Special Education Unit - Appeals Attorney (Level 3) - 23202

NYC Public Schools; New York (NY); On-site; USD 106,607 - 111,107; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility

Inclusive work environment

Opportunities for career advancement

Job summary

NYC Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Unit Appeal Attorney in New York City. Under the direction of the Special Education Appeals Unit Managing Attorney, this role involves complex legal work with significant implications. The successful candidate will serve as a supervisor and liaison in legal matters related to special education.

This position requires at least three years of legal experience and membership in the New York State Bar. Strong legal research, communication, and negotiation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 3 years of progressively responsible legal experience in the United States.
• Must be a member of the New York State Bar in good standing.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.

Responsibilities

• Review administrative and judicial decisions in special education matters.
• Conduct legal research and draft appellate documents.
• Negotiate the settlement of appeals of special education claims.

Skills

Legal research

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Admission to the New York State Bar

Job description

Position Summary Under the supervision of the Special Education Appeals Unit Managing Attorney, with latitude for independent judgment and decision-making, the Special Education Unit Appeal Attorney engages in difficult and complex legal work and supervisory review of work products which have significant financial, procedural, or policy consequences. Performs related work.

Reports to: Special Education Appeals Unit Managing Attorney

Direct Reports: SEU Attorneys and Special Education Community Associates

Key Relationships: Works closely with the Special Education staff, including the Special Education Office, Committees on Special Education, the Office of School Support, and the staff in the Office of Legal Services and the Office of Corporation Counsel.

Responsibilities

Level 3 Assignment

• Reviews administrative and judicial decisions in special education matters for possible appeal.
• Determines the advisability of appealing cases to the Office of State Review upon examination of the Impartial Hearing record.
• Conducts legal research.
• Drafts appellate documents.
• Reviews and responds to appeals of Impartial Hearing Orders.
• Acts as liaison to the Office of the Corporation Counsel for special education matters appealed to the State and Federal Court.
• Reviews court petitions and answers, discusses legal strategies, and attends court conferences.
• Maintains appeal files and databases.
• Reviews decisions for tracking issues and significant trends; takes appropriate action.
• Negotiates the settlement of appeals of special education claims.
• Reviews, investigates, and as appropriate, negotiates and finalizes settlement of IDEA claims filed with the DOE.
• Reviews, revises, and approves agreements prepared by staff attorneys.
• Reviews requests for pendency and offers legal advice on pendency claims.
• Analyzes, studies, and reports on the effects of City, State, and Federal legislation.

Qualification Requirements

Minimum

• Admission to the New York State Bar AND three (3) years of progressively responsible United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar.
• Selected candidates must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of their employment.

Preferred

• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Excellent legal research skills.
• Ability to understand provisions of applicable laws and regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Appellate experience.
• Settlement experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Internal candidates preferred.

Salary $106,607 - $111,107

(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Department of Education of the City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.