[blindlaw] FW: DREDF Job Announcement

[Nightingale, Noel]

From: The Disability Discussion Docket (3D) - Official e-mail list of the Commission on Disability Right [mailto:3D at MAIL.AMERICANBAR.ORG] On Behalf Of Rita, Sherri
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2012 8:00 AM
To: 3D at MAIL.AMERICANBAR.ORG
Subject: [ABA-3D] DREDF Job Announcement

Job Announcement - Litigation Attorney
The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, a leading disability rights law and policy center based in Berkeley, California seeks a senior litigation attorney. A Litigation Attorney must be able to manage her/his own caseload as well supervise the work of DREDF's staff lawyers, law student interns, and legal support staff. The ideal candidate has a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience as a litigator including experience with disability civil rights laws (Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). The candidate will possess a record of professional achievement that includes significant litigation experience.

Requirements

1.   California Bar membership. (This requirement may be waived for a reasonable period of time, at DREDF's discretion to permit anew hire to take and pass the California Bar examination.)
2.   A minimum of seven years experience practicing civil litigation law as a licensed attorney.
3.   Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
4.   Commitment to disability rights and DREDF's mission.

Litigation Responsibilities

1.   Working with DREDF's directing attorney and litigation staff, perform all aspects of state and federal court litigation, including pre-complaint investigation, complaint drafting, motion practice, discovery, trial preparation, trial, post-trial briefing and appellate work.
2.   Negotiate and execute settlement of litigation as necessary.
3.   Communicate with clients about litigation matters.
4.   Select, research, develop and present cases that will have an impact on the state of disability rights and where successful resolution will provide relief to individuals with disabilities.
5.   Negotiate co-counseling agreements (including division of responsibilities, fees, costs/expenses and media contacts) with private law firms and other nonprofit firms.
6.   Keep abreast of new issues in the field of disability rights law, legal ethics, and all other matters necessary for the vigorous and competent representation of DREDF's clients.
7.   Establish and maintain contact with other public interest and private sector lawyers in disability rights law.
8.   Maintain and preserve accurate, contemporaneous records of time spent on litigation and other work performed.
9.   Supervise and provide guidance and mentoring to staff attorneys, summer law interns, and fellows.
10. Lead litigation teams in large cases, appeals and amicus efforts.
11. Supervise fellows, paralegals, law clerks, and other junior members of litigation teams.

Other Responsibilities

1.    As a member of DREDF legal team, develop long-range strategic plans to guide DREDF's litigation activities.

2.    Collaborate with DREDF's legal team in identifying and developing cases that will have the greatest impact in advancing DREDF's mission.

3.    Serve as attorney liaison to and participate in Board meetings on matters related to DREDF's litigation program.

4.    Share responsibilities with DREDF lawyers for media relations generally arising out of DREDF's litigation and disability law matters.

5.    Work Executive Director and Director of Development, as needed, on fundraising (e.g., meeting with funders and prospective funders, supplying information for digital news).

6.    Maintain and enhance DREDF's institutional identity in the legal and civil rights community through public speaking, writing, and attendance at appropriate functions.

Compensation
Salary is dependent on experience and will be in line with DREDF's salary schedule. DREDF provides generous benefits, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; four weeks' vacation and paid holidays.

Application Process

Apply immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. All inquires will be treated with confidentiality.
Please email cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least two references to:

Susan Henderson, Executive Director
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
shenderson at dredf.org<mailto:shenderson at dredf.org>