ABOUT DRCT
DRCT is the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) office for Connecticut, designated by the Governor to advocate, educate, investigate and pursue legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies to advance and protect the civil rights of citizens with disabilities to participate equally and fully in all facets of community life in Connecticut. DRCT work uses this range of actions to protect and improve the lives of people with a variety of disabilities including intellectual, psychiatric and physical disabilities. Issues include access to and quality of treatment and support services, community inclusion, accessibility and reasonable accommodation, assistive technology, employment, housing, education, and voting.
As a P&A, DRCT has legal authority to access records and facilities in order to monitor and investigate complaints of abuse or neglect. DRCT is an independent nonprofit that receives categorical federal grants under a variety of federal laws.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The responsibilities of the person in this position include:
• Represent clients and classes of clients who are eligible for DRCT services. Develop and execute all phases of case strategies and activities in consultation with the Legal Director and co-counsel.
• Participate in developing and conducting class action and other strategically targeted litigation, in coordination with related advocacy strategies. Work in effective collaboration with counsel from other firms and organizations to make maximum use of combined resources to best serve DRCT clients.
• Support monitoring and investigation of facilities, schools and community programs.
Support provision of information and short-term assistance to DRCT clients.
• Assist the Legal Director in supervising and training staff attorneys and advocates.
• Participate in outreach, community engagement, and training of individuals with disabilities and related organizations, with an emphasis on under-served populations.
• Represent the perspective of DRCT and people with disabilities on task forces, policy groups, coalitions, and similar bodies.
• Maintain accurate time records and client records.
• Perform tasks, as assigned, that further DRCT objectives.
• Travel throughout Connecticut and nationally as is necessary to perform assigned job tasks.
Minimum qualifications for this position include:
• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school or other law school approved by the Connecticut Supreme Court
• Active membership in the Connecticut State Bar and the Bar of the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut or an ability to gain admission to both within 12 months of employment.
• A minimum of four (4) years of litigation experience, including class action civil rights or disability law litigation.
• Demonstrated ability to take a lead role in case planning and litigation management.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex litigation in state and federal courts.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate succinctly and persuasively.
• Ability to work efficiently, independently and collaboratively.
Other Desirable Qualifications:
Demonstrated interest and commitment to public interest law (preferably in the area of disability rights).
Experience in a legal services, nonprofit or public interest environment.
Ability to communicate in ASL, Spanish, or other non-English language.
Experience as a person with a disability or as a member of a nondominant cultural group, or experience working with or living with persons with disabilities or within a nondominant cultural community.
TO APPLY
Deadline: Open until filled. Applications received by March 31, 2021 will be considered for a first round of interviews.
Applications must include: (a) a letter expressing your interest in the position, your qualifications, and how you might contribute to the future of DRCT; (b) a current resume including the names and contact information of three references; and (c) a legal writing sample.
Materials should be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Applications must be emailed to Mary Jane Keane, Office Manager at: [email protected]