Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $62,300 - Midpoint: $81,000 (Salaried E10)

Department/Organization: 218142 - AL Disability Advocacy Prog (ADAP)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy. 

Job Summary: The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program Attorney II provides legal representation to clients and conducts all phases of legal proceedings.

Additional Department Summary: Alabama Disability Advocacy Program (ADAP) is the statewide protection and advocacy system for the state of Alabama that works to achieve fairness and justice for Alabamians with disabilities. Provide legally-based advocacy services. Investigate allegations of abuse and neglect against persons with disabilities. Participate in legislative and regulatory advocacy work. Conduct education and outreach about disability rights.

The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program Attorney II represents clients with disabilities in legal proceedings which are more complex than those handled by Staff Attorneys, with an emphasis on systemic litigation in both state and federal court. Collaborate with ADAP's staff in the provision of advocacy services for ADAP clients. Mentor Staff Attorneys. Provide training to law clerks. Perform public education duties related to state policymakers and statewide organizations serving persons with disabilities.

With the approval of the Executive Director, the ADAP Attorney II may be eligible for remote or hybrid work. Extensive in-state travel is required, including overnight. Use of personal car for business travel may be necessary at times.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Juris doctorate and four (4) years of legal experience. Must be licensed to practice law in Alabama OR must become a member of the Alabama Bar within one (1) year of the date of hire.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation to participate in any portion of the University's employment process, please email the Human Resources Department at hrsvctr@ua.edu or contact us by phone at (205)-348-7732.

To be considered for this position, an applicant must submit a sample of legal writing (10 pages max). Must be admitted or eligible for admission to practice before all federal courts whose jurisdictions encompass Alabama within one (1) year.

Skills and Knowledge: Strong commitment to ADAP's vision of a society where persons with disabilities are valued, exercise self-determination through meaningful choices and have the equality of opportunity. Ability to manage a caseload, including leading litigation at all levels of state and federal courts. Effective communication skills to represent clients in legal hearings, meetings, negotiations or administrative proceedings, to actively promote legal, policy and legislative developments at state and local government levels, and to develop and conduct trainings. Exceptional research, writing, and editing skills (for a variety of audiences, including legal legislative, journalistic and public) and comfort with being edited by others. Ability to work with community groups (may include assisting groups with advocacy, providing technical assistance or organizing groups). Knowledge of standard software applications. Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision. Strong strategic skills. Ability to execute and achieve the intended goals.

Preferred Qualifications: Juris Doctorate with five (5) years of experience in an area relevant to ADAP's work such as disability law or civil rights protection. Extensive federal and state litigation experience, including systemic litigation. Knowledge of laws, rights, and services as they pertain to people with disabilities, and/or direct representation of people with disabilities. Experience with or functional knowledge of laws, regulations, and programs affecting people with disabilities. Knowledge of the disability rights movement, the disability community, or other vulnerable people or communities. Knowledge of state systems serving persons with disabilities including the Alabama Dept. of Mental Health, Alabama Dept. of Human Resources, Alabama Dept. of Corrections, Alabama Dept. of Youth Services, Alabama State Dept. of Education. Advocacy experience in either law, social or human services, government, public interest, or health care environments..

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

About University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

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