Attorney

Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) is hiring a staff attorney. Responsibilities include:

· advocating for individuals with disabilities who are beneficiaries of social security that face employment barriers supervising advocates,

· collaborating with DRT advocacy staff, and

· supporting systemic litigation.

Candidates should have experience in employment law (especially ADA Title I), disability topics, and/or vocational rehabilitation. Federal civil litigation experience is preferred. Remote work is available, with technology provided. Travel within Tennessee may be needed. Applicants should live in Tennessee or within 60 miles of a DRT office.

Who We Are

DRT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities. DRT is the designated Protection & Advocacy System (P&A) and Client Assistance Program (CAP) for Tennessee. For over 45 years, our agency has served more than 57,000 Tennesseans. DRT is funded through federal grants, state contracts, private donations, and grants. DRT has eleven programs which provide services across the state and across issues. Services include:

· Support & Resources

· Education & Outreach

· Investigation & Monitoring

· Advocacy & Legal Representation

To learn more about DRT, visit us at or on social media.

What You’ll Do

· Advocate for individuals with disabilities in employment-related cases

· Engage in broader litigation affecting systemic change

· Assess requests for DRT services and provide legal supervision to advocates providing services

· Carry out actions aimed at resolving systemic challenges faced by people with disabilities, which may involve:

• Serving on councils, boards, and committees
• Reaching out to communities, collecting data, and delivering presentations
• Creating and maintaining strategic alliances with state agencies and partners
• Advising on public policy efforts
• Filing complaints
• Writing opinion pieces, white papers, or other public documents
• Collaborating on content for social media campaigns and printed materials

Keys to Success

Success in this role requires:

· commitment to learning about disability law and employment issues

· effective communication with people with disabilities

· teamwork skills

· strong written and verbal communication abilities

· legal research and writing expertise

· good judgment

· organizational and time management skills

· computer proficiency

Required:

· Juris Doctorate from an accredited or Tennessee Supreme Court-approved law school

· Active Tennessee law license, or the ability to obtain one promptly

· Admission to West, Middle, and Eastern Districts of Tennessee within six months of hire

· Pass suitability for Social Security work

Preferred:

· Three years or more of related experience, particularly in employment law

· Experience in systemic litigation and/or civil rights cases

What Else You Should Know

· This is a full-time position, requiring 75 hours every two weeks.

· While most of the work is remote, some in-office attendance may be necessary; office locations are available for use.

· The starting salary is $74,500, but the final amount will depend on your experience and qualifications.

We offer excellent benefits such as flexible schedule, remote work, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, parental leave, paid federal and state holidays, 401K, flexible spending, and insurance options including medical, vision, dental, life, and disability.

What Now?

If this seems like you, please send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Ann Anderson, Human Resources and Finance Director, at anna@disabilityrightstn.org or If you have questions about the position, reach out to Stacie Price, Legal Director, at staciep@disabilityrightstn.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $74,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Knoxville, TN 37923