STAFF ATTORNEY: EDUCATION (Springfield)

Community Legal Aid & Affiliate • Springfield, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Community Legal Aid (CLA) seeks a staff attorney to join its education law unit in the Springfield office. This role will focus on assisting at-risk, low-income students with legal issues related to Individualized Education Programs, school discipline (suspensions and expulsions), and language access. The attorney may also handle Social Security Administration benefits cases for children with disabilities, particularly at the reconsideration and appeal stages. Responsibilities include community outreach, education, and potentially assisting with grant report preparation.

Requirements

• Recent law school graduates and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative setting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in education law preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Assist at-risk students with cases involving Individualized Education Programs.
• Represent students in school discipline matters, including suspensions and expulsions.
• Address issues related to language access for low-income students.
• Handle other legal issues affecting low-income students.
• Assist children with disabilities seeking or maintaining benefits from the Social Security Administration, focusing on reconsideration and appeal levels.
• Conduct community outreach and education.
• Assist in the preparation of periodic grant reports.

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer-paid contribution
• Low-cost health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents
• Malpractice insurance
• Paid leave (4 weeks vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays)
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Relocation stipend

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed