The State of Vermont’s Human Rights Commission is hiring a Staff Attorney Investigator to advance its mission of eliminating discrimination. In this role, you will investigate allegations of discrimination in housing, state government employment, and places of public accommodation. You'll work with a passionate team committed to a Vermont where all people have access to a life free of discrimination.
What You'll Do
- Investigate allegations of discrimination across housing, state government employment, and public accommodations.
- Develop, organize, and execute a comprehensive investigation plan.
- Conduct legal research, take sworn testimony, and perform complex document reviews.
- Prepare detailed reports (20-40 pages) with findings of fact and legal analysis under state and federal law.
- Reach a preliminary recommendation on whether reasonable grounds of discrimination exist.
- Recommend necessary training or changes to practices for responding parties.
- Engage in conciliation efforts with both represented and unrepresented parties.
- Draft legally enforceable settlement agreements and monitor compliance.
- Perform other Commission duties as required, working with significant independence under executive director direction.
What We're Looking For
- Member in good standing of the Vermont bar, or eligible for admission.
- Demonstrated commitment to civil and human rights and public/community service.
- Knowledge of investigative principles, procedures, and techniques.
- Experience with interviewing and interrogating witnesses.
- Ability to analyze facts and law in novel, complex cases with minimal legal precedence.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze, evaluate, and summarize voluminous documentary evidence.
- Knowledge of applicable state and federal anti-discrimination statutes and relevant case law.
- Ability to read and interpret complex regulations and policies with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Experience working with diverse population groups, including people with limited English proficiency, diverse racial and ethnic identities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ community members.
- Experience bringing a trauma-informed approach to lawyering and communication.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial and effective working relationships.
- Track record of sound judgment and objective work on matters of extreme confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently and demonstrated dispute resolution skills.
Nice to Have
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of negotiation and mediation.
Team & Environment
You will be part of a small, passionate team at the Human Rights Commission. Work is performed with significant autonomy under the direction of the Executive Director.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $60,000 - $85,000 annually depending on qualifications.
- Excellent benefits package available to all State of Vermont Exempt Employees.
- Generous sick and vacation annual leave offered.
Work Mode
This is a hybrid position based in Montpelier.
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion. Employment decisions are merit-based and retaliation is forbidden.
