Staff Attorney: Multiple Positions

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) seeks several civil rights-oriented attorneys to promote and advance the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. Ideal candidates will share DRM’s values and commitment to the fundamental rights of people with disabilities to maintain independence and full access to community life with freedom from abuse and discrimination. DRM attorneys represent clients in judicial and administrative proceedings, engage in systemic advocacy and policy work, monitor the implementation of complex systemic reform efforts, conduct outreach and education, and provide legal advice and technical assistance to people with disabilities, their families, and other stakeholders.

Available Role and Responsibilities Include:

Fair Housing and Eviction Defense: The attorney represents individuals with disabilities facing eviction, pursuant to Maryland’s Access to Counsel Statute and DRM priorities. They will also conduct advocacy that advances the full inclusion and integration of persons with disabilities into all aspects of life in their community, including access to affordable and accessible housing. While the attorney’s primary responsibility will be representing clients in judicial and administrative proceedings, there will also be opportunities to engage in systemic advocacy and policy work, monitor Settlement Agreements, Consent Decrees, and Voluntary Compliance Agreements, and conduct outreach and education. This position will require regular travel throughout the state and reliable access to a vehicle.

Voting Access: The attorney will implement DRM’s Helping America Vote Act (HAVA) program to improve participation in the election process for individuals with disabilities, develop strategies to increase access to the voting process by voters with disabilities statewide; identify and address systemic barriers to accessible voter registration and voting; provide training to voters, poll workers, and advocates; collaborate with state and local boards of elections; investigate complaints alleging inaccessible voting systems and possible representation in litigation; and participate on coalitions, work groups, and committees relevant to DRM’s work. The attorney may also assist with developing DRM’s Advocacy Services Plan, and may coordinate with DRM’s Policy Counsel to track legislative issues that impact the disability community, with the possibility of increased involvement in DRM’s lobbying efforts in the future. This position will require regular travel throughout the state and reliable access to a vehicle.

Mental Health Rights: Cases include representing individuals in psychiatric facilities, prisons or community psychiatric settings; investigating allegations of serious abuse or neglect; and monitoring conditions at psychiatric facilities. The attorney may also monitor, analyze and report on data related to incidents of abuse and neglect, and participate in coalitions that address mental health issues. This position requires in-person meetings with clients at psychiatric and correctional facilities, and regular travel throughout the state. Reliable access to a vehicle is required.

DRM Attorney Responsibilities Include:

Maintain an active caseload representing individuals with disabilities in administrative and/or judicial proceedings;

Support public policy and litigation efforts;

Conduct and supervise outreach to identify clients in need of services;

Under supervision of DRM’s management and leadership teams, develop strategies to advance DRM’s advocacy priorities;

Work collaboratively with community stakeholders, co-counsel, and others;

Participate in coalitions and task forces with clients, constituents, and community partners on matters relevant to the civil rights for persons with disabilities;

Engage in administrative and legislative advocacy at the local and state level; and

Travel throughout the State of Maryland.