Pay Grade/Pay Range: 60 Monthly (exempt): - Minimum - $ 55203.24 Midpoint - $ 80038.44

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

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:45 pm

Job Summary: Reporting to ADAP’s Executive Director, the Legal Program Director is responsible for establishing and coordinating the agency’s overall legal strategy in furtherance of its mission to protect and promote the civil rights of Alabamians with disabilities. The Legal Program Director oversees all aspects of the agency’s legal program, including coordinating the selection of cases and their investigation and development, in coordination with applicable agency team leaders.

Additional Department Summary: ADAP is the statewide protection and advocacy system for the State of Alabama. ADAP works to achieve fairness and justice for Alabamians with disabilities. We provide legally-based advocacy services; conduct complex litigation to support systems change on behalf of persons with disabilities; investigate allegations of abuse and neglect against persons with disabilities; participate in legislative and regulatory advocacy work; and conduct education and outreach about disability rights.

The Legal Program Director builds and supports effective litigation teams both within the agency and in conjunction with private lawyers and nonprofit partners and may directly lead and/or participate in complex and systems-change litigation in federal and state court. The Legal Program Director supervises one (1) or more attorneys or advocates. The Legal Program Director is responsible for ensuring quality delivery of ADAP’s legal services, monitoring for professional excellence and compliance with all standards for professional practice. The Legal Program Director provides mentoring, technical assistance, and guidance to agency legal staff who provide direct client representation. The Legal Program Director provides education and information, consistent with agency policy, to state administrative and legislative policy makers regarding the needs of individuals with disabilities and also has public education duties related statewide organizations serving persons with disabilities.

The Legal Program Director is a member of the agency’s management team and with the approval of the agency’s Executive Director, may be housed in ADAP's Tuscaloosa or Montgomery office.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Juris Doctorate with a minimum of four (4) years practicing law with a specialty in civil rights law, disability law, or experience in an agency which provides advocacy services, to include one (1) year of supervisory/management experience.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must be licensed to practice law in Alabama or be able to become a member of the Alabama Bar within one year of the date of hire. Extensive in-state travel is required. Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 21 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report as determined by the insurance carrier.

Skills and Knowledge: Trial and appellate litigation experience in state and federal courts, including complex litigation actions, with a strong interest and experience in civil rights. Organizational development expertise, including demonstrated success in supervising, supporting, and building strong teams defined by outcomes, excellence in practice, and professionalism. Excellent organizational skills and a creative and strategic approach to problem-solving and litigation. Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and civil liberties. Demonstrated ability to work with community groups.

Preferred Qualifications: Juris Doctorate with a minimum of seven (7) years practicing law with a specialty in civil rights law, disability law, or other relevant area and at least four (4) years of supervisory or management experience.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster