Student Services and Disabilities Associate Attorney

Job Overview:
A respected law firm is seeking an Associate Attorney with 0-5 years of experience to join their Student Services and Disabilities Practice Group (SSDLPG). This practice area addresses various issues impacting students from preschool through 12th grade, including special education, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The role will involve supporting senior associates, of counsel, and partners in providing legal counsel and representation, with a focus on student-related litigation and administrative matters.

Location:

• Riverside, CA

Duties:

• Assist senior attorneys in providing legal advice on special education and disability-related matters.
• Support litigation efforts related to student issues, including interactions with the California Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), California Department of Education (CDE), and the Federal Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
• Research and draft legal memoranda, briefs, and other documents.
• Collaborate with clients to develop effective legal strategies for student services and disability matters.
• Provide guidance on issues related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other relevant laws.
• Participate in administrative hearings and support dispute resolution processes.

Requirements:

• 0-5 years of legal experience, preferably in education law or related areas.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Experience in or a willingness to learn about special education and disability law.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior attorneys and other team members.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively work with clients and stakeholders.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Active membership in the State Bar of California (or ability to obtain membership if relocating to California).

Skills:

• Strong research and writing skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to clients.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and software.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative team player with a strong work ethic.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement in education law.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.

This California firm was founded in 1979 and focuses on employment, labor, construction, education, real estate, general business and business litigation, corporate, taxation, bankruptcy, and immigration. Committed to high-quality legal work, the highly experienced lawyers have won many cases on behalf of clients. The firm has received numerous awards and accolades for professional accomplishments and contributions to communities. The diverse team of attorneys has business and education backgrounds allowing for the combination of practical, useful advice with innovative legal strategies. Believing in diversity, the firm is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The attorneys actively support education and other non-profit organizations. The firm is committed to collegiality, teamwork, and openness with each other and with clients. The firm also provides numerous in-house training sessions and workshops on current legal matters.