Staff Attorney 2

Overview

Position: Staff Attorney 2 - Public Policy Focus
Practice Group: Equal Access and Housing
Reports To: Managing Attorney or Associate Managing Attorney
Location: Remote (Must reside in California), with offices in Sacramento, Berkeley, Los Angeles, or San Diego
Employment Status: Full-time, Exempt, 37.5 hours per week
Application Deadline: Open until filled; applications received by February 21, 2026, will be considered for the first round of interviews
Salary Range: $80,356.96 - $117,671.41 annually (based on experience and internal equity analysis)

Organization Description

This organization defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. It works to ensure that people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, and afforded equal opportunities. The team values human diversity and is committed to addressing discrimination in all its forms, including intersectional challenges.

Equal Access and Housing Practice Group

The Equal Access and Housing Practice Group is a diverse statewide team of attorneys and advocates focused on ending discrimination against people with disabilities and increasing access. Current priorities include:

• Challenging discrimination in public and private programs
• Addressing the criminalization of people experiencing homelessness
• Protecting and increasing affordable, accessible housing
• Addressing intersectional needs of people with disabilities

Purpose of the Position

The Staff Attorney 2 will lead policy advocacy efforts related to equal access in public and private services and coordinate with colleagues on housing and homelessness issues. This role works under the supervision of the Associate Managing Attorney or Managing Attorney and collaborates with attorneys, advocates, and social workers.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform job responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and participate in policy advocacy at local, regional, state, and federal levels by engaging directly impacted community members and amplifying disability community goals through public comments on legislation, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines
• Collaborate with Legislative and Communications units and other teams to develop and implement coordinated policy strategies on equal access, housing, and homelessness
• Identify and participate in internal and external stakeholder workgroups or committees aligned with practice group goals, including engagement with legal services agencies and community-based organizations
• Prepare or coordinate training materials, publications, reports, and presentations related to legal work
• Represent individual clients in negotiations, mediations, administrative, and judicial proceedings as assigned
• Mentor attorneys, fellows, and interns on public policy work as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and admission to the California State Bar or qualification as a registered legal services attorney
• At least five (5) years of legal experience
• Demonstrated commitment through lived experience and/or employment history to working with people with disabilities and low-income clients, incorporating race equity and community lawyering principles
• Experience in two or more substantive legal areas affecting rights and services for people with disabilities (e.g., ADA Title II, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Due Process Clause, FEHA, Unruh Civil Rights Act, Disabled Persons Act, CA Gov. Code Section 11135)
• Experience in two or more of the following: systemic policy advocacy, community organizing, administrative law, discovery, motion practice, impact litigation, trial advocacy, or appellate practice
• Experience working with persons with disabilities and/or multi-ethnic communities
• Experience in the disability rights or justice movement and/or extensive contacts in the disability community
• Strong professional responsibility and ethics
• Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and maintain attention to detail
• Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision

Desired Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish or an Asian language, or proficiency in American Sign Language
• Experience with or extensive contacts in ethnic or language-distinct communities
• Understanding of how to incorporate race equity and community lawyering principles into work
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with diverse groups

Working Conditions

• Work performed in office or home environments and in various field settings including courthouses, facilities, institutional, and community-based settings
• Regular communication via online platforms
• Ability to travel to work-related meetings, training, and community events

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel up to 25% of the time for out-of-town meetings, training, or outreach activities

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following to be considered:

• Completed employment application (do not state "See Resume")
• Resume
• Cover letter addressing personal and professional motivation for the position and how minimum and desired qualifications are met
• Sample of legal writing (no more than 10 pages)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary within the stated range
• Generous benefits package