Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) is a non-profit corporation with a mission to advocate for an equitable Ohio for people with disabilities. We provide legal advocacy and rights protection to a wide range of people with disabilities.

Our vision: Voices elevated. People empowered. Equity achieved.

Our values: Justice & Dignity / Informed Leadership / Unwavering Commitment / Fierce Advocacy / Access & Opportunities

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Education and Employment Attorney Team Leader / Supervising Attorney

Reports to: Legal Advocacy Director
Exemptions Status: Exempt

Disability Rights Ohio is a nonprofit organization committed to advocating for an equitable Ohio for people with disabilities. We provide a collaborative, supportive, mission-focused work environment. With a 35-hour work week, flexible scheduling, remote work opportunities, paid holidays, and generous paid time off, our organization promotes a healthy work-life balance. Our team members enjoy competitive health, vision, and dental insurance, along with a matching 401K plan.

Position Summary
The Attorney Team Leader provides legal expertise, supervision, and strategic leadership to a team of attorneys and legal staff in support of the organization’s mission. This role ensures high-quality legal representation, compliance with ethical standards, effective case management, and the professional development of team members. The Attorney Team Leader also collaborates with organizational leadership on program strategy, policy advocacy, and community partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Practice & Case Oversight

• Provide direct legal representation and strategic oversight in assigned practice areas (e.g., disability rights, education, service system access, housing, employment, education).
• Review and approve legal filings, case strategies, and settlements to ensure quality and compliance with professional standards.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource for complex or high-impact cases.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, grant requirements, and ethical rules.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate attorneys, paralegals, and advocacy staff.
• Conduct regular case reviews, performance evaluations, and professional development planning.
• Foster a supportive, inclusive, and trauma-informed work environment.
• Address performance issues, workload distribution, and team well-being.

Program & Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with senior leadership to set and measure program goals, priorities, and outcomes.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of advocacy strategies aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Analyze trends in client needs, systemic barriers, and legal developments to inform program improvements.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Represent the organization in coalitions, community meetings, trainings, and public forums.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, pro bono attorneys, funders, and stakeholders.
• Participate in outreach, education, and capacity-building efforts.

Administrative & Reporting Duties

• Ensure accurate case tracking, data collection, and reporting in accordance with funder and organizational requirements.
• Assist with grant reporting, audits, and program evaluations.
• Support budgeting, staffing, and resource planning for the legal program.

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing with the Ohio Bar (or ability to obtain).
• Must be admitted to U.S. district courts for the Northern and Southern Districts, and registered for Federal Court Electronic Case Filing in both the Northern and Southern District Courts.(or ability to obtain).
• Minimum 4 years of relevant legal experience, preferred in Disability Rights including experience in the nonprofit or public interest sector.
• Demonstrated experience supervising or mentoring attorneys or legal staff.
• Strong commitment to the mission of the P & A and to the civil rights of all people.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to deal effectively with and negotiate through confrontational situations and stressful interactions.
• Ability to travel

Preferred

• Experience leading teams in a legal aid, public interest law or advocacy organization.
• Expertise in one or more relevant substantive law areas.
• Experience with impact litigation, policy advocacy, or systems-change work.
• Familiarity with grant-funded programs and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of and experience pursuing rights and remedies available under federal and state laws protecting students with disabilities
• Knowledge of and experience pursuing rights and remedies available under federal and state laws on vocational rehabilitation and protecting employees with disabilities Experience with review and comment on federal and state laws, regulations, and rules in special education and vocational rehabilitation
• Systemic advocacy on behalf of students or employees with disabilities
• Experience collaborating with organizations and stakeholders in special education and vocational rehabilitation
• Participation on or with state-wide committees or groups focused on special education or vocational rehabilitation

Skills & Competencies

• Strong legal judgment and critical thinking skills
• Effective leadership, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Data-informed decision-making and attention to detail

Working Conditions

• May include occasional evening or weekend work for court, community events, or deadlines.
• Schedule: usually Monday to Friday
• Work Location: Hybrid depending on organizational needs.
• Job Type: Full-time 35 hours per week
• Reasonable accommodations provided in accordance with applicable laws.

Pay: Starting at $74,000/year, increases based on experience.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Paid - Dental insurance, Life insurance, Vision insurance
• Health insurance
• Generous Paid time off
• 14 Paid Holidays
• 401K Retirement plan
• Parental Leave

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to HR@disabilityrightsohio.org.

Community Engagement Specialist

Disability Rights Ohio is a nonprofit organization committed to advocating for an equitable Ohio for people with disabilities. We provide a collaborative, supportive, mission-focused work environment. With a 35-hour work week, flexible scheduling, remote work opportunities, paid holidays, and generous paid time off, our organization promotes a healthy work-life balance. Our team members enjoy competitive health, vision, and dental insurance, along with a matching 401K plan.

Position Summary:
To coordinate and support advocates with disabilities throughout the state and efforts made to increase the visibility of DRO’s programs and community awareness.

Core Functions:

Empowerment and Support

• Empower and support advocates with disabilities to be engaged in policy and advocacy work
• Coordinate and facilitate self-advocacy meetings.
• Actively participate in community advocacy and coalition activities.
• Communicate with advocates with disabilities on various outreach, education and funding opportunities on a regular basis.

Administrative Support

• Develop and maintain a database for advocates with disabilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Work to outline, research, and develop any relevant material to increase advocate support.
• Communication and Community Advancement:
• Represent positions and interests on issues before government agencies, coalitions, and public bodies.
• Communicate to advocates with disabilities about ongoing policy proposals including legislation and administrative rules
• Provide engaging educational webinars and training programs

Skills Needed

• Ability to plan and organize events and meetings.
• Basic understanding of the Ohio Legislative Process
• Basic understanding of Ohio’s disability services systems (developmental disabilities, Medicaid, mental health, etc.)
• Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and other computer software.
• Strong commitment to DRO’s mission and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and be discreet with highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong and effective writing and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate in a concise manner.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Reliability and ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate meetings, events and other work duties.

Minimum Qualifications
At least two years working with organizing advocates with disabilities (required)
Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Desired Abilities

• A candidate having lived experience accessing disability services (e.g., DD or mental health) in one or more systems.
• Understanding of issues impacting people with disabilities.
• Exercises sound judgement and effective communication methods for a variety of individuals.

*** Please note that DRO does not require any candidates to disclose a disability recognized by the ADA. This job directly pertains to connecting with individuals with disabilities or advocating on their behalf, so any candidate who has had direct experience to receive disability services are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pay: Starting $27.46 hour, increases based on experience.

Schedule: Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid
Job Type: Full-time 35 hours per week

Benefits:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Paid - Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Life insurance,
• Health insurance
• Generous Paid time off
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to HR@disabilityrightsohio.org.

Education Fellow

Disability Rights Ohio is pleased to announce the Ingram White Castle/Columbus Foundation Fellowship in Special Education Advocacy. The Special Education Fellowship position is a one-year fellowship that will begin as soon as it is filled and run through July 2027. The fellowship may be extended contingent on continued funding. The Special Education Fellowship is a paid position.

The Special Education Fellow will be employed by and directly support the Education Team at Disability Rights Ohio, a non-profit corporation with a mission to advocate for the human, civil and legal rights of people with disabilities in Ohio. The Fellow will provide advocacy to students with disabilities who are eligible for an Individualized Education Program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Fellow will counsel parents and their children, and attend IEP meetings with families in schools in Franklin and surrounding counties (Central Ohio area). The Fellow will receive supervision from the Education Team Leader at Disability Rights Ohio.

The fellow must have a Juris Doctor, and take the Ohio bar exam in July 2026, or have been admitted recently to the practice of law in Ohio as a licensed attorney.

As an employee of Disability Rights Ohio, the designated system under federal and state law to protect and advocate the rights of people with disabilities in Ohio (P&A), the Fellow will demonstrate:

• Commitment to the mission of the P&A and to the civil rights of all people.
• Understanding of and commitment to client directed advocacy.
• Ability to work with individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to manage multiple priorities and meet court or other deadlines.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Proficiency in oral and written communication, computer literacy.
• Ability to take direction and work with teams of agency professionals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Deadline to submit applications: The application period is open and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To apply submit cover letter and resume to HR@disabilityrightsohio.org.

Job Type: Full-time non-bargaining unit member

Benefits:
401(k)/matching
Paid Dental insurance, Vision insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Sick Leave
14 Paid Holidays

Schedule: Monday to Friday
Education: law degree
License/Certification: license to practice law in Ohio
Work Location: Hybrid, significant travel within the central Ohio area
Salary: Initial base compensation will be $57,500 per year. Upon successful admission to the Ohio Bar, salary will increase to $63,250 per year