Attorney: Education Team

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 72,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan/401(k)

Paid time off

Telecommuting policy

Job summary

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) seeks a civil rights-oriented attorney to promote and advance the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. The attorney represents clients in judicial and administrative proceedings, engages in systemic advocacy and policy work, and provides legal assistance to individuals, families, and stakeholders.

The role includes school-related matters (IEP, 504, discipline, due process), data reporting, partnerships in rural communities, and rights trainings.

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney with civil rights focus.
• Experience in education-related legal matters preferred.
• Ability to engage in systemic advocacy and policy work.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active caseload in administrative and/or judicial proceedings for individuals with disabilities.
• Support public policy and litigation efforts.
• Conduct outreach to identify clients in need of services.
• Develop strategies to advance advocacy priorities under supervision.
• Collaborate with community stakeholders and co-counsel.
• Participate in coalitions and task forces on civil rights matters.
• Engage in local and state administrative and legislative advocacy.
• Travel within Maryland as needed.

Skills

Civil rights law

Education law

Litigation

Policy advocacy

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Position Description

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) seeks a civil rights-oriented attorney to promote and advance the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. Ideal candidates will share DRM’s values and commitment to the fundamental rights of people with disabilities to maintain independence and full access to community life with freedom from abuse and discrimination.

DRM attorneys represent clients in judicial and administrative proceedings, engage in systemic advocacy and policy work, monitor the implementation of complex systemic reform efforts, conduct outreach and education, and provide legal advice and technical assistance to people with disabilities, their families, and other stakeholders.

Available Role And Responsibilities Include

An attorney working on our Education team may represent students with disabilities in school related matters, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, Section 504 meetings, school discipline hearings and appeals, administrative due process hearings, and administrative complaint proceedings. This position combines legal skills with outreach and relationship-building. The attorney may also monitor, analyze and report on data related to educational outcomes, suspensions and school-based arrests, and restraint and seclusion; develop partnerships in rural communities, and participate in coalitions that address special education and school discipline issues; conduct rights trainings for families, students, and professionals on special education and school discipline rights; and support DRM’s systemic and policy work.

DRM Attorney Responsibilities Include

• Maintain an active caseload representing individuals with disabilities in administrative and/or judicial proceedings;
• Support public policy and litigation efforts;
• Conduct outreach to identify clients in need of services;
• Under supervision of DRM’s management and leadership teams, develop strategies to advance DRM’s advocacy priorities;
• Work collaboratively with community stakeholders, co-counsel, and others;
• Participate in coalitions and task forces with clients, constituents, and community partners on matters relevant to the civil rights of persons with disabilities;
• Engage in administrative and legislative advocacy at the local and state level; and
• Travel throughout the State of Maryland.

Salary and Benefits: Competitive, depending on experience. The annual salary range for an Attorney with 1-5 years’ experience as a licensed attorney is between $72,100 to $77,003. Attorneys with more years of licensed practice will be placed higher on the pay scale.

DRM offers a benefits package which includes excellent medical insurance, employer-paid dental, prescription, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as pre-tax savings plans, a retirement savings opportunity with generous employer contributions, and opportunities for telecommuting policy. DRM offers employee reimbursement for some or all of the cost of spouse or partner-paid health insurance premiums up to an established maximum amount.

DRM also offers generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, sick time, and more.

While DRM can offer some flexibility in hours, days, and location of work, generally work hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. All work must be conducted within the State of MD with de minimis exceptions for conferences, etc. Occasional evenings and weekend work may be required. This announcement can also be found at https://disabilityrightsmd.org/careers/.