Supervising Attorney

Disability Law Center

Job Description

Who We Are: The Disability Law Center (DLC) is a statewide, nonprofit legal organization and Massachusetts’designated Protection and Advocacy agency for people with disabilities. DLC is committed to protecting the civil and human rights of all persons with disabilities through zealous advocacy and representation. Our work is firmly rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. The guiding principles for DLC’s advocacy are to promote and protect inclusion, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity Mission Statement: DLC is dedicated to protecting and promoting the fundamental human rights of our clients in appreciation of their diverse circumstances and to approaching our work through an intersectional lens. To do this effectively, we must foster diversity at all levels of the agency and maintain an inclusive environment that supports success and the well-being of staff. DLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer by choice. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service, veteran status, age, citizenship, marital status, status as a parent/guardian, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Supervising Attorney – Job Description
Reports To: Director of Litigation OR Director of Advocacy
Hours: 0.75 – 1.0 FTE; full-time schedule is 35 hours per week
Location: Hybrid – combination of remote and in-office in Boston or Northampton
Summary: The Supervising Attorney will serve as a middle manager, supervising Senior and Staff Attorneys. The Supervising Attorney will oversee the day-to-day activities of their team and will ensure the provision of high-quality legal and advocacy services to DLC clients. The Supervising Attorney will have the opportunity to contribute to the strategic growth of the organization.


Essential Functions:
  • Directly supervise Senior and Staff Attorneys and Advocates in their day-to-day work, which shall include the following:
    • Through regular supervision, provide guidance, training, and support to supervisees to improve their advocacy skills and case outcomes.
    • Regularly encourage staff to identify systemic barriers faced by clients and client communities and seek innovative ways to address the identified barriers; and
    • Evaluate work of supervisees to ensure adherence to the highest professional standards and effective use of time, conduct case reviews, review caseloads.
  • Maintain an individual caseload consistent with program priorities.
  • Analyze case law, statutes, regulations, agency policies, and proposed legislation.
  • Participate in evaluating service requests and assigning cases with the Director of Litigation, Director of Advocacy, and Supervising Attorneys.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Litigation, Director of Advocacy, and Supervising Attorneys in developing systemic activities as appropriate, including impact litigation.
  • As part of DLC’s full management team, participate in: team meetings; development and implementation of DLC policies and procedures; grant reporting and compliance activities; leading change and promoting a positive team attitude.
  • Participate in the orientation and training of newly hired or less experienced staff.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with subject area professionals and advocates, including state officials and agency staff, providers, and advocacy organizations.
  • Attend in-person meetings and visits with DLC colleagues, clients, opposing parties, government officials, and others that may require travel throughout Massachusetts.
  • Perform other related duties assigned by the Executive Director or supervising Director.
  • In accordance with DLC policies and procedures, maintain: the security of confidential information and records; complete and accurate records documenting advocacy, monitoring, and investigation activities and time spent.
 
Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctorate and ability to practice law in Massachusetts (current MA bar admission or immediate ability to be admitted to bar required).
  • At least 7 years of experience as a practicing attorney.
  • Demonstrated commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of people with disabilities, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and/or people with low-income.
  • Experience with advocacy in a variety of forums including federal, state, and appellate courts, administrative agencies, and/or legislative bodies.
  • Ability to analyze facts and pertinent legal authority and develop creative solutions.
  • Ability to produce high quality legal writing.
  • Ability to work efficiently, independently, and collaboratively.
  • Experience supervising attorneys or advocates, or in legal project management.
  • Ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
  • Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with people from diverse cultures, with diverse opinions and values.
  • Commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity as well as humility when working with clients, colleagues, and in supervising staff at the intersection of multiple identities.
  • Professionalism and sound ethical judgment.
  • Ability to travel throughout the Commonwealth.

Desired Attributes:
  • Experience working for a Protection and Advocacy agency.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in a language other than English: ASL, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Mandarin, or another non-English language.

Compensation: 
FTE salary range starting at $105,000. DLC provides a generous benefits package, generous vacation, retirement benefits and dental insurance.

To Apply:
Interested applicants for this position must submit a cover letter and resume. Applications received by February 11, 2024 will be prioritized for consideration, then applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in our employee selection process, please contact Amanda Gasparonis via email at agasparonis@dlc-ma.org.

Disclaimer: The position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions or inclusive of all job responsibilities that may arise. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.