Description
Job Summary:
Provides direct representation to individuals with disabilities in courts (state and federal) and administrative proceedings. Representation includes, but is not limited to, complex Medicaid litigation (including class actions), vocational rehabilitation service administrative proceedings and appeals, and actions filed on DRM’s own behalf related to federal access authority under DRM’s enabling statutes.
A secondary component of the job involves providing support to agency staff and technical assistance to outside individuals and groups.
Highlights of Duties and Responsibilities:
- Represents clients and classes of clients who are eligible for DRM services as set forth above.
- Assist in developing impact litigation and advocacy strategies, as well as internal litigation and advocacy priorities.
- Collaborate with DRM staff and outside counsel in carrying out ## 1 and 2.
- Comply with all applicable professional requirements and internal policies, including DRM case management requirements.
- Provide support to DRM staff and outside individuals and organizations on issues relating to DRM's work.
- Design and lead trainings on request.
- Assist with reporting and similar agency obligations as needed.
- Represent the perspective of DRM and people with disabilities on task forces, policy groups, coalitions and similar bodies.
- Regularly attend team and agency-wide staff meetings in office, virtually, or off-site as required.
- Other job-related duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school and admitted to practice law in the state of Michigan.
- Active membership in the Michigan State Bar.
- At least three years’ relevant litigation experience, ideally involving complex litigation, 1983 litigation, Medicaid Act litigation, and/or ADA litigation.
- Demonstrated ability to lead litigation in federal and state courts.
- Demonstrated ability to take a lead role in case planning and litigation management.
- Valid State of Michigan identification and ability to travel to court, meetings with clients and similar activities as required.
- Demonstrated commitment to the civil rights of all people and the ability to work with individuals with a variety of disability characteristics and cultural backgrounds.
- Administrative hearing experience is highly desired.
- Ability to maintain confidential information.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to provide effective legal representation to persons with disabilities. Ability to respond to confrontational situations and stressful interactions.
- Demonstrated ability to respond in an empathetic/compassionate manner while maintaining neutrality and composure to sensitive situations, emotionally charged issues, etc.
- Technological skills necessary to create high-quality correspondence, legal documents, and educational materials; ability to effectively use DRM's case management system and relevant computer programs.
- Demonstrated interest and commitment to public interest law (preferably in the area of disability rights) preferred. This includes experience at a legal services organization or similar non-profits.
- Experience as a person with a disability, or experience working with or living with persons with disabilities, preferred.
- Successful completion of background check.
Requirements
Interested applicants MUST submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample.
Must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law and be admitted to practice law in Michigan. Minimum five years’ relevant litigation experience, ideally including complex litigation, 1983 litigation, Medicaid litigation, and/or ADA litigation. Administrative hearing experience is highly desired. Must demonstrate effective written and oral communication and problem-solving skills.
Salary range is $70,000-$77,000. Applicants with significantly more relevant experience maybe considered for a “Senior Attorney” position (salary range is $87,000-$95,000). Attorneys with significant legal experience or extensive disability law experience may be hired above the range. Excellent benefits. Located in Lansing, but position is hybrid with flexibility.
DRM is the agency designated by the Governor of the State of Michigan to protect and advocate for the legal rights of individuals with disabilities. DRM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, political belief, creed, national origin, marital status, or disability.
