Civil Rights Attorney

Posted on April 16, 2024

Closes:

Job Location: This position can be based at the DRM office in either Augusta or New Gloucester, with flexibility for hybrid work options. This position includes regular travel throughout Maine.

Position Summary

DRM is seeking a motivated and self-directed attorney who is committed to enforcing and enhancing the rights of people with disabilities. The Staff Attorney will engage in individual and systemic work related to discrimination in places of public accommodation and by government entities, employment discrimination, voting access, and cases involving access to supportive services and assistive technology. Duties of the Staff Attorney include, but are not limited to the following:

  1. Provide direct representation to clients in cases selected in accordance with agency priorities. This will include informal advocacy and negotiation, and representation in administrative proceedings as well as in state and federal courts.
  2. Identify systemic issues and participate with other staff in the development and implementation of systemic advocacy strategies, including litigation.
  3. Provide training to people with disabilities and others and develop content area resource materials.
  4. Develop and implement outreach strategies to ensure people with disabilities have access to information about their rights and DRM services.
  5. Analyze and develop responses to proposed legislation, regulations and policy guidance.
  6. Represent DRM on boards, commissions, work groups, etc.

Qualifications

  1. J.D. and license to practice law in Maine (or currently seeking admission following passage of the February 2024 bar exam), or eligibility to practice under Maine Rule of Civil Procedure 89(c) while seeking admission to the Maine Bar.
  2. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
  3. Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including legal research and writing skills and public speaking.
  4. Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with internal and external partners.
  5. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.
  6. Experience and/or strong interest in advocacy for the legal rights of people with disabilities and/or other marginalized populations. Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other state and federal laws impacting people with disabilities is preferred.

Note: This position handles confidential and private information and government security clearance is required. Persons employed in this position must receive clearance through a background investigation conducted by the United States Government Office of Personnel Management.

Location

This position can be based at the DRM office in either Augusta or New Gloucester, with flexibility for hybrid work options. This position includes regular travel throughout Maine.

Compensation and Benefits:

The starting salary range is $65,000 - $75,000, depending on experience.

DRM offers generous benefits, which include:

  • Employer-funded health insurance with options for dental and vision
  • Employer-funded life insurance
  • Employer 401(k) match of up to 4% of salary
  • Long-term disability insurance
  • Fourteen paid holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Generous vacation and sick leave
  • Educational opportunities to build legal skills
  • DRM is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position will remain open until filled.

To apply, send a cover letter and a resume to:

Chief Financial Officer
160 Capitol Street, Suite 4
Augusta, ME 04330
careers@drme.org

DRM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Persons from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.