National Association of the Deaf

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) seeks a dynamic individual to join its Law and Advocacy Center, which educates, advocates, and litigates on behalf of and to empower deaf or hard of hearing individuals. Specifically, Law and Advocacy attorneys work on legislative and public policy issues of concern to the deaf and hard of hearing community, particularly at the national level and often in collaboration with other national organizations. These cover a wide range of issues including captioning, early intervention, education, employment, emergency preparedness, health care, technology, and transportation. Our attorneys represent deaf and hard of hearing individuals in disability discrimination civil rights cases that are carefully selected to establish powerful legal principles of equality and equal access. They also respond to hundreds of inquiries each month for information, advocacy guidance, legal advice, representation, and referral. This part-time staff attorney position offers multiple opportunities to “make a real difference” in the lives of Americans who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Qualifications: Juris Doctor degree. Admitted to and a member in good standing with at least one state bar; Maryland, preferred. Excellent writing and communication skills. Demonstrated experience in legal research and writing, preparation of policy statements, action alerts, testimony, and consumer information. Knowledge of federal legislation and public policy impacting people who are deaf or hard of hearing, particularly in the field of education of deaf and hard of hearing children. Experience in trial preparation and presentation, and appellate briefing and argument desirable. Must be an excellent team player, effective in working as a member of a dynamic team and representing the NAD as a coalition member. Experience in grant writing and fundraising is preferred. Fluency in ASL and general knowledge of deaf culture, heritage and language is required. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Deadline: Applicant cover letter, resume, three references and writing samples must be received at the NAD no later than 12:00 pm Eastern Time on September 21, 2009. Application package should be sent to the attention of: Rosaline Crawford, Director, NAD Law and Advocacy Center, National Association of the Deaf, 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3819. The NAD is an EEO/AA employer. No telephone calls or e-mails please. For more information about the NAD, visit www.nad.org.