Special Education Attorney — Public School Counsel

Howard County Public School System; Warszawa; On-site; PLN 587,000 - 644,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Public School System in MD seeks a Staff Attorney for special education to represent the district in IDEA/504 matters, attend IEP meetings, and provide compliance guidance. The role supports schools by delivering legal services and training to ensure legally required student services.

The attorney collaborates with the General Counsel and Assistant General Counsel, and may handle student discipline matters or residency issues as needed.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to the Maryland Bar.
• Three (3) years of practicing law with at least one (1) year in special education, education, or administrative law.
• Experience representing a school system in IDEA/Section 504 matters is strongly preferred.
• Ability to provide legal writing, research, and policy guidance to diverse stakeholders.
• Capacity to develop professional learning modules and training for non-legal staff.

Responsibilities

• Represent the school system at mediation conferences, resolution sessions, and due process hearings regarding IDEA.
• Evaluate cases, negotiate settlements, and assess requests for fees.
• Advise IEP teams on IDEA compliance and participate in IEP meetings as directed.
• Provide professional development on IDEA, COMAR, and related case law.
• Review amendments and decisions to keep staff current on IDEA obligations.
• Respond to complaints and conduct legal research to issue formal opinions.

Skills

Litigation & Advocacy

Legal Writing & Analysis

Conflict De-escalation

Instructional Design

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Admission to the Maryland Bar

Job description

Howard County Public School System in MD seeks a Staff Attorney for special education to represent the district in IDEA/504 matters, attend IEP meetings, and provide compliance guidance. The role supports schools by delivering legal services and training to ensure legally required student services.

The attorney collaborates with the General Counsel and Assistant General Counsel, and may handle student discipline matters or residency issues as needed.