Description

Staff Attorney

Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Gainesville, Tallahassee or fully remote.

STARTING SALARY: $73,000 (Scales Up Based on Experience)

EXCELLENT BENEFITS including paid vacation, sick leave and personal holidays, contributed employer medical, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) plan with an impressive employer contribution match, Life, LTC, AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance, generous paid holidays as well as a host of additional optional benefits. Employment at Disability Rights Florida is eligible employment for LRAP and PSLF.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.

WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights Florida (Disability Rights) is a not-for-profit corporation that acts as the state’s federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System for individuals with disabilities. As Florida’s P&A System, Disability Rights’ mission is to advocate, educate, investigate, and litigate to protect and advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, self-determination, and choices for all people with disabilities

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

This job posting is for a Staff Attorney position on Disability Rights Florida’s Investigations Team working on issues related to institutional settings and abuse and neglect 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. The Staff Attorney will provide legal representation in a variety of forums to clients and the organization. The Staff Attorney is expected to 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.

Our services are free and confidential. Created within this position is an opportunity to work for a dynamic organization on the front lines of protecting and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. Our mission is to advocate, educate, investigate, and litigate to protect and advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, self-determination and choices for all people with disabilities. We are a passionate, highly motivated, dedicated group of professionals and we are looking for exceptional talent, with the same passion for our mission, to join our team.

Our attorneys provide legal services and engage in individual and systemic advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities. Experience litigating cases involving violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Rehabilitation Act is required. Federal court experience preferred. Statewide travel and a favorable background check are required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•          Member of the Florida Bar.
•          Ability to read, write and speak professionally and communicate effectively in English, including a working knowledge of correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure and legal citation.
•          Able to provide effective supervision of non-attorney staff, demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems, develop effective solutions and implement recommendations.   
•           Knowledge of management principles and strategic planning, organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and meet internal and external deadlines.
•          Sound professional judgment and ability to interface effectively with staff at all levels and maintain productive working relationships. Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team with other professionals.
•          Proficient with electronic legal research systems.
•          Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons with disabilities, especially in institutional settings.
•          Proficient with PC and Microsoft operating system and Microsoft Office, especially Word, familiarity with client databases and data reporting.     
•          Availability to travel, sometimes on short notice, throughout Florida, including rural areas.
•          Government clearance by the United States Government Office of Personal Management is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Government clearance by the United States Government Office of Personal
  Management is preferred.
• Work location in South Florida or Tallahassee/Panhandle is preferred.
• Knowledge of current state and federal disability law, regulations, court and administrative procedure as well as rules of professional conduct.  
• Some legal/litigation experience in state or federal courts in areas of civil rights litigation to include client contact, complex motion or appellate practice and litigation through jury or non-jury resolution.  
• A passion for working with mission-driven organizations.
• Prior work with a public organization, non-profit organization or law firm.
• Knowledge of and experience working with people with disabilities.

To apply

Please submit a DRF Application, cover letter, resume, three professional references (at least two direct supervisors) and a legal writing sample to: Cynthia Ryan Harris, Disability Rights Florida, 2473 Care Dr. Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL 32308, fax 850-558-1821 or email: job1007@disabilityrightsflorida.org  or visit: https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/about/position/staff_attorney_10-2025.

We encourage individuals with disabilities and from other diverse backgrounds to apply.

DFWP/EOE