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Law Graduate Intake 2024

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the Organization DRNY, the Protection and Advocacy System and the Client Assistance Program for New York State is seeking an individual with a passion for achieving justice for individuals with disabilities. With a focus on civil rights and disability justice, DRNY actively works to break down the systemic oppression of all people with disabilities. DRNY recognizes the intersecting legacies and effect of ableism, white supremacy, colonial capitalism, and gendered oppression on people with disabilities. Joining DRNY is an opportunity to challenge systemic abuse, neglect, discrimination, and rights violations through case-handling, individual and systemic litigation, public investigations, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders. DRNY is committed to examining bias, privilege, racism, and intersectional social change in all aspects of our work. DRNY is a civil rights advocacy leader and we are seeking new staff who will contribute to our values and mission.

Description

The Law Graduate will provide legal services and engage in individual and systemic representation and litigation. This position reports to the Program Director. This position is estimated to last up to one year.

Essential Functions

The Law Graduate performs a wide range of duties under the supervision of a licensed attorney, including the following:

• Provide legal, administrative, and other appropriate means of representation, including individual and systemic representation, to people with disabilities to ensure the protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities;

• Interview prospective clients, family members, advocacy groups and others, both in person, electronically and by telephone;

• Use information from these interviews to assess the individual’s situation and gather facts necessary to identify key issues and which DRNY priorities the issues potentially fall within;

• Review and summarize incoming written and electronic client correspondence to determine the individual’s needs;

• Obtain client information to assess eligibility for services, consistent with DRNY’s programs and priorities;

• Investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and draft investigative reports;

• Monitor service providers for abuse, neglect, and compliance with federal and state laws and draft monitoring reports;

• Analyze new and existing cases as well as other matters to determine if they present systemic issues which may be appropriate for DRNY to address, and, with the Program Director, formulate strategies for their prevention, reduction, or elimination;

• Act in accordance with identified Priorities and Goals of the Program;

• Consult with professionals such as attorneys, physicians, psychologists, therapists, educators, and others to identify options and barriers for individuals and groups;

• Lead and support DRNY projects, project teams, and initiatives that foster self-determination and self-advocacy, and coalition building;

• Lead and participate in task forces, coalitions, and committees as assigned, as well as conduct training and outreach activities;

• Maintain accurate, confidential files;

• Assist in preparing reports to funding sources;

• Maintain accurate time records and client records, including accurate use of the client tracking database for DRNY to meet its programmatic and fiscal responsibilities, and to obtain prevailing party attorney fees when appropriate;

• Timely open and close case files regarding client matters;

• Participate in committees, task forces, and other organization-wide groups;

• May be asked to provide multilingual client support;

• Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities, and general responsibilities as required to support DRNY, and other duties as assigned;

• Travel throughout New York State and outside of New York State as necessary to perform assigned job tasks; and

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Be a graduate of an accredited law school and eligible to take the NYS Bar exam;

• Demonstrated interest and commitment to public interest law;

• Ability to work efficiently, independently, and collaboratively as part of a team;

• Excellent communication skills;

• Relationship-building skills;

• Strong organizational skills;

• Strong problem-solving skills;

• Outstanding professionalism and ethical judgment;

• Multilingual skills preferred;

• Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals;

• Must work and reside in NY State.

Preferred Experience

• Public interest, civil rights, or disability law experience;

• Litigation and administrative hearing experience;

• Experience working with diverse populations;

• NYS Drivers’ license preferred.

Working Conditions

A Law Graduate usually performs work remotely or in an office environment, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take a Law Graduate to non-standard workplaces. Remote working will be part of working conditions. A Law Graduate will be expected to travel within and outside the state as necessary.

The annualized salary range for the Law Graduate position is between $60,000 and $65,000.

DRNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees. This includes employer-paid premiums for health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Full-time employees also receive generous paid time off benefits and are eligible for our SEP IRA and 403 (b) retirement plans. There are currently two employee affinity groups, a Mental Health Resource Group, and a BIPOC Employee Affinity Group.

To view more about our organization, check out our YouTube videos highlighting DRNYs mission in advocating for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. Please visit our DRNY YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JcJEFJXGgiZwE4zbw2BKg) and review our DRNY Press Releases (https://www.drny.org/page/press-releases-27.html) .

Position Requirements

Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Location Disability Rights New York - Rochester

Position Law Graduate Intake 2024

Number of Openings 1

This position is currently accepting applications.