What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney position at Disability Rights Pennsylvania?
Company Overview
Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh provides free legal advocacy services to people with all types of disabilities, of all ages, throughout Pennsylvania. Since 1977, DRP has been the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy agency and a recognized leader in protecting people with disabilities against abuse and neglect, and advancing disability rights in areas like special education, housing, public access, employment, waiver services, and more. Learn more at www.disabilityrightspa.org.
Position Overview
DRP seeks an experienced full-time Staff Attorney based in Pennsylvania. Staff Attorneys develop and litigate individual and class actions and administrative complaints and will be responsible for all stages of litigation, including fact and legal theory development, research and writing, emergency motion practice, discovery, settlement negotiations, trial, appeal and post-litigation monitoring/enforcement. Staff Attorneys help to conduct client intake and provide direct legal advice to clients who reach DRP through our online and telephone intake system. Staff Attorneys participate in investigating and monitoring facilities where people with disabilities live and receive services, conduct training and community outreach, and participate in policy development.
Essential Functions
- Manages own litigation and client caseload.
- Files litigation and pursues legal work.
- Thinks strategically and develops litigation opportunities.
- Conducts legal and programmatic research and writing.
- Participates in client intake.
- Works individually and collaboratively with DRP staff with the ability to meet time-sensitive deadlines.
- Participates in investigating abuse and neglect and monitoring facility conditions as needed.
- Conducts trainings and participates in outreach.
- Comments on and analyzes regulations and legislation.
- Occasional travel to all areas of the Commonwealth, including some overnight travel. Out-of-state travel may be required.
- Performs all other appropriate tasks assigned by the CEO and Directors.
Requirements
- Must be licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.
- Minimum of 5 years of litigation experience.
- Excellent legal research and writing skills.
- Must meet all ethical and professional standards of conduct.
- Commitment to the mission, vision and values of DRP and to the civil rights of people with disabilities.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in complex litigation, civil rights and disability law preferred.
- Ability to communicate in Spanish and/or American Sign Language.
- Experience in a nonprofit or public interest legal setting.
- DRP encourages applications from the disability community. Our identity, experience, and unique perspectives connect us with the diversity within the disability community and the larger civil rights movement. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact hr@disabilityrightspa.org.
Disclaimer:
This position description serves as a general summary and overview of the major duties and responsibilities of the job. It is not intended to represent the entirety of the job, nor is it intended to be all-inclusive. Management reserves the right to modify or rescind this position description at any time, with or without prior notice. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.
How to Apply:
Send resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three references to hr@disabilityrightspa.org. In the subject line, please write “Staff Attorney Application”. Position will remain open until filled.
DRP is a great place to work! We have a flexible work policy and a generous benefits package. The salary range for this position is $81,000 to $118,000, depending on experience.
[July 2026]
Pay: $81,000.00 - $118,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Litigation: 5 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- PA Attorney License (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA 19103
Salary : $81,000 - $118,000