North Dakota Protection and Advocacy

The Protection and Advocacy Project is a statewide agency with the federally mandated purpose of protecting and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in North Dakota. The Project provides a continuum of services from information/referral to legal representation. The Attorney II is a member of the agency legal team and reports to the Director of Legal Services. The Attorney II provides legal representation to the Project's clients, researches and develops legal opinions to assist non-attorney staff in representing clients, provides information and training to staff, individuals with disabilities, parents, and other professionals on legal rights issues, and provides legislative and systemic advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.Travel will be required, with occasional overnight stays.

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctorate degree, and licensure to practice law in North Dakota or ability to obtain license within 3 months of date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Two years' experience practicing law as a licensed attorney.Professional experience working with people with disabilities.Work experience providing legal representation to individuals in administrative hearings or civil proceedings in state or federal court. Work experience involving research and written analysis of complex statutes, rules, and regulations. Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state law with substantial relevance to people with disabilities. Examples include the American with Disabilities Act [ADA], Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA], Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Medicaid, Medicare, Disability-connected Housing law, Social Security Disability, and Guardianship. Work experience training and providing recommendations to others on legal rights issues, conducting outreach or public awareness activities, or developing legal materials or resources for groups, such as clients, professionals, or the public.Experience participating on issue-focused committees, task forces, workgroups or other groups seeking systemic changes. Work experience that involved preparing and presenting testimony to legislative and/or regulatory bodies or other involvement in the legislative process - state or federal. Training and experience in Conflict Resolution or Alternative Dispute Resolution.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore RooseveltMore than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.

The ND Protection and Advocacy Project is the leading civil rights organization for people with disabilities in North Dakota. P&A is a federally mandated, independent state agency established in 1977 to advance the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. The Project provides a continuum of services from information/referral to legal representation. Learn more about the ND Protection and Advocacy Project at https://ndpanda.org.The Project is offering a paid fellowship for high-achieving law students and recent law school graduates with an interest in disability advocacy law. Our focus is on asserting the human, civic and legal rights of people with disabilities, especially those who cannot articulate and act to protect deprivations.What we believe:We are committed to fulfilling the expressed wish of the individual within their legal rights.People with disabilities have the same legal and constitutional rights and guarantees as every other American citizen.That every person should be given the greatest possible opportunity to shape their personal destiny. As an intern with ND P&A you will gain extensive knowledge in disability law, work in a supportive environment and explore new ways of thinking to expand your capabilities, all while making an impact on the lives of others. The successful candidate would get the opportunity to: Perform interesting, challenging work to further the rights of people with disabilities.Assist with active legal cases, meet clients, prepare briefs/affidavits.Perform legal research, writing, and drafting of documents.Gain extensive experience in federal law, state law, and administrative law.Collaborate and network with professionals statewide.Engages in policy work including monitoring state and federal legislation, attending administrative and legislative hearings, and preparing/presenting testimony. Gain valuable legal experience and mentorship under the supervision of an attorney with 30+ years of experience.Add a prestigious fellowship to your resume.

Minimum Qualifications

Eligible Criteria: Completed at least one year of law school classes Achieved at least a 3.0 GPA (over 3.5 is preferred) Excellent writing skillsCommunity service or other activates demonstrating a commitment to public interest

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore RooseveltMore than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.