Supervising Attorney

Job Type

Full-time

Description

People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people who have disabilities.... JOIN US!

Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)

At Disability Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below, we’ve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.

Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
• Interview questions are provided prior to the interview
• Extended interview time
• A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
• Adjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants,)
• Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: talent@disabilityrightsca.org . Please note: resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

LOCATION:

Remote within California

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Exempt; Regular; Full-time

SALARY RANGE: (Band 12)

$89,435 - $130,958 annually

As part of our commitment to internal equity, salary offers are determined through a structured analysis that considers each candidate’s relevant education and years of substantially similar experience for the position. We review the candidate’s resume to assess relevant experience in relation to current employees in comparable roles. This process ensures our compensation decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with organizational equity standards.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS including 8% 401k Match and an LRAP (Loan Repayment Assistance Program) that pays up to $300 per month depending on salary and debt. A language differential up to $250/mo. Health (HMO and PPO options), dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance and flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Additionally, we offer ample vacation, sick/self-care leave and eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December) and more…. We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.

INTERNAL CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY

• Regular employees
• Meet the minimum requirements of the position for which they are applying
• Employed for more than 6 months
• In good standing

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Open until filled. Applications should be received by April 22, 2026 (3 weeks from date of posting) to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

Investigations Unit

The Investigations Unit (IU) is a statewide team of zealous advocates who engage in non-litigation strategies to address the abuse and neglect of people with disabilities. IU investigates allegations of abuse and neglect in facilities and programs such as state hospitals, developmental centers, nursing facilities, group homes, community crisis homes, jails, and immigration detention facilities. IU investigates individual incidents of abuse and neglect, failures of the abuse response system, and the root causes of abuse and neglect of people with disabilities. IU strives to address the intersectional needs of people with all types of disabilities experiencing abuse and neglect, especially those from traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations.

We value lived experiences with disability, incarceration, and/or institutionalization, and experiences working with our clients across a range of settings. Please consider discussing such experiences in your cover letter, especially if they are not reflected in your resume.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Supervising Attorney will be responsible for supervising IU staff attorneys and investigators while managing their own caseload of investigations, monitoring, and community outreach. The IU Supervising Attorney is responsible for conducting abuse and neglect investigations on behalf of people with disabilities and pursuing systemic reform stemming from the outcome of those investigations. This includes utilizing policy, legislative, and media strategies. The IU Supervising Attorney advances investigations by interviewing, analyzing records, writing detailed case reports and publications, reviewing and drafting legislation and regulations, and participating in stakeholder meetings on issues related to abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities.

The Supervising Attorney will be responsible for collaborating with IU leadership to develop long term strategies for projects. They will be expected to keep up with developments in case law and policy affecting the IU’s work. They will be expected to develop expertise in laws that govern the IU’s work, especially laws relating to Access Authority. They will work to build relationships with outside agencies, including but not limited to governmental and nonprofit organizations, who can assist the IU with advocating for people with disabilities at risk for abuse and neglect.

The Supervising Attorney works under the direct supervision of the Director of Investigations in the IU and in collaboration with other Disability Rights California attorneys, investigators, and advocates in their legal, advocacy, and outreach efforts. This position will require traveling throughout the state, and occasional travel out of state.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

DRC provides reasonable disability accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Supervising Attorney essential functions include:

Supervision – 70%

• Supervise attorneys and investigators, including workload management, training, and monitoring staff.
• Lead a work team with emphasis on assisting the team in developing and implementing strategies to accomplish team goals.
• Ensure that all work complies with grant requirements and meets procedural and quality standards, including proper handling of personally identifiable information.
• Conduct frequent calls, e.g. weekly, with attorneys and advocates regarding work.
• Respond to inquiries and complaints concerning services.
• Train attorneys, advocates, clients and others in substantive disability rights law.
• Identify areas of development of program staff and assist in coordinating such development.
• Mentoring staff on substantive knowledge, strategic thinking, and interpersonal development.

Support – 20%

• Collaborate with IU Supervision Team to lead and/or assist in IU projects and work, including leading hiring teams.
• Coordinate with colleagues to maximize resources and promote quality client services.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of casework, workplans, and outreach on a regular periodic basis, e.g. quarterly.
• Compile reports by supervisees for submission to IU Director in support of IU’s grant reporting obligations and workload management.

Community-based advocacy – 10%

• Perform outreach and support and monitor supervisee outreach efforts to traditionally underserved communities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The position directly supervises multiple attorneys and/or advocates and reports to the Director of Investigations. The Supervising Attorney carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the agency's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include to interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; monitor and manage employee performance and job satisfaction; address complaints and resolve problems.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

(Applicants MUST meet EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

• Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) or equivalent, and membership in the California State Bar.
• 7 years of experience practicing law; or internal candidates who have worked at DRC for three continuous years and have 6 years of experience practicing law.
• Demonstrated commitment – through lived experience and/or employment history – to working with people with disabilities and low-income clients and incorporating race equity and community lawyering principles into their work.
• 2 years of experience successfully leading, developing, mentoring, or supervising law clerks, attorneys, or advocates.
• Expertise in one or more substantive areas of law related to the position
• 2 years of successfully leading multiple advocacy projects, such as intake/outreach projects, administrative proceedings, writs, or single client lawsuits.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

(Applicants DO NOT have to meet any of the Desirable Qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

Experience with litigation including actively managing lawsuits and legal disputes through the court system, from initial case investigation, discovery, and motion practice to trial and potential appeals.

• Admission to practice before federal district courts and 9th Circuit.
• Able to communicate fluently in American Sign Language or other non-English language.
• Experience in client representation particularly in public interest and civil rights law.
• Experience working with populations in institutional settings.
• Project management and supervision experience.
• Experience in the disability rights movement and/or extensive contacts in the disability community.
• Experience with and/or extensive contacts in language-distinct communities.

BILINGUAL ABILITY:

n/a

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES

Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) or equivalent, and membership in the California State Bar.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel occasionally for activities such as out-of-town meetings, training, or outreach activities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability-related reasonable accommodations. Duties are performed between a home office environment and the field in a wide range of settings, including health care facilities; acute psychiatric settings; in client, group, or family homes; community agencies; or in community-based outpatient settings. Duties require regular communications over online platforms. Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, centers, etc.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS including 8% 401k Match and an LRAP (Loan Repayment Assistance Program) that pays up to $300 per month depending on salary and debt. A language differential up to $250/mo. Health (HMO and PPO options), dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance and flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Additionally, we offer ample vacation, sick/self-care leave and eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December) and more…. We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.

N/a