Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney – Job Description

Position: Staff Attorney

Reports To: Legal Director or Managing Attorney

Wage Class: Exempt

Union Classification: Eligible

Location: Remote (with Massachusetts residency required)

Essential Functions:

DLC Staff Attorneys perform a wide range of duties, including the following:

• Represent clients consistent with DLC’s mission, case selection criteria and policies; develop and implement case strategies; engage in litigation and negotiation in consultation with the Legal Director.
• Conduct in-person monitoring, and investigative activities in facilities and community settings, including psychiatric hospitals and other group living environments; conduct factual investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect of people with disabilities; develop and execute workplans to address incidents of abuse and neglect.
• Attend in-person meetings with colleagues, clients, opposing parties, government officials, and others.
• Provide information and self-advocacy assistance to DLC clients; create self-advocacy materials; conduct training and outreach activities in the community.
• Perform legal research; analyze statutes, regulations, agency policies/procedures and proposed legislation.
• Gather information from individuals with disabilities, family members, and stakeholder groups to assist with policy analysis.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with subject area professionals and advocates, including state officials and agency staff, providers, and advocacy organizations.
• Collaborate with DLC colleagues in the development of systemic activities as appropriate, including impact litigation.
• In accordance with DLC policies and procedures, maintain: the security of confidential information and records; complete and accurate records documenting advocacy, monitoring, and investigation activities and time spent.
• Be available to travel throughout Massachusetts to perform assigned job tasks.
• Perform related tasks, consistent skills, and general responsibilities as required to support DLC’s mission, as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate and ability to practice law in Massachusetts (current MA bar admission or immediate ability to be admitted to MA bar required).
• Practical legal experience, such as client counseling, appearances in court and administrative proceedings, legislative advocacy, and administrative advocacy.
• Demonstrated commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of historically marginalized groups, e.g., people with disabilities, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, people with low income, and incarcerated people.
• Ability to analyze facts and pertinent legal authority and develop creative solutions.
• Ability to produce high quality legal writing.
• Ability to work efficiently, independently, and collaboratively.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals.
• Ability to travel throughout the Massachusetts.

Desired Attributes:

• Ability to communicate effectively in a language other than English: ASL, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Mandarin, or another non-English language.
• 2 to 5 years of legal practice experience.
• Experience with mental health law and/or direct experience working with people with mental health disabilities.

DLC provides a generous benefits package, including a 35-hour work week, generous vacation, parental leave, retirement and health benefits, and dental insurance.

Desired Attributes:

• Ability to communicate effectively in a language other than English: ASL, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Mandarin, or another non-English language.