Staff Attorney - Special Education Clinic

The Staff Attorney position is within the Special Education Clinic. The Special Education Clinic provides services to students of all disabilities and their families in securing vital special educational placements, supports, and services. This Staff Attorney position involves providing legal advice and representation to court-involved students with disabilities (or those at risk of court involvement) on special education issues.  Our goal is to empower parents and families to be advocates while ensuring the rights of students with disabilities. 

Job Summary 

The attorney will participate in all aspects of the Clinic’s work including: 

• providing brief written and telephone advice.  
• oral and written advocacy.  
• training/outreach to court personnel and community agencies on special education law.  
• direct representation at IEP meetings, mediations, and expulsion hearings for court-involved students with disabilities or those at risk of court involvement. 
• direct representation in due process hearings or federal court. 
• Systemic litigation and advocacy.

This position reports to the Vice President of the Special Education Clinic. Training will be provided on special education law, client interviewing, and our internal case management system. Opportunities will be provided to work with pro bono attorneys and law student interns as well as other professional development opportunities.  

Requirements

• A law degree and license (preference for an attorney with 5-7 years of experience, but new graduates may apply even though they are not yet licensed; applicants barred in other states may apply if their UBE score qualifies them to be barred in IL or they are willing to take the bar exam). 
• Strong written and oral communication skills. 
• Experience with and/or commitment to working with low-income and diverse client populations.  
• Occasional statewide travel is required.
• Commitment to civil rights. 
• Personal or professional experience with people with disabilities or court-involved students is preferred. 
• This position is located in Chicago.

Equip for Equality encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply for this position. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE, HOW TO APPLY, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS  

Please submit a resume and cover letter as soon as possible as there is an immediate opening. Deadline to apply is May 7, 2024.

Include your salary expectations in the cover letter. Salary is commensurate with experience. Equip for Equality offers an excellent benefits package. 

Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.  

Apply Online - Staff Attorney - Special Education Clinic

Do you need a reasonable accommodation for our application process? 

Equip for Equality is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application process, please contact LaJune Davis-Wiley at lajune@equipforequality.org or (312) 895-7333 and let her know the nature of your request and your contact information. Disability related information that is disclosed via the application process will be kept confidential. 

Learn more about EFE at https://www.equipforequality.org/ 

Equip for Equality is An Equal Opportunity Employer