Career Opportunity: Staff Attorney – Employment Focus, Community Access Team
Organization Description
Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the only organization that provides free legal advocacy services to people with all types of disabilities, of all ages, throughout North Carolina. We are the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy agency and a recognized leader in advancing disability rights, with a strong staff and supportive, dynamic work environment. DRNC is well established and positioned for growth. Learn more at www.disabilityrightsnc.org.
Job Description
DRNC has an immediate opening for a full-time employment attorney on the Community Access Team (CAT). CAT team work centers around ensuring people with disabilities have equal opportunities to live, work, and participate in their communities. The staff attorney for this position will engage in research and analysis of disability-related employment services and civil rights laws and provide individual and systemic representation to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities who have been denied equal access to employment and employment services. A licensed attorney with litigation experience and an interest in disability civil rights laws is preferred.
Job Duties
- Represents individual clients consistent with DRNC’s annual targets and selection criteria, including the development and implementation of all phases of case strategies and activities—e.g. client communications, negotiation, mediation, representation in legal proceedings, and systemic advocacy and litigation
- Provides legal advice and assistance to DRNC’s clients, including writing letters and memoranda and drafting pleadings on behalf of DRNC’s clients
- Analyzes and interprets federal and state laws, rulings and regulations to stay abreast of legal developments in disability civil rights laws, employment services, and other related law/ethical fields
- Analyzes statutes, regulations, and agency policies/procedures and drafts analyses and comments, as appropriate, in collaboration with DRNC policy staff
- Provides technical assistance to attorneys and advocates regarding the rights of individuals with disabilities
- Assists in the planning and development of DRNC’s program priorities and develops work plans, as assigned
- Prepares and reviews reports, amicus briefs, articles and special projects, drafts legislation and proposed regulations, as assigned
- Prepares written materials and conducts activities for the education and training of consumers, coalition partners, professionals, DRNC staff, members of the public, and others consistent with DRNC’s annual targets
- Cultivates, develops and maintains relationships with subject area professionals and advocates, including state officials and agency staff, providers, advocacy organizations, pro bono attorneys, and community advocates
- Represents DRNC at coalition meetings, public hearings, stakeholder groups, and/or task forces
- Monitors institutions and other service providers, agencies, or settings, as required
- Maintains complete and accurate records in DRNC’s case management system consistent with agency policies and procedures
Requirements
- JD degree and admitted to practice law in North Carolina
- Demonstrated interest and commitment to public interest law and/or the rights of persons with disabilities
Desirable Qualifications
- Life experience with disability
- Civil litigation experience
- Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities and Rehabilitation Acts
- Experience in a legal services, nonprofit or public interest environment
- Understanding of trauma and experience using trauma-informed approaches
- Ability to communicate in ASL, Spanish or another non-English language
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation Package that is competitive with other non-profits: Salary range between $69,000 – $125,300, depending on experience. DRNC offers excellent benefits that include 100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, life and disability as well as generous paid time off and retirement plan with an employer match.
How to Apply
Send a resume and detailed letter of interest explaining your qualifications and interest in the position to resumes.hr@disabilityrightsnc.org. Include Staff Employment Attorney Community Access Team in the subject line of the email. No phone calls please.
Closing Date: Priority given to resumes/cover letters received by October 31, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.
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Disability Rights NC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment with regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Individuals who increase the diversity of our team are encouraged to apply. We participate in E-verify.