School District Special Education Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

School District Special Education Attorney

Our legal team is committed to providing each client with quality counsel, innovative solutions, and personalized service. Founded in 2000, the firm offers the legal expertise of its 120+ attorneys, who have accumulated experience and problem-solving skills over decades of practice.

We are a vibrant, busy, and growing full-service law firm seeking an experienced School District Special Education Attorney to join our growing White Plains office. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished litigator with significant experience representing school districts, boards of education, or other public education clients in special education and related litigation matters.

Experience representing a large urban or metropolitan school district is strongly preferred. Experience working with the Board of Education, Public Schools, or a comparable large city school district is particularly desirable.

Successful Candidate

The successful candidate will be a self-starter with a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and excellent organizational skills. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential. The candidate must be a collaborative team player who is genuinely interested in working in a supportive and professional environment.

The candidate should have substantial experience advising and defending school districts in special education matters, including administrative proceedings, impartial hearings, state review proceedings, federal litigation, and appeals. The attorney should be comfortable managing a sophisticated caseload independently, counseling school district administrators, working closely with educational professionals, and developing litigation strategies that address both immediate disputes and broader institutional considerations.

Responsibilities may include:

• Representing school districts and boards of education in special education litigation and administrative proceedings
• Handling impartial due process hearings and related appeals
• Defending claims brought under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and related federal and state laws
• Advising school district administrators regarding individualized education programs, student placements, evaluations, accommodations, discipline, and procedural compliance
• Drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, position statements, and other litigation documents
• Managing discovery, including document production, depositions, expert witnesses, and evidentiary submissions
• Conducting hearings, oral arguments, trials, and court appearances
• Counseling clients regarding litigation risk, compliance obligations, policies, and dispute resolution strategies
• Supervising and mentoring associates, paralegals, and support staff, as appropriate
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with school district leadership, administrators, and other stakeholders

What You Will Need to Have

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Admission to practice law in New York
• Significant litigation experience in state and federal courts
• Substantial experience representing school districts, boards of education, municipalities, or other public-sector educational entities
• Experience handling special education due process hearings, administrative proceedings, and related litigation
• Experience representing a large urban or metropolitan school district strongly preferred
• Experience with the Yonkers Board of Education, Yonkers Public Schools, or a comparable large city school district particularly desirable
• Partner-level or senior-level experience with a strong litigation background
• Ability to manage complex matters independently and provide practical, strategic advice to clients
• Strong oral and written advocacy skills
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to supervise and collaborate with attorneys and professional staff
• Strong attention to detail and deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple matters effectively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook

A writing sample will be requested before any interview.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Salary Range: $150,000 to $250,000
Benefits: Medical, dental, and 401(k)

This position is based in our White Plains office.