Director of Legal and Advocacy Services

About the role

The Director of Legal and Advocacy Services is a key leadership position at Disability Rights Wisconsin. They are responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing policies and practices that guide the organization's legal and individual advocacy work, as well as supervising Managing Attorneys in various programs.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Advocacy Management (30%): Collaborate with the Executive Director, Managing Attorneys, and Public Policy Manager to develop cohesive strategies. Develop and oversee policies, processes, and practices guiding litigation, mediation, and advocacy efforts. Ensure compliance with Wisconsin’s Rules of Professional Conduct and grant compliance requirements. Oversee program teams, manage attorneys, and ensure quality and consistency in legal and advocacy work. Monitor trends and emerging issues in disability rights and adjust priorities to address systemic and individual advocacy needs. Support managing attorneys on litigation strategies and ensure attorneys and advocates have the necessary knowledge, skills, and competence to advise and represent clients with disabilities.
• Supervision and Mentorship (20%): Directly supervise attorneys who oversee day-to-day operations of their respective teams. Promote a supportive, collaborative, and accountable work environment for legal and advocacy staff. Conduct regular performance evaluations, oversee performance management, and ensure compliance records for all attorney licenses. Ensure staff receive appropriate and ongoing training to enhance skills and effectiveness. Coordinate internal and external training opportunities to promote professional growth for attorneys and advocates. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Grant Management and Compliance (30%): Ensure legal and advocacy work meet grant deliverables and reporting requirements. Oversee and ensure timely and accurate submission of applications and reports to state, federal, and private funders. Collaborate with the Leadership Team to develop proposals, budgets, and compliance strategies for programs.
• Policies and Procedures Development (10%): Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with policies, protocols, and best practices for legal and individual advocacy work. Uphold high ethical and professional standards for legal and advocacy staff.
• External Relations and Collaboration (10%): Represent the organization in statewide and national forums, task forces, coalitions, and external partners to advance disability rights. Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, funders, and community partners to support and enhance systemic and individual advocacy efforts. Establish and grow relationships with outside attorneys and law firms to increase pro bono support and co-counsel opportunities.
• General:
• Adhere to all DRW policies and procedures, including but not limited to work hours, timesheets, file maintenance, confidentiality, and security.
• Participate in DRW activities such as all-staff meetings and committees.
• May perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in Wisconsin or eligibility for admission if not currently licensed.
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in disability rights, civil rights law, or public interest advocacy. At least 5 years of supervisory experience managing attorneys and advocacy teams. Experience in grant compliance, reporting, and program management. Proficiency with case management systems, legal research tools, and Microsoft Office Suite. Proven ability to evaluate and interpret law and public policy and contribute to concise analyses and public responses. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Manage workload and multiple priorities, and the work of others. Court and administrative hearing experience. Demonstrated ability to provide self-determination and empowerment to people with disabilities or others from historically excluded populations. Proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and/or internal and external entities, which includes excellent listening, verbal, and professional written communication skills. Experience with effective public speaking.
• Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated commitment to advancing disability rights and familiarity with laws impacting individuals with disabilities (e.g., ADA, Section 504, IDEA, Medicaid/Medicare, Crime Victim Rights). Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and team management skills. Ability to write and/or speak Spanish, Hmong, or ASL as well as English is desired. Broad knowledge of quality services and civil rights for people with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in Wisconsin or eligibility for admission if not currently licensed.
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in disability rights, civil rights law, or public interest advocacy. At least 5 years of supervisory experience managing attorneys and advocacy teams. Experience in grant compliance, reporting, and program management. Proficiency with case management systems, legal research tools, and Microsoft Office Suite. Proven ability to evaluate and interpret law and public policy and contribute to concise analyses and public responses. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Manage workload and multiple priorities, and the work of others. Court and administrative hearing experience. Demonstrated ability to provide self-determination and empowerment to people with disabilities or others from historically excluded populations. Proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and/or internal and external entities, which includes excellent listening, verbal, and professional written communication skills. Experience with effective public speaking.

Benefits

Disability Rights Wisconsin offers a comprehensive benefits package for permanent employees who work 20 or more hours per week, including:

• Generous employer contribution for individual and family health insurance, plus a Health Reimbursement Account for uncovered health care costs.
• Employer-provided Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution.
• Flex Spending Account.
• Affordable, quality dental, vision coverage.
• Additional life insurance for the employee, spouse, and children.
• Critical illness insurance.
• Identity theft protection.
• Pet insurance.
• Public student loan forgiveness:
• For more information, read the Federal Student Aid Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) page: studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.

Pay

$124,000 – $142,000 annually.

Schedule

Full Time Equivalent: 40 Hours/week

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: DRW has offices in Milwaukee and Madison. This position can be assigned to any of these office locations, depending on the applicant’s residence. This position is not eligible for fully remote work. DRW has a hybrid work policy.