Disability Rights Advocates · 1 week ago
Directing Attorney, New York, NY
New York, NY
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$165K/yr - $210K/yr
10+ years expDisability Rights Advocates (DRA) is a non-profit, disability rights legal center that fights for equal access for people with disabilities through high-impact litigation. The Directing Attorney in New York will lead significant litigation cases, manage legal staff, and contribute to the organization's strategic direction and mission.
ConsultingDiabetesEducation
Responsibilities
Lead litigator on major cases, including arguing major motions and/or supervising preparation by more junior attorneys for argument in major motions, acting as lead trial counsel and generally functioning as the lead lawyer on assigned cases
Provide leadership and guidance to attorneys on assigned cases to ensure successful resolutions and/or results in litigation that benefit DRA’s clients and mission, including providing guidance on litigation planning and case management throughout the lifecycle of each case
Ensure effective working relationships with plaintiffs, courts, and co-counsel on assigned cases
Ensure administrative and billing details are accurate and up to date on assigned cases
Ensure staff assigned to their cases have clear direction and feedback
Ensure recovery of attorneys’ fees and that cases are fee generating
Other duties as assigned
Actively participate in management team to provide input and support to leadership decisions
Supervise legal team members (possible direct reports include: litigation assistants, paralegals, summer law clerks, fellows, staff attorneys, and senior staff attorneys)
Provide leadership and direction to DRA regarding other mission-critical activities (such as amicus briefs, intakes, and other non-litigation advocacy and related matters)
At direction of the President & CEO, provide support as needed for Board of Directors
Participate as needed with special events including fundraising and staff engagement events
Demonstrate DRA values and mission in all aspects of work
Other duties as assigned
Provide leadership to New York office staff, in coordination with any other New York managers, including identifying and implementing team and morale building opportunities
In coordination with the CEO and CLO, network with legal and advocacy groups in New York and the Eastern U.S. to ensure community engagement and identification of legal issues
Qualification
Required
10+ years' experience and demonstrated success litigating civil rights cases
2+ years case management and experience providing leadership to other attorneys
Excellent writing and communication skills
In-depth knowledge of legal principles and practices related to high impact or class action litigation
Self-directed with strong initiative, efficient time management, follow through, and flexibility around changing priorities and deadlines
An active license in good standing with the New York Bar
Routine physical presence in New York City required given the leadership role
Preferred
Connection to disability or passion for our mission desirable, but extensive disability law experience not necessary
Company
Disability Rights Advocates
DRA is one of the leading nonprofit disability rights legal centers in the nation.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Rebecca Williford
President and Chief Executive Officer
Recent News
Crain's New York Business
2025-10-20
Chicago Tribune
2025-03-06
Company data provided by crunchbase