Special Education Associate Attorney (SY25-26)

REPORTS TO: Chief of Civil Rights Department

Overview

Founded in 1647 Boston Public Schools (BPS) is the oldest public school district in the country. Boston Public Schools (BPS) serves over 48000 children in 119 schools. BPS enrolls almost11000 students with disabilities with 3000 of the students identified as English Learnerstudents (ELs). We fundamentally believe that schools are the unit of change where our school leadership teams and educators create rigorous supportive and safe environments for every child to reach their full potential. Our work as a district is to ensure this is possible at every one of our schools.

Boston Public Schools (BPS) seeks to provide equitable opportunities for ALL students fostering engagement in innovative high-quality instruction within the least restrictive environmenttailored to meet the students individual needs. Boston Public Schools is seeking a dedicated and experienced Special Education Attorney to provide legal counsel and representation in special education law and compliance matters. The Special Education Attorney will provide expert legal counsel and representation to the Boston Public Schools (BPS) on all matters related to special education law and compliance. This role will ensure that BPS adheres to federal and state laws (IDEA ADA etc.) regulations and policies regarding the education of students with disabilities.

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Chief of the Office of Civil Rights the attorneys responsibilities will include:

• Provide legal advice and guidance to BPS administrators educators and staff on specialeducation issues including student rights eligibility evaluations Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) disciplinary actions and due process procedures.
• Conduct legal research analysis and render opinions on special education laws and regulations.
• Monitor BPS compliance with federal and state special education laws and regulations ensuring adherence to procedural safeguards and best practices.
• Represent BPS in administrative hearings mediations and court proceedings related to special education disputes.
• Draft legal documents including settlement agreements and hearing briefs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement district-wide policies and procedures that promote equitable access to special education services and support inclusive practices.
• Provide training and professional development to BPS staff on special education law compliance and best practices.
• Facilitate the resolution of disputes and disagreements between Boston Public Schools and families of students with disabilities
• Work collaboratively with other attorneys administrators educators families and community partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality special education services to all students.

Qualifications - Required:

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience practicing special education law preferably in a school district or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state special education laws regulations and case law.
• Excellent legal research writing and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in education.

Qualifications - Preferred:

• Experience working in or with educational institutions school districts or governmental agenciespreferred.
• Fluency in Spanish or other languages;
• Proficient with Google Suite Microsoft Office Westlaw and Social Law Library

Terms: Managerial C53

The Boston Public Schools in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies does not discriminate on the basis of race color age criminal record physical or mental disability pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions homelessness sex/gender gender identity religion national origin ancestry sexual orientation genetics natural or protective hairstyle military status immigration status English language proficiency or any other factor prohibited by law in its programs and activities. BPS does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation threat or harassment that demeans individuals dignity or interferes with their ability to work or learn. If you require an accommodation pursuant to the ADA for the application process please contact the Accommodations Unit at

Required Experience:

IC