About this role
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.
BPS is seeking a dedicated and experienced Special Education Attorney to provide legal counsel and representation in special education law and related matters. The Special Education Attorney will provide expert legal counsel and representation to BPS on all matters related to special education law, policy, and compliance. This role is an attorney position reporting to the BPS Legal Advisor.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the BPS Legal Advisor, the attorney's responsibilities will include:
- 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 [email protected].