About the job Associate Attorney - Special Education
We are seeking an attorney for our Public Schools and Education Department who has experience handling special education matters. Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in representing school districts in all facets of special education, including litigation involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), assisting districts in the development of Individual Education Programs (IEPs), representing districts at mediations facilitated by the Office of Special Education, and due process hearings before the Office of Administrative Law. In addition to special education matters, the position offers the opportunity to work on a wide variety of matters, including but not limited to Section 504, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, School Ethics Act, Open Public Records Act, and Open Public Meetings Act.
Essential Functions
Essential Functions include, but are not limited to the below:
- Minimum five years experience in special education litigation including assisting districts in the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEP), representing districts or parents at mediations facilitated by the Office of Special Education, and due process hearings or settlement conferences before the Office of Administrative Law.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work professionally with school administrators, court officials, judges, attorneys, and parents, and to maintain effective working relationships.
- Research and interpret facts and laws dealing with intricate programs and situations.
- Perform analysis and make or suggest opinions dealing with highly complex issues that impact clients.
- Research and prepare memoranda on a variety of legal issues.
- Represent clients in legal proceedings that may involve court appearances, mediations, hearings, and meetings.
- Maintain a high level of proficiency in the most current and advanced legal techniques.
Requirements
- Law degree from an accredited law school with admission to the New Jersey Bar.
- Minimum of five years of legal experience in school and special education law.
- Experience in special education, general labor relations, and negotiations.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently, and efficiently and to establish work priorities.
- Ability to work within established systems and processes involving extensive collaboration with other attorneys, paralegals, and office staff.
- Work to generate new clients through individual and firm-wide networking and marketing efforts.
- Self-motivated and entrepreneurial