Litigation Associate

Mission Recruiting is conducting a confidential search for a Special Education Litigation Attorney on behalf of a California law firm representing public educational institutions. Based in San Diego, California , this hybrid opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 4+ years of litigation, administrative law, education law, or civil rights experience who is interested in developing a specialized practice in education law. Attorneys in this role represent school districts and educational institutions in matters arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) , Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act , and related state and federal laws. This position combines litigation, administrative advocacy, legal research, regulatory compliance, and client counseling while offering meaningful work that directly impacts California's public education system. Compensation Salary: $120,000–$180,000+, depending on experience Quarterly bonus opportunities Annual bonus opportunities Location & Work Arrangement Hybrid Full-time About the Opportunity This is an outstanding opportunity to build a sophisticated education law practice representing public educational institutions in complex administrative and litigation matters. Attorneys work closely with experienced colleagues to advise clients on regulatory compliance, defend in administrative proceedings, and develop practical legal strategies that support educational organizations throughout California. The role offers substantial client interaction, specialized legal experience, and long-term professional development within a collaborative and supportive environment. Responsibilities Represent public educational institutions in special education litigation and administrative proceedings Advise clients on compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related state and federal laws Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and administrative filings Conduct legal research and analyze complex regulatory issues Prepare for and participate in administrative hearings, mediations, and related proceedings Counsel school district administrators on legal risk management and regulatory compliance Develop litigation and administrative strategies Collaborate with attorneys and clients to resolve complex legal issues Maintain strong client relationships through responsive and practical legal counsel Recommended Qualifications Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school Active membership in the California State Bar Minimum of 4 years of experience in litigation, administrative law, education law, or civil rights law Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills Ability to interpret and apply complex state and federal regulatory frameworks Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills Strong organizational skills and sound professional judgment Preferred Qualifications Experience with IDEA, Section 504, or special education law Administrative hearing experience Experience advising public entities or educational institutions Strong client counseling and regulatory compliance experience Interest in developing a long-term education law practice Quarterly and annual bonus opportunities Medical, dental, and vision insurance Life and disability insurance Collaborative and supportive legal team Why This Opportunity Stands Out Develop a specialized practice in education law Represent California public educational institutions in impactful legal matters Blend litigation, administrative advocacy, and strategic client counseling Hybrid work flexibility Competitive compensation with multiple bonus opportunities Collaborative environment with experienced education law attorneys #J-18808-Ljbffr