University Legal Services

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Details

Start Date: July 20, 2026

Application Deadline: June 19, 2026

Education: J.D. Required

Salary: USD $67,000 - $73,000 / year

Description

Disability Rights DC (DRDC) at University Legal Services is a non-profit law firm that serves as the federally-mandated Protection and Advocacy Program for people with disabilities in the District of Columbia. DRDC advocates for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities to be free from abuse and neglect and to be fully integrated into their communities.

DRDC seeks a full-time staff attorney for advocacy and investigations. Start date no later than July 20, 2026.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to, the following):

Monitor conditions in residential and institutional settings and conduct investigations of alleged abuse and neglect by the District government or District-funded providers and pursue individual and systemic resolutions.
File grievances and advocate on behalf of adults with mental illness and traumatic brain injuries to address rights violations by the District government or District-funded providers.
Train and provide guidance to pro bono attorneys about steps to file grievances and advocate to protect the rights of individuals receiving mental health services from the Department of Behavioral Health and its providers.
Educate the community about District resources that serve people with traumatic brain injury and advocate for the development of community-based services and accommodations that meet the unique needs of individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Advocate and litigate for community-based services and person-centered discharge and treatment plans for adults with mental illness and traumatic brain injury.

Qualified candidates with at least one year of legal experience preferred and excellent writing, analytic, research and communication skills required. Candidates must have demonstrated commitment to public interest work and to disability rights. Current DC Bar admission or the ability to waive into the DC Bar is required.

Level of Language Proficiency

Spanish or ASL proficiency is a plus.

Location

On-site

220 I St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USASuite 130

Benefits

Generous benefits including employer-paid health insurance for employee and spouse, vacation and sick leave. Option to telework two days a week.

University Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, political belief, creed, national origin, marital status, or disability. We value diversity of culture, disability and other life experiences.

How to Apply