Associate Attorney

For over a century, our firm has built a reputation as a trusted partner and strategist, delivering innovative legal solutions to clients across the nation. Our attorneys serve a diverse client base spanning business, municipal, environmental, public finance, labor and employment, water, and telecommunications law, among many other practice areas. We have been consistently recognized for excellence by leading industry publications including National Law Journal, Law360, Chambers USA, and Best Lawyers. Joining our team means becoming part of a collaborative culture rooted in inclusion and innovation, where talented professionals build meaningful careers while advancing client interests with integrity.

Position OverviewWe are seeking a skilled Education Law Associate to join our team and provide high-quality legal counsel to school districts, colleges, and education-focused organizations. The EdLaw Associate will handle a mix of litigation, administrative proceedings, investigations, compliance counseling, policy development, and training related to Title IX, special education (IDEA), Section 504, and civil rights matters. The role requires strong analytic, writing, and advocacy skills, plus the ability to partner with clients to mitigate legal risk and achieve practical solutions.

Key ResponsibilitiesAdvise school districts, colleges, and education institutions on compliance with federal and state education laws, including Title IX, IDEA, Section 504, and civil rights statutes.

Conduct and oversee Title IX and other administrative investigations; prepare investigation reports and recommend remedial or disciplinary actions consistent with law and policy.

Represent clients in administrative hearings, mediations, and state and federal court litigation involving special education disputes, student discipline, civil rights claims, and related matters.

Draft, review, and update district policies, procedures, handbooks, IEPs, 504 plans, memoranda of understanding, and consent decrees to ensure legal compliance and reduce institutional risk.

Counsel administrators and staff on student discipline, due process rights, accommodations, accessibility, harassment and discrimination complaints, and employee-related issues in the education context.

Develop and deliver training programs for administrators, faculty, staff, and board members on Title IX compliance, special education obligations, Section 504 accommodations, and civil rights best practices.

Manage case files, perform legal research, prepare pleadings, discovery, briefs, settlement agreements, and other legal documents; maintain accurate matter budgets and timelines.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including special education directors, school psychologists, investigators, and external experts to build cases and practical mitigation strategies.

Provide strategic counseling on risk assessment, crisis response, and proactive policy planning to prevent litigation and foster safe, compliant learning environments.

QualificationsJuris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with a state bar.1+ years of experience practicing education law, civil rights litigation, or related areas; mid-level to senior-level candidates with deeper Title IX and IDEA experience encouraged to apply.

Demonstrated experience handling Title IX investigations and appeals, special education matters under IDEA, and Section 504 compliance issues.

Proven litigation and administrative hearing experience, including drafting pleadings, briefs, and written investigation findings.

Strong knowledge of federal and state education laws and regulations, including Title IX, IDEA, Section 504, and related civil rights statutes.

Excellent legal writing, oral advocacy, client counseling, and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to nonlawyers.

Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines, prioritize client needs, and work both independently and as part of a team.

Experience advising or representing public school districts, charter schools, colleges/universities, or education agencies preferred.

Commitment to equity and student-centered approaches; sensitivity to diverse populations and special education needs.

Willingness to travel to client sites and attend hearings as needed; reliable case management and strong ethical standards.