Education Trial Attorney

CLC’s trial attorneys provide direct representation to children who otherwise would not have a voice in proceedings that directly impact their lives. Our attorneys provide legal advocacy in court and coordinate with CLC paralegals and social workers to ensure that children receive the support that they need. Our clients frequently have complex histories, including family dissolution and conflict, domestic violence, mental health issues, and educational challenges.

CLC seeks an attorney who will provide specialized support concerning our clients’ educational issues, including addressing school placement issues for children in foster care and/or with special needs and advocating for clients during the Individual Educational Program (IEP) process and with respect to related educational rights. This attorney will also handle other cases as appropriate and necessary.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Our trial attorneys are passionate advocates for our individual clients and are dedicated to advancing children’s rights. The Education Attorney will support children’s educational rights.

Specifically, trial attorneys:

• Conduct interviews with clients and other individuals.
• Represent clients in court appearances, including trials, negotiations, and settlement conferences, and prepare and argue written motions.
• Subpoena or otherwise obtain all necessary documentation to prepare cases.
• Maintain comprehensive and well-organized case files on case management system.
• Regularly handle intake, comprehensively prepare cases for conference, negotiation, or trial;
• Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy, and facilitate its implementation.
• Explore alternatives to litigation and negotiate the best possible resolution for clients.
• Collaborate with the CLC Writing, Social Work, Paralegal, and Client Services teams to best represent CLC clients.
• Work with school districts;
• Participate in task forces and other groups dedicated to Education Law practice;
• Regularly and appropriately respond to court, client, community, and staff concerns, and maintain professional and ethical standards.
• Attend training sessions pertinent to practice.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Key Qualifications and Competencies

• Admitted to practice law in New York State.
• Demonstrated skills in advocacy, cultural competence, mediation, and interviewing.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest and policy.
• Knowledge of and experience with New York Education Law and practice. Experience with Family Law a plus.
• Superb interpersonal skills, effective communication skills (written and verbal), time management, and organizational skills.
• Curiosity and eagerness to continue learning new skills, grow professionally, and take on new challenges.
• Proven ability to work independently, utilizing excellent judgment, diplomacy, professionalism.
• Ability to prioritize requests, track and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise complete discretion when working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Desire to work in a busy organization that represents children.