Application Guide

How to Apply for Staff Attorney 2

at Disability Rights California

🏢 About Disability Rights California

Disability Rights California (DRC) is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of people with disabilities. Working here means joining a passionate team that fights for systemic change and individual justice, with a strong focus on equity and community empowerment.

About This Role

As a Staff Attorney 2, you will lead and participate in complex litigation and advocacy efforts to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. This role is impactful because you'll be at the forefront of class actions, appeals, and policy work that can transform the lives of thousands, while also engaging in community outreach to reach underserved populations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve strategizing with co-counsel on a class action, attending a mediation or court hearing, and then conducting a know-your-rights training for a community group. You'll also spend time on legal research, writing motions, and collaborating with advocates and clients to ensure their voices are heard.

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🎯 Who Disability Rights California Is Looking For

  • A licensed California attorney with at least 5 years of legal experience, ideally including litigation and/or administrative advocacy.
  • Deeply committed to disability rights and racial equity, with lived experience or a strong employment history demonstrating this.
  • Experienced in one or more areas of disability law (e.g., ADA Title II, IDEA, Olmstead, fair housing) and comfortable with complex litigation and appeals.
  • Skilled in community lawyering, including conducting know-your-rights trainings and collaborating with community-based organizations.

📝 Tips for Applying to Disability Rights California

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific litigation experience, especially any class actions, appeals, or impact litigation, and quantify outcomes where possible.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal or professional background to disability rights and racial equity, as DRC values lived experience.

3

Research DRC's current priority areas (e.g., institutionalization, education, healthcare) and mention how your skills align with their strategic plan.

4

Demonstrate your community lawyering experience by providing examples of workshops or trainings you've led for underserved populations.

5

Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and manage complex cases across different jurisdictions in California.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Highlight your commitment to disability rights and equity, and how your background (professional or lived) has prepared you for this work.', 'Showcase your litigation experience, especially any complex or class action cases, and explain the impact of that work.', 'Emphasize your ability to engage with communities and partner organizations, and your experience with know-your-rights trainings.', 'Mention your familiarity with California disability law and your passion for systemic change.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review DRC's website to understand their mission, strategic priorities, and recent victories or ongoing cases.
  • → Read about the disability rights movement in California, particularly issues like institutionalization, accessible housing, and education.
  • → Look into DRC's advocacy efforts and any reports they've published on disparities affecting disabled people of color.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key California laws and cases, such as the Lanterman Act, Olmstead, and ADA Title II requirements.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a complex litigation case you've worked on. What was your role and what was the outcome?
2 How do you incorporate racial equity and community lawyering principles into your legal practice?
3 How would you approach representing a client with a disability in an administrative hearing versus a class action lawsuit?
4 Given DRC's remote work environment, how do you stay organized and manage your caseload effectively?
5 What experience do you have with outreach to underserved disability communities, and how would you expand DRC's services?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic cover letters that don't mention disability rights or DRC's specific work – they want to see genuine passion.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of community lawyering; if you lack experience, show willingness to learn and provide examples of community engagement.
  • Don't ignore the remote aspect – make sure you address how you manage remote work, as DRC may have concerns about collaboration and supervision.

📅 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 Rights California!

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