Staff Attorney - Litigation

Who is Disability Rights Wisconsin?

Disability Rights Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s Protection and Advocacy system. The agency is charged with protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and keeping them free from abuse and neglect. Employing a variety of means, our advocates and attorneys use individual casework and systems advocacy to achieve positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We are seeking employees who value this work. In turn, we treat our employees well, offering a supportive environment, talented colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave. 

Disability Rights Wisconsin arose out of a disability civil rights movement demanding that the abuse of people with disabilities end and that people with disabilities be included in life, school, workplaces, and communities. Our core values include: Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation. 

Our programs include: 

• Protection & Advocacy for people with disabilities (addressing abuse/neglect, discrimination, access to services, education rights, institutional monitoring, and systemic reform). 

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

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

Full Time Equivalent: 40Hours/week 

Reports to: Managing Attorney-Litigation 

Rate: $59,000 - $73,000 (annually), Depending on Experience. 

Location: Madison or Milwaukee hybrid work. Applicant must hold a license to practice law in Wisconsin or be able to obtain a Wisconsin license within three to six months of employment. 

Job Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm 

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026. Position will remain open until filled. 

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.  

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Key Responsibilities  

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 

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