A Youth Practice Group (YPG) Staff Attorney provides pro bono legal assistance to address educational and home-and-community based service needs for youth with disabilities aged 3-21 with a focus on justice-impacted youth through our “Youth Justice Project.” The Project aims to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline by providing civil legal advocacy to justice-impacted youth with disabilities – and those at risk – through direct legal representation, community advocacy, and self-advocacy training. The Project puts a spotlight on the intersection of special education and school discipline. Youth Justice Project attorneys strive to ensure at-risk youth with disabilities are in appropriate educational placements with the supports and services they need.

Youth Justice Project attorneys also provide education and training to court and community stakeholders about youths’ disabilities and the impact of disabilities on their educational, social, and emotional development. The ideal candidate will have a desire to drive change and make a difference in the lives of underrepresented youth with disabilities. The candidate will work with a diverse group of individuals coming together to assist youth clients, including family members, court personnel, and those providing support in the community. The candidate must be able to build rapport, effectively communicate, and employ a person-centered model of advocacy with teenager clients and their parent/guardian.

New law school graduates and people with up to three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney, or other relevant experience desirable but not mandatory. Interest in educational issues or experience in education a plus.  Recent law school graduates with law school clinic experience addressing civil rights and/or social justice issues are welcome to apply.  Salary range for 0-3 years is $78,000 per year to $84,750 per year, with a generous benefit package.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Interviews clients/guardians, identifies client concerns and establishes goals of service through retainer agreements.
• Performs investigations of client case matters, gathers evidence, and interviews clients, family members, witnesses and other relevant individuals.
• Analyzes cases by identifying facts, issues and preparing potential solutions and strategies.
• Performs legal research and analysis on questions of law, procedure, practice, and evidence.
• Prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other legal documents as requested and required.
• Prepares and assists in the development of cases for administrative hearings or trial, including preparation of exhibits, testimony, evidence, and other documents.
• Appears in administrative, trial, appellate, state, and federal courts to represent clients.
• Prepares Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Interrogatories, and other legal documents as required and requested.
• Engages in dispute resolution techniques, including negotiation and mediation, to resolve client complaints.
• Prepares and/or presents webinars and self-advocacy materials; issues briefs, reports and other written outreach/education/training materials.
• Researches and provides input to formal comments, legislations, and other advocacy with state policy makers and/or through collaborations.
• Prepares official correspondence, reports and other matters as required and requested.
• Participates in staff training and development activities, including case review, staff meetings and conferences, including continuing legal education.
• Prepares quarterly and other reports as requested and required.
• Participates in outreach, technical assistance and training activities.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Must perform time recording in DAD/ADP consistent with Employee Handbook.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. All staff will have dedicated office space in the Trenton office; hybrid telework is dependent on management needs and staff performance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Law degree from an accredited college and one year of experience as a practicing attorney in public interest or disability related area, or other relevant experience. Membership in NJ Bar and Federal Court upon hiring or consistent with Employee Handbook.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: 

• Ability to understand, analyze and synthesize facts and information, reach sound legal conclusions, and recommend or take appropriate legal action based on facts and law.
• Knowledge and understanding of disability rights, laws, policies and issues.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, oral and written, including proficiency in English, proficiency in Spanish desirable.
• Ability to write clear, technically sound, accurate and informative legal, statistical, progress and other reports as required and requested.
• Ability to prepare official correspondence.
• Knowledge of relevant state and federal court practice and procedure and administrative law and practice.
• Ability to handle administrative and legal proceedings, under supervision for staff level, or independently for senior level.
• Ability to understand and comply with agency policies and procedures.
• Ability to work as a team member, especially with non-legal advocates.
• Ability to interact positively and constructively with co-workers, supervisors, clients, consumers, family members, consultants, and the public as required and necessary.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any federal security clearances required by federal funders.
• Knowledge of and ability to understand and relate to culturally diverse communities.
• Ability to speak Spanish or another language

Disability Rights NJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Interested applicants should email a resume, letter of interest and writing sample to: Interview Committee, Disability Rights New Jersey at [email protected]