Attorney

Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) seeks an attorney. This position will address discrimination and harm experienced by individuals with disabilities in Tennessee institutions, and community living environments. This position will work with advocate/investigators, the program director, the policy coordinator, and other attorneys to address identified areas of work. Ideal candidates are well-rounded professionals who possess diverse knowledge on disability-related topics and federal litigation experience. Experience with juvenile justice or children and youth systems preferred. Remote work is allowed. Home internet is required, but technology will be provided by DRT. Travel within Tennessee may be required. The successful candidate may live anywhere within Tennessee or outside of Tennessee within 60 miles of a DRT office.

Only resumes submitted with a cover letter will be considered.

DRT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities. DRT is the designated Protection & Advocacy System (P&A) and Client Assistance Program (CAP) for Tennessee. For over 44 years, our agency has served more than 57,000 Tennesseans. DRT is funded through federal grants, state contracts, private donations, and grants. DRT has eleven programs which provide services across the state and across issues. Services include:

· Support & Resources

· Education & Outreach

· Investigation & Monitoring

· Advocacy & Legal Representation

To learn more about DRT, visit us at DisabilityRightsTN.org or on social media.

What You’ll Do

Review requests for DRT services and determine eligibility for services

Provide legal oversight and advice to investigators/advocates providing services

Represent individuals with disabilities

File and participate in impact litigation

Perform activities to address identified systemic issues experienced by people with disabilities. These activities may include:

• council, board, and committee participation

• outreach, information gathering, and presentations

• develop and maintain strategic relationships with state agencies and collaborators

• input into public policy efforts

• file complaints

• draft op-ed, white paper, or other public materials

• collaborate in the development of content for social media and print publications

Keys to Success

· To be successful in this job, you must possess these values, skills, and abilities:

· commitment to increasing knowledge of the disability community

· dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion

· knowledge of juvenile justice and/or educational system

· understanding of disability related laws/policies

· sensitivity to individual needs and services

· ability to work with a team

· strong oral and written communication skills

· sound professional judgment

· strong organizational and time management skills

· computer and word processing software proficiency

· Required:

· A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school or other law school approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court

· Active Tennessee law license or ability to obtain in timely fashion

· Preferred:

· Three years or more of related experience

· Experience in systemic litigation and/or civil rights cases

What Else You Should Know

Inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and social justice are at the heart of DRT’s mission, values, and daily practice. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds to join our team including but not limited to candidates with disabilities, persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, professionals from various generations, and veterans.

· The position is full-time (37.5 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day).

· This position has the option to be done remotely or in-office; however, in-office work will be required from time to time.

· The base salary for this position is $65,000. Exact salary depends on experience and qualifications.

We offer excellent benefits such as flexible schedule, remote work, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, paid federal and state holidays, 401K and insurance options including medical, vision, dental, life, and disability.

What Now?

If this seems like you, please send a resume and cover letter to Ann Anderson, Human Resources and Finance Director, at anna@disabilityrightstn.org

If you have questions about the position, reach out to Lisa Primm, Executive Director, at lisap@disabilityrighstn.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Nashville, TN 37217