Civil Rights Attorney

100KCrossing; Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

DRM in Lansing seeks an attorney for a full-time, five-year grant-funded Medicaid litigation and advocacy position. The role focuses on state and federal courts, with opportunities to extend beyond five years if funding permits, and requires strong complex litigation experience.

The candidate must have a J.D. from an accredited law school, be admitted in Michigan, and have at least three years of relevant litigation experience, including Medicaid, ADA, and 1983 matters.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and admitted to practice in Michigan.
• At least three years of relevant litigation experience, including complex and 1983/Medicaid/ADA matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct representation to individuals with disabilities in courts and administrative proceedings on Medicaid matters.
• Lead complex Medicaid litigation and participate in class actions and Medicaid Fair Hearings.
• Develop impact litigation and advocacy strategies with DRM staff and outside counsel.
• Assist with reporting obligations and align with DRM's case management requirements.
• Represent the perspective of DRM and people with disabilities on task forces and coalitions.

Skills

Litigation experience

Public interest law

Administrative hearings

Disability rights

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

Case management software

Job description

(DRM) has an immediate opening for a full-time attorney. This is a five-year position, funded by grants from the State Bar Foundation and a private donor, to focus on Medicaid litigation and advocacy. The position may be extended beyond five years if funding permits.

Candidate must have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law and be admitted to practice law in Michigan. Minimum three years’ relevant litigation experience, ideally involving complex litigation, 1983 litigation, Medicaid Act litigation, and/or ADA litigation. Administrative hearing experience is highly desired.

Salary Range

• Minimum experience: $73,000-$82,000 (Staff Attorney)
• Significant experience: $85,000-$105,000 (Senior Attorney)
• Attorneys with significant legal experience or extensive disability law experience may be hired above the ranges.

Excellent benefits. Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility. Office is located in Lansing, but position is hybrid with flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct representation to individuals with disabilities in courts (state and federal) and administrative proceedings in matters concerning Medicaid coverage and services.
• Representation includes, but is not limited to, complex Medicaid and litigation (including class actions) and Medicaid Fair Hearings.
• Highlights: 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.

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.