Special Education Litigation Attorney

Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost LLP (F3 Law); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

401(k) plan with profit sharing

Annual billable hour bonuses

Supportive and engaging work env't

Job summary

F3 Law seeks a Special Education Litigation Attorney to join our San Diego team. You will represent school districts in IDEA and related cases, conduct due process hearings, and handle appeals in state and federal tribunals.

The role emphasizes strong advocacy, precise legal writing, and client-focused problem solving across sensitive, high-stakes matters in education law.

Qualifications

• J.D. required from an accredited law school.
• Active California State Bar membership required.
• Strong understanding of California statutes and education law.
• Experience in litigation, administrative law, education law, or civil rights law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in special education due process hearings, mediations, and administrative proceedings.
• Draft and argue motions, briefs, and appeals in tribunals and courts.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on emerging special education issues.
• Participate in resolution sessions, mediations, and settlement negotiations.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Education

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

State Bar of California

Knowledge of California statutes

Job description

About F3 Law

At F3 Law, we believe that a culture of inclusion and belonging, one of embracing and respecting each other’s differences, strengthens our ability to serve our clients and communities. We are committed to fostering a workplace where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued and appreciated. By bringing together different perspectives and lived experiences, we create better solutions and a more dynamic, thoughtful, and effective team. F3 Law provides essential legal support to schools, colleges and other public entities, helping them navigate complex legal issues to fulfill their mission of serving students and communities.

Summary

F3 Law provides legal support to the public schools that serve our children and communities. We have an opening for aSpecial Education Litigation Attorney to join our firm. The incumbent would assist clients in the individualized education program process, present workshops, review and revise policies and procedures, and respond to state and federal compliance complaints and administrative due process hearings outside of the adversarial context of traditional litigation. This person would represent school districts or educational institutions in "due process" hearings related to special education services. This role focuses on disputes arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related federal and state regulations. The attorney will handle due process hearings and appeals.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in special education due process hearings, mediations, and administrative proceedings
• Draft and argue motions, briefs, and appeals in administrative tribunals and state/federal courts
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on emerging special education issues and regulatory changes
• Participate in resolution sessions, mediations, and settlement negotiations
• Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Candidates must be a member of the State Bar of California
• Strong understanding of California Statutes
• 4-7 years of experience in litigation, administrative law, education law, or civil rights law
• Strong legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills
• Special Education background preferred, but not required
• Administrative hearing experience strongly preferred
• Experience taking arbitrations, administrative agency cases
• Experience handling administrative hearings or litigation matters
• Background representing school districts, public agencies, or families in education disputes preferred but not required
• Familiarity with state education agency procedures and administrative tribunals
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory frameworks
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills in sensitive, high stakes matters
• Excellent interpersonal skills when working with families, educators, and administrators
• High attention to detail and ability to manage emotionally charged cases
• Sound judgment and client-focused problem solving

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

• a supportive and intellectually engaging work environment
• reasonable billable hours
• annual billable hour bonuses
• comprehensive health insurance benefits
• a 401(k) plan with profit-sharing contributions

F3 Law is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, citizenship status, various ability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression of an otherwise qualified individual, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law. F3 Law hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications for the job to be filled. F3 Law seeks to build a culturally diverse staff where differences are valued and respected. Women, minorities, individuals with various abilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ and intersectional individuals are encouraged to apply.