Junior Litigation Attorney

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Junior Litigation Attorney – A position to change the world for the millions of American families who have a child with a disability.

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Director of Federal Litigation and/or Director
of Special Education Practice for a non-profit civil rights advocacy and law firm, the Junior Litigation Attorney’s duties will include engaging in difficult and complex legal work having significant financial, procedural or policy consequences. An example of our work is the only national class action lawsuit on behalf of over 7 million special education students requiring schools to reopen during COVID-19, see www.ReOpenClass.com for details.

Reports to: Director of Federal Litigation and/or Director of Special Education Practice
Location: New York City, New York (full-time, in-person)

Responsibilities

Prepares for and/or tries complex cases involving Special Education, Disability and Civil Rights.
Provides training for the staff and clinical staff on compliance with federal and state education, disability and civil rights laws and regulations.
Confers with special education, disability and civil rights specialists, technical experts, and other attorneys.
Negotiates and implements the settlement of special education claims.
Conducts legal investigations; administers meetings to confer with Departments of Education to discuss pending special education claims and special education-related matters.
Prepares and argues difficult cases and appeals in administrative tribunals and in the courts.
Reviews, revises and approves agreements prepared by other attorneys.
Analyzes studies and reports on the effects of city, state and federal legislation and regulation.
Trains and supervises associates to review, gather documentation, investigate and prepare reports and settlement recommendations regarding the propriety of parents’ due process claims.
Oversees the staff to maintain appropriate records on cases filed for impartial hearings.
Analyzes the relative strength of impartial hearing cases and evaluates the appropriateness of settlements.
Reviews internal settlement recommendations.
Gathers evidence and assists in researching issues.
Appears at pre-hearing conferences; reviews administrative decisions.
Researches state and federal case law and implications for settlement negotiations.
Works with public advocacy groups, parents and other attorneys to arrive at mutually beneficial settlements.
Reviews, revises and approves stipulations of settlements.
Prepares preliminary reports, statistical data and recommendations pertaining to cases.
Serves as Team Leader for multiple staff in trial preparation and presentation and settlement of cases.
Manages case assignments for ten day letters, due process proceedings and settlements.
Involved with corporate non-profit legal matters.
Participate in public policy activities including, but not limited to, the reviewing and drafting of legislation and regulations, testifying at legislative hearings, and working on policy initiatives.
Engage in community-based advocacy, outreach, and training to disability communities and organizations, particularly to underserved communities.
Lead or co-lead confidential investigations and advocacy projects regarding students with brain injury, including conducting interviews of the families, witnesses and service providers, reviewing and analyzing extensive documentary evidence, and performing other investigatory activities.
Cultivating and maintaining effective working relationships with other local, state, and federal agencies and organizations involved in preventing, identifying, treating and curing brain injury in youth.
Travel within New York State and occasionally outside of state.
Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Admission to the New York State Bar (New Jersey and/or Connecticut – a plus)
At least three (3) years of progressively responsible legal experience.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to understand provisions of applicable laws and regulations.
Excellent legal research and writing skills.
Ability to conduct research and analyses of pertinent legal authority.
Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.
Effective communication skills sufficient to conduct investigations, to actively promote legal policy and legislative developments at federal, state and local government levels, and to develop and conduct trainings, and to represent clients in legal hearings, meetings, negotiations or administrative proceedings.
Experience working with or sensitivity to individuals with disabilities.
Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision.
Demonstrated ability to take a leadership role in case planning or project coordination.
Knowledge of laws, rights, and services as they pertain to people with disabilities, and/or direct representation of people with disabilities.
MUST HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR!

NOTE: Selected candidates must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of their employment.

Desirable Qualifications

Experience writing a public report or policy paper.
Experience in client representation, particularly in public interest and civil rights law.
Experience in organizing and conducting fact-intensive abuse or neglect investigations, evaluating evidence for compliance with legal, regulatory, and policy standards, and developing findings and implementing recommendations directed at systemic reform.
Experience developing and coordinating systemic advocacy projects related to disability community.
Experience in the disability rights movement and/or extensive contacts in the disability community.
Ability to read, write and/or speak Spanish, with sufficient fluency to communicate with families.

Salary: Competitive ($75,000 – $95,000 per year, depending on experience) + benefits (Dental insurance, Health insurance and Paid time off).

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00am-6:00pm (full-time, in-person)

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants must provide a cover letter (including salary requirements) and a recent CV (resume). If you are interested in applying for this position please email a cover letter and current resume/CV to [email protected].

*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They describe the general nature and level of work being performed and/or represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job. The Company retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.