Litigation Counsel

People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people who have disabilities.... JOIN US! Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)At Disability Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below, we’ve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.Examples of reasonable accommodations include:American Sign Language (ASL) interpretationAlternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)Interview questions are provided prior to the interviewExtended interview timeA quiet or distraction-free interview settingAdjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants,)Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviewsIf you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: [email protected] . Please note: resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.LOCATION:Sacramento, Oakland, San Diego, Los Angeles, or Remote (within California only) EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Exempt; Regular; Full-timeSALARY RANGE: $113,144 - $165,704 annually (Band 14) As part of our commitment to internal equity, salary offers are determined through a structured analysis that considers each candidate’s relevant education and years of substantially similar experience for the position. We review the candidate’s resume to assess relevant experience in relation to current employees in comparable roles. This process ensures our compensation decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with organizational equity standards.EXCELLENT BENEFITS8% Match – 401KHealth benefits (HMO options) Additional Benefits: dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Health Reimbursement Accounts for some HMO Plans. Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Teladoc We offer ample vacation, Sick / Self Care time and holidays (including the last week in December) We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.  INTERNAL CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITYRegular employees Meet the minimum requirements of the position for which they are applying  Employed for more than 6 monthsIn good standing APPLICATION DEADLINE:Open until filled. Applications should be received by August 14,2026 to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.WHO WE AREDisability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.The Youth Practice Group We are a statewide team of passionate attorneys who enforce and expand the rights of children and youth with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure that students with disabilities receive the benefits and supports guaranteed under federal and state laws. We achieve this objective through various types of lawyering and advocacy strategies that includes individual student representation at due process hearings, systemic litigation, investigations and monitoring of school districts, policy advocacy and community empowerment.We work collaboratively on lawsuits and advocacy projects on behalf of all youth with disabilities. Much of our current work includes advocating on behalf of students with disabilities facing exclusionary discipline, students with disabilities facing an inappropriate restrictive environment, youth with mental illness, foster youth, undocumented youth, Tribal youth, students of color and underserved communities. We also work to improve access to education supports and services, through our legislative and policy work with coalition partners.PURPOSE OF THE JOB In this position, the Litigation Counsel plays a significant role in shaping our litigation and advocacy vision, including working with team(s) to develop legal, policy, and other systems change advocacy initiatives to improve the lives of disabled Californians. The Litigation Counsel also helps to ensure the excellence of the Practice Group’s legal work by providing leadership, mentorship, and supervision to Practice Group attorneys on state and federal court litigation. The ideal candidate will have an unwavering commitment to excellence, a deep understanding of the intersectional issues faced by our clients, and a commitment to using the law to develop creative strategies toward movement-building goals.The Litigation Counsel is responsible for developing and implementing a variety of advocacy strategies, and for mentoring and supporting the practice group attorneys. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Essential functions are the job responsibilities an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. Litigation Counsel essential functions include:  - Develop and lead systemic litigation to address the needs of disabled Californians and their families, with a particular emphasis on young people with disabilities, which may include targeted representation, complex litigation, and/or appeals of administrative decisions; - Develop policy and other systems-change advocacy initiatives; including major policy advocacy at the state level; - Mentor and train practice group attorneys in litigation and policy advocacy;  - Support and oversee litigation teams, including facilitation of crossover legal issues and coordination of litigation practice group members; - Monitor, summarize, and analyze case law, legislation, and administrative policy and practices for staff and other organizations; - Collaborate with other agencies and organizations to address new or recurring problems faced by our clients;  - Develop and sustain relationships with organizations led by disabled people and key stakeholders within the disability community; - Participate as a member of the DRC legal management team to assist in the development and advancement of the Legal Advocacy Unit’s overall strategic direction; - Identify and develop substantive and skills-based training for attorney and advocacy staff; - Collaborate with other Litigation Counsel to fulfill various administrative and litigation-related responsibilities; and - Co-review with the Managing Attorney and approve the team member requests to commence new litigation. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES  Litigation Counsel provide leadership, training, and mentoring to Practice Group staff on litigation and legal advocacy. They also may provide direct supervision to staff or team members on certain cases and projects.