Attorney (Education Law)

Job Description

Job Description

Joining McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC means becoming part of a team that values your voice, your growth, and your impact on clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve. Since 1935, McNees has been a trusted, client-focused law firm delivering practical, results-driven legal solutions with integrity and a client-first philosophy. We are a full-service firm with more than 170 attorneys and 350 professionals, committed to excellence across a wide range of practice areas and industries.

At McNees, we are guided by our core values of authentic relationships, excellence, growth, and balance to foster collaboration and innovation. We support your success through mentorship, leadership development, and continuous learning opportunities. Our commitment to community runs deep, with a strong tradition of stewardship through pro bono work, charitable initiatives, and civic engagement. We also prioritize flexibility and well-being with a family-focused culture, reasonable revenue hour expectations, and technology that drives efficiency.

If you're looking for an opportunity to do meaningful work with people who value integrity and collaboration, you'll feel at home at McNees.

McNees, Wallace & Nurick is actively seeking an Associate to join our Labor and Employment group, with a focus on education law and representation of school districts. At McNees, we believe our people are our greatest asset. We foster a culture of integrity, innovation, and collaboration—where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your contributions make a real impact. If you are passionate about advising public-sector clients, navigating complex labor and employment issues, and building lasting client relationships, we would welcome the opportunity to connect with you.

Responsibilities:

In this role, you'll be an integral part of our team, working on meaningful matters and building strong client relationships. Your key responsibilities will include:

• School Board Meetings: Attend and provide coverage for school board meetings, including evening meetings, advising boards in real time on procedure, governance, and legal compliance.
• Client Relationship Management: Manage school district client relationships and matters from start to finish—reviewing, analyzing, and developing strategies to achieve successful outcomes for public school clients.
• School Solicitor & Trusted Advisor: Act as school solicitor and trusted advisor to school boards, superintendents, business managers, and administrators, providing proactive counsel on day-to-day and strategic matters.
• Advocacy: Represent and advocate on behalf of school district clients in litigation and administrative proceedings, working toward favorable resolutions whenever possible.
• Regulatory Compliance: Advise clients on compliance with Pennsylvania education-specific statutes and regulations, including the Public School Code and related authorities.
• Legal Research & Analysis: Conduct thorough research using all available resources to support case strategies and provide well-informed advice.
• Document Drafting: Prepare, review, and finalize policies, resolutions, contracts, pleadings, agreements, and other legal documents with precision and attention to detail.
• Collaboration: Partner with senior attorneys and colleagues across practice areas to deliver comprehensive legal solutions for public-sector clients.
• Compliance & Ethics: Uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, including adherence to state bar requirements and firm policies.
• Continuous Learning: Stay current with legal developments in education law and complete all required Continuing Legal Education (CLE) to maintain bar membership.

Preferred Knowledge & Skills:

• Working knowledge of Robert's Rules of Order as applicable to school board proceedings.
• Familiarity with the Pennsylvania Public School Code.
• Experience with the Public Employee Relations Act (PERA).
• Knowledge of the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC).
• Familiarity with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Law.
• Experience with municipal, education, or school-related litigation.
• Experience functioning as, or supporting, a school solicitor.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar (or eligibility to waive in).
• 2+ years of experience in municipal, education, or school-related law, including experience working with school districts or other public-sector clients .
• Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented professional with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Availability for evening school board meetings and periodic travel , including school board or related meetings, which may occur between Harrisburg and Philadelphia .

#LI-hyrbid

About McNees

Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., McNees operates offices across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and Washington, D.C., giving our team a broad regional footprint and diverse opportunities for collaboration. We are ranked among the NLJ 500, Best Law Firms, and Best Lawyers, and nationally recognized for excellence in areas such as construction litigation and energy law.

Our attorneys deliver tailored strategies to businesses, individuals, and organizations across industries, including real estate, energy, healthcare, banking and finance, insurance, construction, and technology. We also have a strong presence in public sector law, advocating for clients in regulatory and legislative matters at all levels of government.

Our services span corporate law, real estate and construction, labor and employment, litigation, tax, intellectual property, energy and environmental, estate planning, and public sector law, complemented by affiliated businesses like Apollo Communications (strategic marketing and PR), Keystone Municipal Solutions (municipal consulting), and Pine Street Land Company (title and settlement services).

McNees offers an engaging work environment, robust opportunities for professional development, challenging and rewarding career paths, and competitive compensation. McNees is an Equal Opportunity Employer . Employment decisions are made without regard to any trait protected by law.