MANAGING ATTORNEY – Advocacy and Investigations

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, 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

Note: You can request alternate formats of this position announcement. You may submit your application materials in alternate formats if needed. Please contact hr@drwi.org for alternate formats.

About This Position

The Managing Attorney will provide team leadership and coordination to our short-term advocacy and investigations work, to include advocacy plan development and implementation: attorney and advocate supervision; grant management; and advocacy quality assurance. The incumbent will oversee and engage in legal, individual and systemic advocacy and provide outreach and training on behalf of people with disabilities.    

This role ensures the delivery of high-quality legal and advocacy services, supports the professional development of team members, and advances strategies that drive systemic change for the communities we serve. 

Full Time Equivalent: 1 FTE (40Hours/week)

Reports to: Director of Legal and Advocacy Services  

Rate: $88,000 to $101,000 per year

Location: DRW has offices in Milwaukee and Madison. This position can be assigned to either of these office locations, depending on the applicant’s residence. Hybrid options are available.  Applicant must be a Wisconsin resident.  

Job Hours: The majority of hours should be completed during core office hours, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some evening and weekend hours may be required. 

Application Instructions: Submit resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications.

Application Deadline: Preferred consideration will be given to applicants who apply by March 31. Position will remain open until filled.

Key Responsibilities

Team Oversight (40%):

• Work with short-term advocacy, investigations and monitoring teams to develop potential activities that support the mission and priorities of DRW. Collaborate to identify issues and strategize to ensure the most impactful use of DRW’s resources to meet the legal needs of people with disabilities and advance systemic change.
• Oversee the allocation of time and funding to ensure that i) all activity falls within the bounds of the DRW Mission, and ii) the resources are used cost-effectively to make progress toward DRW Priorities.
• Develop and sustain strong working relations with each staff member by: 
• • individualized relationships with each team member to achieve the right balance of support, teamwork, monitoring, guidance, and room to move autonomously ensure compliance with all relevant state and federal grant requirements  ongoing effort to promote the professional deve