Staff Attorney 2026
EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
About the Organization DRNY, the Protection and Advocacy System and the Client Assistance Program for New York State is seeking an individual with a passion for achieving justice for individuals with disabilities. With a focus on civil rights and disability justice, DRNY actively works to break down the systemic oppression of all people with disabilities. DRNY recognizes the intersecting legacies and effect of ableism, white supremacy, colonial capitalism, and gendered oppression on people with disabilities. Joining DRNY is an opportunity to challenge systemic abuse, neglect, discrimination, and rights violations through case-handling, individual and systemic litigation, public investigations, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders. DRNY is committed to examining bias, privilege, racism, and intersectional social change in all aspects of our work. DRNY is a civil rights advocacy leader and we are seeking new staff who will contribute to our values and mission.
Description
The Staff Attorney will provide legal services and engage in individual and systemic representation and litigation. The Staff Attorney will be part of the PABSS (Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security) program and will report to the Program Director. The PABSS program is responsible for removing barriers to employment for our clients who receive SSI or SSDI. Experience and/or interest in employment discrimination work is strongly preferred. The Staff Attorney's work will include but is not limited to: (1) the assessment of claims of discrimination and other barriers; (2) the filing of claims with the NYS Division of Human Rights (DHR), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and litigation in state and/or federal courts on behalf of clients; (3) advising clients on how their SSA benefits may affect their ability to work; and (4) conducting community outreach and training. The Staff Attorney will be provided training as appropriate.
Essential Functions
The Staff Attorney performs a wide range of duties, including the following:
Provide legal, administrative, and other appropriate means of representation, including individual and systemic representation, to people with disabilities to ensure the protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities;
Investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and draft investigative reports;
Monitor service providers for abuse, neglect, and compliance with federal and state laws and draft monitoring reports;
Conduct client interviews and obtain proof of program eligibility as required;
Analyze new and existing cases as well as other matters to determine if they present systemic issues which may be appropriate for DRNY to address, and, with the Program Director, formulate strategies for their prevention, reduction, or elimination;
Act in accordance with identified Priorities and Goals of the Program;
Consult with professionals such as attorneys, physicians, psychologists, therapists, educators, and others to identify options and barriers for individuals and groups;
Lead and support DRNY projects, project teams, and initiatives that foster self-determination and self-advocacy, and coalition building;
Lead and participate in committees, task forces, and other organization-wide groups as assigned, as well as conduct training and outreach activities;
Maintain accurate, confidential files;
Assist in preparing reports to funding sources;
Maintain accurate time records and client records, including accurate use of the client tracking database for DRNY to meet its programmatic and fiscal responsibilities, and to obtain prevailing party attorney fees when appropriate;
Timely open and close case files regarding client matters;
May be asked to provide multilingual client support;
Travel throughout New York State and outside of New York State as necessary to perform assigned job tasks; and
Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities, and general responsibilities as required to support DRNY; and
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar or eligible to waive in from another jurisdiction, or be eligible to become a member within a reasonable time after beginning employment and maintain such standing throughout employment with DRNY;
Have 0 to 5 years experience;
Demonstrated interest and commitment to public interest law;
Ability to work efficiently, independently, and collaboratively as part of a team;
Excellent communication skills;
Relationship-building skills;
Strong organizational skills;
Strong problem-solving skills;
Outstanding professionalism and ethical judgment;
Multilingual skills preferred;
Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals;
Must work and reside in NY State.
Preferred Experience
Public interest, civil rights, or disability law experience;
Litigation and administrative hearing experience;
Experience working with diverse populations;
NYS Drivers' license preferred.
Working Conditions
A Staff Attorney usually performs work remotely or in an office environment. The mission of the organization may sometimes take a Staff Attorney to non-standard workplaces. A Staff Attorney will be expected to travel within and outside the state as necessary.
The annualized salary range for the Staff Attorney position is between $62,000 and $115,000.
DRNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees. This includes employer-paid premiums for health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Full-time employees also receive generous paid time off benefits and are eligible for our SEP IRA and 403 (b) retirement plans.
To view more about our organization, check out our YouTube videos highlighting DRNY's mission in advocating for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. Please visit our DRNY YouTube Channel and review our DRNY Press Releases .
Position Requirements
Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time
Location Disability Rights New York - Rochester
Position Staff Attorney PABSS 2026
Number of Openings 1
This position is currently accepting applications.
