Job Overview

A.B. by and through Trueblood et. al. v. Washington State DSHS, No. 15–35462 (often referred to simply as Trueblood) is a federal class action lawsuit that enforces a person’s constitutional right to timely competency evaluation and restoration services in a criminal case. Class members are all people waiting in jail for court-ordered competency evaluation and restoration services. DRW is counsel for the plaintiff class and for itself as an associational plaintiff. More information about the case is available at https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/cases/trueblood/.

DRW’s Treatment Facility Program seeks an attorney fellow to work on Trueblood. Successful candidates will demonstrate they are interested in and prepared to:

1) Work directly with individuals with behavioral health conditions who are involved with the criminal legal system

2) Learn how to support impact litigation, policy work, and other systemic advocacy to enforce the civil rights of these individuals.

This position will require a licensed attorney, or an individual who will soon become a licensed attorney, with the ability to:

1) Conduct outreach and engage Trueblood class members, often inside jails, hospitals, and other treatment facilities.

2) Assist Trueblood class members with individual legal issues.

3) Meaningfully support class members to participate in systemic advocacy linked to the Trueblood case.

4) Support the Trueblood diversion programs, Trueblood litigation, and other advocacy strategies.

5) Represent DRW in policy and practice bodies associated with the Trueblood lawsuit.

The ideal candidate would have lived and/or professional experience relating to DRW’s practice areas. This includes, for example, the ability to help people fight discrimination, access public benefits or long-term care services, re-enter the community from institutionalization or incarceration, resolve housing instability, and/or end abuse and neglect. The attorney for this position must have a commitment and capacity to produce high quality legal analyses and learn how to provide effective advocacy through complex civil litigation as well as informal and alternative dispute resolution. All DRW attorneys must demonstrate dedication to DRW’s values of inclusion, diversity, and equity as well as the values of individual autonomy, community integration, universal accessibility, freedom from restraint, and respectful language. DRW seeks applicants who enjoy working in a team environment and are seeking to join in our mission to “advance the dignity, equality, and self-determination of people with disabilities.”

This job involves unsupervised contact with vulnerable adults.

Salary: $69,499 – $79,788

The position is intended for someone with 0-5 years of experience with a salary range of $69,499 – $79,788.  Please note: the DRW Board is currently considering increases to staff compensation which might increase the salary range for this position.

For full job description and to apply, visit: https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/now-hiring-legal-fellow/