Staff Attorney, Special Education

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

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, the staff attorney for special education represents the Howard County Public School System in matters related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at mediation conferences, resolution sessions, and due process hearings. The staff attorney also supports schools by attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings, participating in case conferences, and providing information regarding IDEA and Section 504. The staff attorney provides professional development to ensure compliance with special education law and regulations in conjunction with the Department of Special Education. The staff attorney may represent the school system in student‑related administrative matters, including student discipline, residency, and kindergarten admission. The staff attorney provides a variety of legal services as directed by the General Counsel and Assistant General Counsel. The staff attorney will support the school system’s mission by providing high‑quality legal support to schools and staff as well as ensuring the provision of legally required services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet allqualifications belowto be considered for the vacancy.

Education

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

Certification/Licensure

• Admission to the Maryland Bar.

Experience

• Three (3) years of experience practicing law.


• One(1)year experience in special education law, education law, or administrative law.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• At least one (1) year of experience in handling administrative appeals, preferably special education due process matters.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Representation of the school system at mediation conferences, resolution sessions, and/or due process hearings regarding IDEA complaints.


• Evaluate cases and when appropriate, negotiate settlement agreements, and consider requests for expert and attorney’s fees.


• Provide legal advice regarding IDEA to school‑based members of the IEP team and participate in IEP team meetings as directed by the General Counsel or as requested by the Department of Special Education.


• Participate and provide professional development regarding compliance requirements of IDEA, COMAR, and case law through the Department of Special Education and to individual schools, as requested.


• Review statutory amendments, regulations, judicial decisions, and federal and state agency decisions to keep staff current on recent changes in obligations to students under IDEA.


• Respond to complaints, correspondence and questions regarding special education and Section 504 issues, conduct legal research on issues, formulate legal opinions, and provide advice.


• Represent the Superintendent at administrative hearings and perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

Knowledge

• Special Education Law & Regulations: Comprehensive knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and federal/state education codes.


• Due Process & Dispute Resolution: Deep understanding of the legal frameworks governing administrative hearings, mediations, resolution sessions, and state complaint procedures.


• Compliance Standards: Thorough knowledge of procedural safeguards, Individualized Education Program (IEP) compliance, and legally defensible student programming.


• Educational Policy: Knowledge of how to structure public school policies and guidelines that align with shifting statutory and case law requirements.

Skills

• Litigation & Advocacy: Skilled in representing organizations in formal legal proceedings, including delivering opening/closing statements, direct and cross‑examination, and negotiating settlement agreements.


• Legal Writing & Analysis: Exceptional ability to draft legally sound policies, contracts, settlement agreements, legal briefs, and formal guidance documents.


• Conflict De‑escalation: Strong proactive dispute resolution and conflict prevention skills to mitigate legal risks before they escalate to due process.


• Instructional Design: Skilled in translating complex legal mandates into digestible, practical professional learning modules and training for non-legal staff.

Abilities

• Collaborative Partnership: Ability to work effectively across distinct departments (such as the Office of General Counsel and the Special Education Department) to balance legal risk management with student‑centered outcomes.


• Strategic Problem Solving: Ability to analyze complex, high‑stakes student programming issues and provide practical, legally sound counsel under tight deadlines.


• Communication: Ability to explain intricate legal concepts clearly and empathetically to diverse audiences, including teachers, school administrators, and parents.


• Objective Judgment: Ability to maintain professional objectivity, confidentiality, and integrity when handling sensitive or adversarial student and system matters.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Working Hours

• The position may occasionally be required to work evening hours due to hearing schedules and the office of administrative hearing requirements.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Supplemental Application Questions

1. Describe your experience in the practice of law as an attorney in court, administrative proceedings, and trials, to include at least three (3) years of experience providing full-time or regular legal representation to a Maryland governmental entity. Please include the jurisdictions and core practice areas where you gained this experience (table format preferred).


2. Describe your professional experience practicing law in employment and school settings.


3. Describe your professional experience advising executive leadership and governing bodies.


4. Describe your experience managing complex legal matters and litigation.


5. Describe your experience interpreting Maryland public school laws and the bylaws of the Maryland State Board of Education. If you do not have direct experience with Maryland public school laws, detail your experience interpreting complex statutory frameworks for another public entity.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a 12-month per year position in the Executive employee unit. The minimum starting salary for this position is $155,000–$170,000 annually. Actual salary placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.

Telework Program

This position requires work onsite and is also eligible for a telework schedule. Telework schedules will be determined by the department and/or supervisor. Telework will be subject to approval and based on the needs of the department and the school system.

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6‑113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E‑Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questionsregarding this posting, please contact Philip Wentt([e-mail]) OR [e-mail].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [e-mail].

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.