 2 days per month, which may include an overnight stay. The travel schedule is expected to vary throughout the calendar year. While travel dates are typically scheduled far in advance, the position could require travel on short notice.

Benefits

Disability Rights Wisconsin places an unparalleled value on the well-being of our staff. The following benefits are offered for permanent employees who work 20 or more hours per week: 

• Generous employer contribution for individual and family health insurance, plus a Health Reimbursement Account for uncovered health care costs.

• Employer-provided Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution

• Flex Spending Account

• Access to affordable, quality:

• • Dental, Vision Coverage

• • Additional Life Insurance for the employee, spouse, and children

• • Critical Illness Insurance

• • Identity Theft

• • Pet Insurance

• Public Student Loan Forgiveness: 

Employment at our organization may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness programs. We do not directly pay for, nor forgive, federal student loans. However, our status as a not-for-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) makes us an eligible employer. There may be other factors that determine whether one qualifies.  

For more information, read the Federal Student Aid Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) page:  
studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Generous paid time off policies include: 

• 10 Fixed and 4 Floating Holidays

• Leave time for:

• • Medical and Caretaking

• • Vacation

• • Personal

• • Bereavement Leave

Additional benefits include the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Choice, and Sabbatical Leave. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA)

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status following Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Our organization is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.