Civil Rights Attorney_

Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) has an immediate opening for a full-time attorney.

Must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law and be admitted to practice law in Michigan. Minimum five years’ relevant litigation experience, ideally including complex litigation, 1983 litigation, Medicaid litigation, and/or ADA litigation. Administrative hearing experience is highly desired. Must demonstrate effective written and oral communication and problem-solving skills.

Located in Lansing, but position is hybrid with flexibility.

DRM is the agency designated by the Governor of the State of Michigan to protect and advocate for the legal rights of individuals with disabilities. DRM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, political belief, creed, national origin, marital status, or disability.

Provides direct representation to individuals with disabilities in courts (state and federal) and administrative proceedings. Representation includes, but is not limited to, complex Medicaid litigation (including class actions), vocational rehabilitation service administrative proceedings and appeals, and actions filed on DRM’s own behalf related to federal access authority under DRM’s enabling statutes.

A secondary component of the job involves providing support to agency staff and technical assistance to outside individuals and groups.

PRIMARY

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represent clients and classes of clients who are eligible for DRM services in litigation as set forth above.
• Assist in developing impact litigation and advocacy strategies, as well as internal litigation and advocacy priorities.
• Collaborate with DRM staff and outside counsel in carrying out # 1 and 2.
• Comply with all applicable professional requirements and internal policies, including DRM case management requirements.
• Provide support to DRM staff and outside individuals and organizations on issues relating to DRM’s work.
• Design and lead trainings on request.
• Assist with reporting and similar agency obligations as needed.
• Represent the perspective of DRM and people with disabilities on task forces, policy groups, coalitions, and similar bodies.
• Regularly attend team and agency-wide staff meetings in-office, virtually, or off-site as required.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active State Bar of Michigan membership.
• A minimum of five years of relevant litigation experience, ideally including complex litigation, 1983 litigation, Medicaid litigation, and/or ADA litigation. Administrative hearing experience is highly desired.
• Demonstrated ability to lead litigation in state and federal courts.
• Demonstrated ability to take a lead role in case planning and litigation management.
• Valid State of Michigan identification and ability to travel to court, client meetings, and similar activities.
• Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and the ability to work with individuals with a variety of disabilities and backgrounds.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to provide effective legal representation to people with disabilities, both with respect to client communications and to litigation.
  
  Ability to respond to confrontational situations and stressful interactions.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, with or without accommodation.
• Demonstrated ability to respond in an empathetic/compassionate manner, while maintaining neutrality and composure, to sensitive situations, emotionally charged issues, and the like.
• Technological skills necessary to create high-quality correspondence, legal…