School Law Attorney (Special Education Experience Preferred)

Leon, Alcala, Morse & Reynolds, PLLC; Tyler (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan with firm contribution

Paid vacation

Job summary

Leon, Alcala, Morse & Reynolds, PLLC is a Texas education law firm seeking an experienced School Law Attorney with preferred special education background. The role covers advising trustees, handling grievances, and representing school districts in litigation across Austin, Tyler, Houston, or Arlington offices.

The candidate should bring a strong background in education law, civil rights, and open government, with 10%–20% travel.

Qualifications

• J.D. required for admission to practice law in Texas.
• Experience in public school law and special education preferred.
• Strong research, writing, and advocacy skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day advisory and litigation support to school trustees and administrators.
• Represent public school districts and educational entities in routine and complex matters.
• Handle grievances, administrative proceedings, and litigation, including special education and 504 issues.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Texas bar admission (eligible)

Job description

Open Position

School Law Attorney (Special Education Experience Preferred)

Firm

Leon, Alcala, Morse & Reynolds, PLLC (https://www.leonalcala.com/)

Location

Austin, Tyler, Houston, or Arlington Office (on-site). We will consider other satellite office locations or arrangements for candidates with extraordinary experience or portable business.

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Duration

Indefinite

Minimum Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Required Travel

10%–20%

Salary Type

Yearly salary. The posted salary range is broad, and salary will be commensurate with experience. Salary is negotiable for candidates with extraordinary experience or portable business.

Firm Overview

Leon, Alcala, Morse & Reynolds, PLLC is a full-service education law firm that provides comprehensive legal services to public school districts, junior college districts, Education Service Centers, and related entities across the State of Texas. The Firm was established in April 2019 and has quickly built an excellent reputation for delivering top-quality legal counsel and representation to more than 100 public school districts and other educational entities. From our offices in Austin, Houston, the DFW Metroplex, and Tyler, we serve large, medium, and small educational entities throughout the State in both routine and complex legal matters. The Firm is a woman-owned business.

What sets our Firm apart is the depth of our experience in the wide range of legal issues that affect public education, including general school law, employment law, special education, construction and procurement, real estate, litigation and appeals, economic development, and public finance. We pride ourselves on getting to know the communities we serve and understanding their unique issues and circumstances, and we believe that lawyers should identify solutions, not obstacles. Attorneys in the Firm work collaboratively; we find that our clients are best served when we work together. Our collaborative culture means that each attorney can learn from the experiences of the others. Our team is united in the common purpose of providing top-quality legal services to our clients.

Position Summary

Leon, Alcala, Morse & Reynolds, PLLC seeks an experienced attorney with a background in representing public school districts and other educational entities to join its growing practice. The attorney will provide day-to-day advice and counsel to school trustees and administrators on the full spectrum of routine and complex legal issues that arise in the operation of a public school system, and will handle grievances, administrative proceedings, and litigation. Experience in special education law and Section 504 matters is preferred.

Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess a passion for advocacy and the skill to successfully represent our school and public entity clients on a variety of legal issues, including, but not limited to, education law, employment law, special education, civil rights, and open government. We are looking for a motivated self-starter. The candidate must have excellent academic credentials; strong research, writing, and analytical skills; and excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ideal candidate will have meaningful experience with drafting legal documents, legal research, litigation, depositions, motion practice, discovery, and state and federal court and administrative proceedings. Candidates must demonstrate substantial experience in public entity representation and relevant school or work history. The candidate must be highly motivated, confident, independent, and able to work with minimal supervision. The candidate must be licensed to practice law in Texas; a pending Texas license may be considered with sufficient explanation and background.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is highly competitive, with performance-based bonuses and room for immediate performance-related growth. Additional benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan with a firm contribution; paid vacation; and other workplace benefits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in special education law and Section 504 matters, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ARD committee meetings, and special education due process hearings.
• Experience representing or working for Texas school districts, Education Service Centers, or other public entities.
• Litigation experience in state or federal court or in contested administrative hearings.
• Prior experience as an educator or school administrator, or other relevant school or work history.