Staff Attorney, Litigation

Who is Disability Rights Wisconsin?

Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state’s Protection and Advocacy system, working to uphold disability rights and ensure freedom from abuse and neglect. Through legal advocacy, individual representation, and systems change, our advocates and attorneys advance dignity, access, and justice across Wisconsin. 

We were founded through the disability civil rights movement demanding an end to abuse and self-determination. That legacy continues to drive our work today. We are guided by core values of equal access, dignity, independence, accessibility, community integration, rights and safety, and self-determination. 

We are working toward a Wisconsin that is accessible and just. We seek team members who are motivated by that mission and ready to make a meaningful impact. In return, we offer a collaborative, mission-driven workplace, supportive colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave to support your well-being and success. 

Our programs include:

● Protection & Advocacy for people with disabilities (addressing abuse/neglect, discrimination, and access to services)

● Disability Benefits Specialist program (helping people access Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance)

● Family Care & IRIS Ombudsman program (supporting people to remain in community-based settings)

● Victim Advocacy services for crime victims with disabilities

About This Position

Disability Rights Wisconsin is hiring two Staff Attorneys for its Litigation Team. The Attorneys will provide legal information, advice, and representation to individuals and groups seeking assistance on disability-related legal issues. The attorneys work collaboratively, through negotiation and mediation, to resolve problems and to provide assistance and/or direct representation in lawsuits, grievances, appeals, and fair hearings. The Attorneys will also provide guidance to internal and external partners through technical assistance and training.

Key Responsibilities

1.   Direct Legal Services: (80%)

• Represent clients in litigation and pre-litigation settings.
• Perform legal research and writing.
• Conduct discovery, motion practice, pre-trial, trial, post-trial, and appellate litigation.
• Participate in negotiations, mediations, and settlements.
• Accurately maintain case files and documentation.

2.    Technical Assistance (10%)

• Provide subject matter expertise, case analysis, and legal interpretation for external partners and internal staff.
• Create training materials for advocates, external partners, parents, and people with disabilities in areas of subject matter expertise.

3.    Program Support and Compliance (5%)

• Participate in external meetings and serve on committees as a DRW representative.
• Comply with program requirements, including reporting and filing deadlines.
• Respond to inquiries from the media and other stakeholders as directed.

4.    General (5%)

• Adhere to all DRW policies and procedures, including but not limited to work hours, timesheets, file maintenance, confidentiality, and security.
• Participate in DRW activities such as all staff meetings and committees.
• Participate in community outreach
• May be other related duties as assigned.

Note on Attorney - Litigation: The Staff Attorney - Litigation designation is differentiated by the majority of time spent on client representation.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate and licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, or the ability to become licensed within three to six months of hiring.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to investigate specific issues, identify relevant facts, and conduct legal research.
• Experience meeting the legal needs of people of culturally diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with persons with disabilities or social justice movements, either in a paid or unpaid capacity.
• Knowledge a