Special Education Litigation Attorney

Description & Job Requirements

Our legal practice is seeking to hire a Full-Time Associate Attorney to join our boutique special education law firm. The Associate Attorney will be responsible for independently managing a diverse caseload of special education matters, including representing parents of children with disabilities in impartial hearing administrative proceedings against the New York City Department of Education as well as in appealing decisions to the New York State Education Department Office of State Review. The Associate Attorney will also meet with potential new clients for initial consultation and work with Owner of the firm to assess merits of potential new clients’ claims.

Candidate must have litigation experience handling cases from inception through all stages of the litigation process through resolution. Candidate should have a strong interest in special education law and in ensuring that special needs children receive an appropriate education.

Candidate should have excellent organization, writing, and communication skills with strong attention to detail. Candidate must be a motivated self-starter and resourceful. Candidate must be highly organized and deadline oriented with the ability to organize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Specific assignments will include, but are not limited to:

Communicate with clients to understand their needs and concerns and determine how best to address them

Draft relevant notices, witness affidavits, due process complaints, and direct examination questions in preparation for Impartial Hearings

Negotiate with opposing counsel for possible settlement

Represent clients at Impartial Hearing administrative proceedings, including direct and cross examination of witnesses

Draft opening statements and closing briefs

Conduct legal research

Draft and finalize stipulations of settlement

Prepare appeals to the Office of State Review

Assist in the management of paralegals and administrative staff in various pre- and post-litigation tasks, including:

Supervising legal work assigned to paralegals who are working on your assigned matters, including weekly check-in meetings and daily guidance

Guiding paralegals on securing necessary documents/information from clients, providers, etc.

Interfacing with the Department of Education’s (DOE) Bureau of Nonpublic Schools Payables (BNPSP) in ensuring that all settlements are properly implemented, with necessary disbursements made to parents/schools

Guiding support staff’s work in interfacing with the DOE’s Impartial Hearing Office’s Implementation Unit to implement interim pendency orders and Findings of Fact and Decisions from Impartial Hearing Officer

Essential job functions

Punctuality

Weekend and evening hours when necessary to complete work assignments

Appropriate and professional email and phone etiquette with clients, colleagues, third parties, and opposing counsel

Consistent attention to detail

Meeting deadlines consistently and independently

Recording case time and expenses contemporaneously and meeting minimum billing requirements

Recording notes regarding client communications and updates on our case management software

Proposing ideas for innovations, improvements, and efficiencies

Complying with Employee Handbook and office policies, systems, and procedures at all times