Litigation Attorney

Hearing Representative - Special Education Claims

Background on the Project:

A prestigious government agency is addressing the backlog of special education claims in New York City to ensure timely and fair resolution of disputes between parents and the city regarding educational plans for children with special needs. Recent rulings have emphasized the need for faster resolution of these claims and improvements in special education services and payment processes. This initiative requires dedicated attorneys to join the team and play a critical role in managing a high volume of cases and driving claims through the administrative process.

Role Overview:

Our client is seeking contract attorneys barred and in good standing in any state with 1+ years of litigation experience to work on a 1 plus year assignment. As a Hearing Representative, you will represent our client throughout the entire special education claims process-from intake to resolution or settlement.

Pay Rates:

• 1 to 7 years of experience : $41.75/hour
• 7+ years of experience : $43.75/hour

Key Responsibilities:

• Case Management: Manage a high-volume caseload of 100-200 special education claims, ensuring timely and effective handling.
• Representation: Prepare for and/or litigate complex cases involving significant legal precedents, policy implications, or financial impact. Represent the agency in administrative hearings, pre-hearing conferences, and settlement negotiations.
• Administrative Process: Navigate procedural requirements and ensure compliance with federal and state education laws and regulations.
• Documentation: Prepare and review all necessary filings, agreements, and reports with accuracy and thoroughness.
• Settlement Negotiation: Work with parents, public advocacy groups, and opposing counsel to reach fair resolutions while negotiating claims for attorney's fees.
• Training and Collaboration: Collaborate with special education specialists, technical experts, and attorneys; provide training to field staff and clinical staff on compliance with education laws.
• Research and Compliance: Analyze case law, gather evidence, and evaluate settlement demands. Provide guidance on compliance obligations to parents and students under hearing orders.

Required Qualifications:

• Bar Admission: Active bar license in good standing in any U.S. state.
• Litigation Experience: Minimum of 1+ years of recent litigation experience (more preferred).
• Tech Savvy: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to troubleshoot basic technical issues.
• Caseload Management: Proven ability to manage 100-200 cases concurrently.
• Timekeeping: Ability to log activities in 15-minute increments throughout the workday.
• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to accommodate early morning hearings and work within Eastern Time Zone hours (7 AM-7 PM).
• Preferred Experience: Administrative Law, IEP/Special Education, Experience working for a government agency, Public Interest work, Settlement experience.

Benefits:
We offer eligible employees competitive pay and access to a range of benefits and support programs based on assignment type, schedule, length of employment, and eligibility requirements, including medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, short-term disability, 401(k), employee assistance, childcare assistance, discounts, paid holidays, and longevity bonuses. Depending on the benefit, cost may be paid by the Company, the employee, or shared between both.


EOE:
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.