Special Education Attorney (SY26-27)

Reports to: BPS Legal Advisor

Overview:

Founded in 1647 Boston Public Schools (BPS) is the oldest public school district in the country. BPS serves over 48000 children in over 100 schools. BPS enrolls almost 11000 students with disabilities with 3000 of the students identified as English Learner students (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. BPS seeks to provide equitable opportunities for all students fostering engagement in innovative high-quality instruction within the least restrictive environment tailored to meet the students individual needs.

BPS is seeking a dedicated and experienced Special Education Attorney to provide legal counsel and representation in special education law and related matters. The Special Education Attorney will provide expert legal counsel and representation to BPS on all matters related to special education law policy and compliance. This role is an attorney position reporting to the BPS Legal Advisor.

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the BPS Legal Advisor the attorneys responsibilities will include:

• Provide legal advice and guidance to BPS administrators departments educators and staff on special education issues including student rights eligibility evaluations Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and plans Section 504 programs and plans disciplinary actions and due process procedures.
• Represent BPS in meetings administrative hearings mediations and judicial proceedings related to special education.
• Support the BPSs Problem Resolution System (PRS) Team in responding to PRS complaints filed with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Keep abreast of changes to special education law and policies and lead internal BPS policy updates training and implementation.
• Support BPS personnel in responding to and conducting investigations concerning Title IX bias-based conduct and related matters.
• Conduct legal research and draft legal documents including settlement agreements legal memoranda and hearing briefs.
• Work collaboratively with other attorneys outside counsel administrators educators families and community partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality special education services to all students.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications - Required:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with no disciplinary record.
• Minimum of 3 years practicing special education law preferably in a school district in Massachusetts 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.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Highly motivated self-starter.
• 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 agencies.
• Fluency in a language other than English.
• Proficient with Google Suite Microsoft Office Westlaw and Social Law Library.

Terms: Managerial E81.

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