The Human Rights Commission (HRC) is seeking highly qualified candidates for a litigation attorney investigator. This position is being recruited at multiple levels, I-IV, coinciding with experience. Each level holds different duties and responsibilities. The HRC Litigator litigates cases where the Commission has found reasonable grounds for discrimination in housing, state government employment, and places of public accommodations. The HRC Litigator will independently draft and file all pleadings in Vermont State Courts, conduct discovery, file and argue motions, and try cases before the bench or jury. The HRC Litigator may file appeals and argue before the Vermont Supreme Court or federal appellate courts. The HRC Litigator will also facilitate post-determination settlements and enforce settlements. In addition, the HRC Litigator may be responsible for investigating allegations of discrimination in housing, state government employment, and places of public accommodations (schools, prisons, roads, law enforcement, hospitals, etc.). Investigative duties may include conducting legal research, taking sworn testimony, conducting extensive, complex document review, and preparing a detailed report with findings of fact, legal analysis of the relevant state and federal statutes, regulations, and case law before reaching a preliminary recommendation of whether there are or are not reasonable grounds to believe that discrimination occurred. Also, the HRC Litigator recommends changes in policies and procedures and/or necessary training for responding parties, engages in conciliation efforts with represented and unrepresented parties, drafts legally enforceable settlement agreements, and monitors compliance with conciliated agreements. Lastly, the HRC Litigator may be asked to develop curricula and deliver training to a wide variety of agencies, non-profits, and individuals, including continuing legal education seminars for attorneys. All staff are also required to conduct other Commission duties as required. Work is performed with significant independence and autonomy under the direction of the executive director.
The mission of the Vermont Human Rights Commission (VHRC) is to promote full civil and human rights in Vermont. The Commission protects people from unlawful discrimination in housing, state government employment, and public accommodations.