Application Guide

How to Apply for Litigation Attorney

at Disability Law Center

🏢 About Disability Law Center

The Disability Law Center (DLC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities through legal advocacy and systemic reform. Working at DLC means being part of a mission-driven team that makes a tangible impact on the lives of people with disabilities, particularly in Massachusetts. The remote nature offers flexibility while working on high-impact litigation.

About This Role

As a Litigation Attorney at DLC, you will lead class action and impact litigation cases, from case development through trial, advocating for systemic change for people with disabilities. This role is crucial in enforcing disability rights laws and ensuring access to services, education, and community integration. Your work will directly shape policies and practices that affect thousands of individuals.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing case documents, drafting motions or briefs, and strategizing with the legal team on a class action lawsuit. You could also conduct client meetings via video call, participate in discovery planning, or prepare for a court hearing. Afternoons may include outreach to disability advocacy groups or negotiating settlement terms with opposing counsel.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Disability Law Center

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Disability Law Center Is Looking For

  • Has 7+ years of legal experience with at least 5 years in litigation, preferably in class action or civil rights cases.
  • Possesses a Juris Doctorate and is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts (or can obtain admission immediately).
  • Demonstrates exceptional legal writing and oral advocacy skills, with a track record of successful motions, briefs, and court appearances.
  • Shows a deep commitment to disability rights and understanding of the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.

📝 Tips for Applying to Disability Law Center

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific litigation experience, especially class actions or civil rights cases, and quantify outcomes where possible.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your past work to DLC’s mission, referencing specific disability rights laws (e.g., ADA, IDEA) and how you've enforced them.

3

Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to craft persuasive legal arguments, preferably a motion or brief from a disability-related case.

4

Research DLC’s recent cases and initiatives, and mention them in your application to show genuine interest.

5

If not currently admitted in MA, explain your plan to obtain admission and any progress made (e.g., UBE score transfer).

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your commitment to disability rights and how your career reflects that.', 'Specific experience with class action or impact litigation, including your role and results.', 'Your understanding of the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities and how your skills can address them.', 'Why you are drawn to DLC’s mission and how you align with their approach to systemic advocacy.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review DLC’s website, particularly their 'Our Work' page, to understand their focus areas (e.g., education, healthcare, accessibility).
  • → Read recent news articles or press releases about DLC’s litigation wins or ongoing cases.
  • → Familiarize yourself with Massachusetts disability rights laws and how DLC has used them in the past.
  • → Look up the leadership team’s bios to understand their backgrounds and priorities.
Visit Disability Law Center's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a complex class action or impact litigation case you led; what was your strategy and outcome?
2 How do you handle ethical dilemmas when representing clients with disabilities who may have communication or capacity challenges?
3 What experience do you have with discovery and motion practice in federal court?
4 How do you balance client advocacy with organizational resources in a nonprofit setting?
5 Why do you want to work at DLC specifically, and what do you know about our current cases?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to demonstrate a genuine commitment to disability rights—generic civil rights experience may not suffice.
  • Not addressing the Massachusetts bar requirement or providing a vague plan for admission.
  • Overemphasizing personal injury or commercial litigation experience without connecting it to disability advocacy.
  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn’t reference DLC’s mission or specific work.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Disability Law Center!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →