Managing Attorney - Education

COPAA; Tallahassee, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Disability Rights Florida is seeking a Managing Attorney to safeguard the civil rights of people with disabilities in institutional settings, in the community, and in Florida public schools. You will supervise a team, oversee legal services, and provide representation in administrative hearings and courts.

The position requires a minimum of five years as an attorney, Florida Bar membership, strong litigation experience, and the ability to travel statewide.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience as an attorney, with preference for civil rights and education work.
• Experience supervising attorney and non-attorney legal staff.
• Member of the Florida Bar.
• Knowledge of current state and federal law, regulations, court and agency procedures.
• Significant civil rights litigation experience in state or federal courts.
• Strong written and spoken English with professional legal communication.
• Ability to supervise staff, analyze complex problems, and implement solutions.
• Knowledge of management principles and strategic planning.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams with professionals.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Florida, including rural areas.
• Government clearance by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Team Director in managing attorney and non-attorney staff.
• Provide legal supervision of the work of assigned advocate/investigators and other non-attorney staff.
• Provide legal representation in a variety of forums to clients and the organization.
• Appear at administrative hearings, state and federal court, state agency and legislative meetings; engage in advocacy, education, outreach.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Bar membership

Litigation experience

English communication

Management & planning

Disability law knowledge

Travel availability

Government clearance

Job description

MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE

Want your legal career to create meaningful change? Join Disability Rights Florida and use your legal skills to protect the rights, dignity, independence, and opportunities of people with disabilities across Florida.

This is more than a legal job. It is an opportunity to advocate for people who need a strong voice, represent clients in matters that directly affect their lives, and contribute to systemic improvements that can impact entire communities.

WHY JOIN US?

Your work directly contributes to a statewide mission.

Work alongside passionate attorneys, advocates, investigators, and professionals.

Building meaningful litigation, advocacy, research, and client-representation experience.

Enjoy flexible work options, including fully remote work for eligible Florida residents.

Grow professionally while making a measurable difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

WHAT WE OFFER

Paid vacation, sick leave, personal holidays, and generous paid holidays

Employer-contributed medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with an impressive employer contribution/match

Life & AD&D Insurance

Short-long-term disability insurance

Additional Voluntary Benefits

Potential eligibility for Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

YOUR IMPACT

This job posting is for a Managing Attorney to protect and advocate for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities in institutional settings, the community, and students in Florida’s public schools. Your work may address:

• Assist the Team Director in managing attorney and non-attorney staff and overseeing the team’s work.
• Responsible for delivery of legal services provided by Disability Rights Florida including legal supervision of the work of assigned advocate/investigators and other non-attorney staff.
• Provide legal representation in a variety of forums to clients and the organization.
• Appear in administrative hearings, state and federal court, state agency and legislative meetings in addition to providing advocacy, education, outreach and other services related to disability issues.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

At least 5 years of experience as an attorney, with preference given to work in civil rights areas, and especially in education.

• Experience supervising attorney and non-attorney legal staff.
• Member of the Florida Bar
• Knowledge of current relevant state and federal law, regulations, court and administrative procedure as well as rules of professional conduct.
• Significant legal/litigation experience in state or federal courts in areas of civil rights litigation to include client contact, complex motion or appellate practice and litigation through jury or non-jury resolution.
• Ability to read, write and speak professionally and communicate effectively in English, including a working knowledge of correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure and legal citation.
• Able to provide effective supervision of staff, demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems, develop effective solutions and implement recommendations.
• Knowledge of management principles and strategic planning, organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and meet internal and external deadlines.
• Sound professional judgment and ability to interface effectively with staff at all levels and maintain productive working relationships. Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team with other professionals.
• Proficient with electronic legal research systems.
• Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons with disabilities, especially in institutional settings.
• Experience working with and/or sensitivity to school-aged children and adults with disabilities.
• Proficient with PC and Microsoft operating system and Microsoft Office, especially Word, familiarity with client databases and data reporting.
• Availability to travel, sometimes on short notice, throughout Florida, including rural areas.
• Government clearance by the United States Government Office of Personal Management is required.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Government clearance by the United States Government Office of Personal Management is preferred.
• Preference will be given to those with experience in working cases involving violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Rehabilitation Act.
• A passion for working with mission-driven organizations.
• Prior work with a public organization, non-profit organization or law firm.
• Knowledge of and experience working with people with disabilities.