[blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)

Mon Oct 29 23:19:59 UTC 2012

Where does one find policy jobs, I'm on the list for attorney postings, but 
don't know how to find the policy type.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ronza Othman" <rothmanjd at gmail.com>
To: "'Blind Law Mailing List'" <blindlaw at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 6:27 PM
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)

> Ross,
> If you do make a move to Boston, New York, or Washington, please let me
> know.  I'd be happy to share your resume with folks in my health care
> network.  I'd also suggest you think about broadening what you're looking
> for in terms of actual positions - there are a lot of jobs on the policy
> side and very few on the litigation side.  If you do policy work for a
> while, you might have the opportunity to get back into the litigation 
> arena
> once you've expanded your network and gotten your foot in the federal 
> door.
>
> Regards,
> Ronza
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ross 
> Doerr
> Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 12:36 PM
> To: Blind Law Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
>
>
> Thank you Ronza. I see that you did a great deal of networking, and that 
> is
> something I have been trying to do a lot.  I didn't know that you knew
> Joanne Wilson -  now a former director of a Federal Agency is a 
> connection!
> I have been  doing the same sort of emailing that you suggest with
> introductory letters with a resume, and application writing for 3 years, 
> and
> don't seem to get much beyond a reply letter saying either they will keep 
> me
> on file for the next job opening or that they don't know what they can do 
> to
> help.
> It would seem that  a move out of Maine to a more cosmepolitan area such 
> as
> down in Boston or WDC would be in order. The reason I say that is we don't
> really have any mass transit up here to speak of unless you are on the
> Amtrack train, running out of Portland  regularly, so being able to do the
> type of networking that you refer to isn't possible on a bus or train up
> here, but I wish that it were.
> My litigation record is an excellent one in State and Federal matters but
> the type of open-minded disability hiring doesn't seem to be as evident in
> this area. Your experiences highlight the need to be either in a physical
> location where the type of casual, coincidental contacts can be made, or 
> to
> get a good networking contact to help you get a foot in the door. Like 
> you,
> I'm a proven and seasoned professional in healthcare litigation (Medicaid)
> and with litigation experience in the Help America Vote Act on the
> administrative level, and then via ADA Title II into Federal Court for
> polling place access.
> I'm glad your experiences are successful and not as protracted in the down
> side as mine are, but thanks for the information.
> Ross A. Doerr Esq.
> Admitted to Practice in:
> Maine and New Hampshire
> F. Ct. Admissions:
> ME & NH
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ronza Othman" <rothmanjd at gmail.com>
> To: "'Blind Law Mailing List'" <blindlaw at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 10:13 AM
> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
>
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I'm happy to help if I can.  Anyone interested in tips or tricks beyond
>> what
>> I share below is welcome to message me privately.
>>
>> I earned a BA in Philosophy and a BS in Biological Sciences from a very
>> small Catholic university in Chicago.  I attended DePaul University and
>> earned a Masters in Public Services Management with a concentration in
>> Healthcare Administration, and I attended DePaul University College of 
>> Law
>> where I earned my JD.  I received a job offer to work in the county
>> prosecutor's office post-law school during my last year of law school, 
>> but
>> the county went broke, and I found out a few weeks before I was to sit 
>> for
>> the Bar that they had to rescind all offers for new people.  So I drifted
>> a
>> little bit, taking whatever jobs I could find, including working as an
>> attorney investigator for a pseudo-federal agency (which means a federal
>> judge stood up this office on a temporary basis to investigate and
>> adjudicate employment discrimination claims for a class action).  I got
>> that
>> job by simply sending an email with my resume and cover letter after
>> seeing
>> an ad for it on my law school's career office website.  I also worked for
>> a
>> law firm for a bit, eventually managing the suburban branch, and then I
>> struck out on my own.  Meanwhile, I was handling immigration cases, both
>> for
>> the law firm and when I hung my own shingle, and I was having great
>> success
>> against USCIS and ICE.  That drew some attention to me as an Arab 
>> American
>> Muslim who was finding the systemic discrimination in DHS programs.  I
>> also
>> networked, networked, networked.
>>
>> One day, I had a conversation with Joann Wilson from NFB, who asked me
>> about
>> my future plans.  I confided that I wasn't big on managing my own law
>> practice and thought I'd prefer to work for a nonprofit or government
>> agency
>> so I could have greater impact.  She offered to introduce me to a friend
>> of
>> hers, who was the head of the civil rights office at DHS.  It turned out
>> that he had heard of me because of the litigation I'd been working on in
>> Chicago, but he offered to conduct an informational interview with me the
>> next time I was in DC thanks to Joann's introduction.  I took him up on
>> the
>> offer, and when a position opened up, I applied for it.  I was ready to 
>> go
>> Schedule A, but they ended up processing my application for that job
>> competitively.  It took well over a year from initial application until I
>> got my start date, but that was in part because I had to obtain a 
>> security
>> clearance for the job.
>>
>> I stayed a few years, but I needed a change.  I saw a vacancy 
>> announcement
>> on this list for another federal position - actually Scott LaBarre posted
>> it.  That same day, I sent out my resume and cover letter to the
>> Disability
>> Employment Program Manager, and I had my first phone interview later that
>> afternoon for that position.  Several others on this list were also
>> interviewed for that position, I later learned.  I was brought in for an
>> in-person interview, and I got the job.  They used Schedule A for this
>> position.
>>
>> Since then, I've applied using Schedule A maybe 7 times, and I've
>> interviewed for 5 positions and have received 3 offers.  These have been
>> with various Agencies, including SBA, SSA, Education, HUD, and the DOJ.
>>
>> In my work, I also attend conferences on hiring individuals with
>> disabilities.  For example, there is an annual conference for federal
>> agencies called the Perspectives on Hiring Individuals with Disabilities
>> Federal Conference each fall in Washington.  It basically teaches 
>> agencies
>> how to use Schedule A and other hiring authorities like the Workforce
>> Recruitment Program (like Schedule A but for current students and recent
>> graduates), in addition to resources for providing reasonable
>> acommodations
>> and strategies for retention.  That is where I've met the hundreds of
>> Schedule A hires, and I've maintained contact with many of them.  Also,
>> the
>> disability community in Washington is small, so a lot of us know one
>> another.  We turn up at conferences, workshops, balls, and just randomly
>> riding the metro or Marc trains.
>>
>>
>> My experience is that the range in age for those hired using Schedule A 
>> is
>> all over the place.  Since it can be used to hire for pretty much any
>> position, it isn't true that most hires are entry-level.  I know Schedule
>> A
>> folks who are attorneys, accountants, actuaries, nurses, education
>> specialists, transportation specialists, managers, HR folks, and on and
>> on.
>> I can't say I know very many in law enforcement though - but then again
>> those folks are less likely to share that they have a disability, or 
>> their
>> disabilities are likely to be hidden rather than obvious.
>>
>> Hope this helps.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Ronza
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Daniel
>> McBride
>> Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2012 10:01 AM
>> To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
>> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
>>
>> Ronza:
>>
>> Would you share with us your personal success story?  Where did you 
>> attend
>> undergraduate school and law school?  From the time you were licensed to
>> practice, how long was it before your Schedule A hire?  In which agency,
>> and
>> in what capacity was the hire?
>>
>>
>> You mention "hundreds" of Schedule A success stories in your area.  I
>> believe you do not mean hundreds of blind lawyers.  Of these success
>> stories, what type of disabilities are involved?  With which agencies, 
>> and
>> in what capacity, are these people finding success with Schedule A?
>>
>> Also, including yourself and the hundreds of others, what would you
>> estimate
>> the age demographics to be.  I know several of us curious about this
>> matter
>> are in our late 50s to early 60s.  Thanks a bunch.
>>
>> Dan McBride, Attorney
>> Fort Worth, Texas
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ronza
>> Othman
>> Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2012 8:25 AM
>> To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
>> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
>>
>> Hi Will,
>>
>> I am a Schedule A "success story" myself, and I know at least two dozen 
>> in
>> my Agency alone.  I'd say overall, I probably know of several hundred
>> individuals with disabilities who've been hired using Schedule A.  But I
>> live and interact in the Washington DC area, so I can't say how effective
>> such programs are outside of the headquarters area.  I do know folks
>> who've
>> been hired in the regions, but since the majority of feds work in DC, I'd
>> say I'm more familiar with success in that area.  In addition, different
>> federal agencies have different protocols for implementing Schedule A, so
>> I
>> can't say each agency takes advantage of Schedule A in the same way.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Ronza
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of William
>> T.
>> Miller
>> Sent: Friday, October 19, 2012 4:44 PM
>> To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
>> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
>>
>> Sounds familiar. I don't feel entitled to noncompetitive status, but
>> please
>> spare me the dangling carrot. I'm curious to know if anyone on the list 
>> is
>> aware of any Schedule A success stories -- I'd love to find out that my
>> skepticism regarding the program is unwarranted.
>>
>> Will Miller
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Alcidonis Law Office [mailto:attorney at alcidonislaw.com]
>> Sent: Friday, October 19, 2012 12:13 AM
>> To: Blind Law Mailing List
>> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
>>
>> As I said, it is just a joke. Long ago I stopped wasting my time with
>> so-called schedule A coordinators. One of them pretty much admitted to 
>> me:
>> "I don't think I am still the coordinator though." Really? And your name
>> is
>> on the government's website?
>>
>> I also don't see what the heck they are coordinating if they have
>> applicants
>>
>> send resume to their attentions and the applicant just never receives 
>> even
>> an acknowledgement of receipt.
>>
>>
>> Rod
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Deepa Goraya
>> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 11:49 PM
>> To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
>> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
>>
>> Many Schedule A coordinators don't even return calls or emails. I have
>> tried
>> contacting some of them.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of 
>> Alcidonis
>> Law Office
>> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 4:25 PM
>> To: Blind Law Mailing List
>> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
>>
>> Some of the schedule A coordinators don't even know they hold that title.
>> The whole thing is a joke.
>>
>>
>> Rod
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Angie Matney
>> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 5:41 PM
>> To: Blind Law Mailing List
>> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
>>
>> Hello Will:
>>
>> Jobs filled through schedule a do not have to be (but may be) advertized.
>> I
>> guess you could contact the agency you're interested in and see if there
>> are
>> openings. This page has more information:
>>
>> http://www.opm.gov/disability/mngr_3-13.asp
>>
>> I don't know how well this theoretically great program works in practice.
>>
>> Angie
>>
>>
>>
>> On 10/18/12, Daniel McBride <dlmlaw at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>> Will:
>>>
>>> Not only do I find the Schedule A Federal program somewhat suspect, I
>>> am curious about the complete absence of Schedule A type programs at
>>> the state and local levels.
>>>
>>> I have been practicing criminal law for 29 years; 3 years as a
>>> prosecutor and the remainder in defense.  The local DA's office is
>>> quite familiar with me and my abilities.  However, my efforts to gain
>>> employment with them do not receive the time of day.  I have no doubt
>>> but that their stated EEOC policy is mere form lacking any substance.
>>>
>>> I cannot agree more with the posts entered since Ross' apology.
>>>
>>> Dan McBride, Attorney
>>> Fort Worth, Texas
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
>>> William T.
>>> Miller
>>> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 1:41 PM
>>> To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
>>> Subject: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
>>>
>>> Theoretically there is a process similar to the "binders" mentioned in
>>> the last presidential debate: Schedule A. I'm curious if this list
>>> feels that schedule A is an effective process? My understanding of
>>> Schedule A is that disabled candidates for federal positions can post
>>> for jobs before they are posted publicly and, if qualified, the hiring
>>> manager may hire them noncompetitively. However, I don't understand
>>> how disabled job candidates are supposed to know of potential jobs
>>> before they are posted to the public.
>>> If disabled candidates have no way of knowing what Schedule A
>>> opportunities exists, then how can he or she take advantage of the
>>> program? I'm definitely no expert on this topic, so if anyone on the
>>> list can correct me and explain how one applies for a specific
>>> position as a Schedule A candidate, please enlighten me.
>>> Thank you,
>>>
>>> Will Miller
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Daniel K. Beitz [mailto:dbeitz at wiennergould.com]
>>> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 12:54 PM
>>> To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
>>> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] "Question" Posting
>>>
>>> I didn't see anything wrong with the post.
>>>
>>> -------------------------------------------
>>> Daniel K. Beitz
>>> Wienner & Gould, P.C.
>>> 950 University Dr., Ste. 350
>>> Rochester, MI  48307
>>> Phone:  (248) 841-9405
>>> Fax:  (248) 652-2729
>>> dbeitz at wiennergould.com
>>> This email transmission and any documents, files or previous email
>>> messages attached to it may contain confidential information that is
>>> legally privileged.  If you are not the intended recipient or the
>>> individual responsible for delivering this email to the intended
>>> recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or
>>> distribution or use of any of the information contained herein or
>>> attached to this email is strictly prohibited.  Should you receive
>>> this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying
>>> to the sender of this email or by telephoning us at (248) 841-9400.
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ross
>>> Doerr
>>> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 12:45 PM
>>> To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List
>>> Subject: [blindlaw] "Question" Posting
>>>
>>> Hello List:
>>>
>>> I am the one who posted the "question" about why disabled job seekers
>>> aren't being asked for binders full of their resumes to get more of
>>> "us" into the workplace. It was my blatant reference to a comment made
>>> during the presidential debate.
>>>
>>> In view of the on list and off list reprimands I have received about
>>> the posting, I feel that I should go onto the list and apologize for
>>> posting what is, as it has been pointed out to me repeatedly, an off
>>> topic message.
>>>
>>> I had thought that, in view of the underlying unemployment  issues
>>> that face those of us on the list, and those of us who regularly post
>>> job listings, such as myself and Noel Nightengale, that an idea to
>>> improve the employment situation would be net with some positive
>>> thought provocation.
>>>
>>>  Since I was wrong, I apologize to the list as a whole for my off
>>> topic posting. It will not happen again.
>>>
>>> Ross A. Doerr Attorney at law
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
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>>>
>>>
>>>
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