Special Education Attorney (SY26-27)

TrulyHired; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Public Schools seeks an attorney specialized in special education law to provide guidance and representation for administrators, staff, and students. The role focuses on student rights, evaluations, IEPs, 504 plans, due process, and Title IX matters.

The ideal candidate holds a JD and Massachusetts licensure with at least 3 years of experience in special education law, and demonstrates strong research, writing, and advocacy skills while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to ensure

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and license to practice in Massachusetts.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and guidance on special education issues to administrators, educators, and staff.
• Represent BPS in meetings, hearings, mediations, and due process proceedings.
• Support PRS responses and investigations related to special education.
• Lead policy updates and training on changes to special education law.
• Draft legal documents including settlement agreements and hearing briefs.
• Collaborate with attorneys, administrators, families, and partners to deliver high-quality special education services.

Skills

Legal research

Writing

Advocacy

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Massachusetts Bar License

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Westlaw

Social Law Library

Job description

Job Description

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 48,000 children in over 100 schools. BPS enrolls almost 11,000 students with disabilities, with 3,000 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 student's individual needs.

Responsibilities

• 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 BPS's 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 [e-mail].