The National Association of the Deaf (NAD), as the nation’s premier organization safeguarding the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing Americans, invites applications for a Staff Attorney position within the NAD Law and Advocacy Center. This position will involve interviewing individuals, screening cases, and filing lawsuits and complaints on behalf of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States.
The key mission of the NAD Law and Advocacy Center is to represent the NAD across a broad range of civil rights and discrimination issues including education, early intervention, employment, healthcare, rehabilitation, technology, telecommunications as well as access to public entities and accommodations.
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities of this Staff Attorney position include, but are not limited to:
- Contact and communicate with consumers seeking legal or advocacy assistance as part of the client intake process;
- Provide appropriate information and referrals to consumers who are not accepted as clients for further legal representation or advocacy purposes;
- Conduct outreach in the deaf and hard of hearing community about legal issues;
- Conduct research and analysis of specific legal and policy questions;
- Prepare memoranda, opinions, and position statements as necessary;
- Stay up to date with the latest trends affecting the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people;
- Work with the NAD Law and Advocacy team on intakes, advocacy work, and litigation cases to ensure timely completion of all required tasks;
- Represent clients zealously in all approved cases that the NAD undertakes in furtherance of its mission;
- Engage competently in all aspects of litigation and administrative advocacy in the course of representation;
- Continuously advance skills through CLE-authorized courses and trainings;
- Coordinate and collaborate with other organizations and individuals to advance the NAD interests in support of its mission, vision, values, and strategic goals;
- Collaborate with partnering law firms on litigation cases;
- Represent the NAD at conferences, on advisory committees and panels, and through workshops and presentations;
- Identify and pursue opportunities for growth through grants and other funding; and
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the CEO.
Experience and Qualifications
Applicants must possess the following:
- Demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of issues related to the advancement of the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals;
- Litigation experience including but not limited to handling client intake, conducting discovery, writing and filing complaints/motions/briefs, and handling administrative hearings and/or trial court proceedings;
- Excellent writing and research skills, strong analytic capabilities, and demonstrate ability to analyze statutes and case law;
- Strong working knowledge of constitutional issues, including litigation, legislation, and other issues involving civil liberties and civil rights;
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree required;
- Bar licensure in Maryland required within one year of accepting position;
- Work well with the NAD Law and Advocacy team at NAD headquarters as well as independently;
- Significant litigation experience preferred;
- Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) required;
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills; and
- Proactive in identifying areas of need and diligent in completing tasks pursuant to deadlines.
The NAD, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package and flexible work environment. Salary is commensurate with experience.
— OPEN UNTIL FILLED —
Applicant cover letter, resume, three references, and three writing samples must be emailed to [email protected].
The NAD is an EEO/AA employer. For more information about the NAD, visit www.nad.org.