Jennifer Robins is an experienced litigator who represents public and private entities and higher education institutions in complex claims, including those that involve the requirements for accessibility and accommodations for people with disabilities. Drawing on her previous experience as a federal trial attorney for the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, Jennifer has deep knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is well-versed in the potential liability these clients may face. She also understands the factors that drive the government to pursue investigations and litigation of matters arising from the ADA and, in particular, Title II.
ADA Compliance
Jennifer helps clients proactively identify their physical and digital accessibility obligations under the ADA and similar laws and regulations, and she works with them to create policies and practices to minimize the risk of government enforcement actions and claims by employees and consumers. This includes recommendations connected with entrances, stairs, elevators, bathrooms, and other accommodations in a physical space, as well as accessibility for individuals with disabilities such as blindness or deafness, on websites, mobile applications, and other audiovisual or interactive resources. She also provides training and frameworks to help clients monitor compliance and keeps them informed about developments in disability law.
[read-more]
ADA Investigations
In situations where clients still face a government investigation related to accessibility and accommodation issues, Jennifer conducts pre-investigations, responds to requests for information, conducts interviews, and reports on findings to highlight their risks. She also represents companies and public entities in their interactions with the government during interviews and site visits, and, when needed, in negotiation and settlement conversations. In these representations, she brings her knowledge about the Civil Rights Division's priorities and approaches to their investigations and advises clients on strategies to minimize the risk of a negative finding.
Litigation
Jennifer is an experienced litigator who has conducted trials, handled mediations and negotiated settlements. While she handles disability discrimination claims across an array of industries, she has particular experience in the health care sector. She has also handled cases arising under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) involving the use of service animals. In her prior professional role, she also reviewed work concerning constitutional violations by police and correctional facilities, discrimination under the Immigration and Nationality Act, human trafficking, and affirmative action in government contracts.
In addition to her ADA practice, Jennifer advises clients on how to establish and maintain lawful diversity, equity, and inclusion programs based on her work in nondiscrimination law and civil rights under both the Biden and Trump Administrations, and her experience in coordinating with departments across the executive branch including the Department of Health and Human Services.