A prestigious government initiative is tackling the urgent backlog of special education claims in New York City, aiming to facilitate swift and just resolutions for disputes regarding educational plans crafted for children with special needs. With recent legal rulings highlighting the importance of timely claim resolutions and enhancements in special education services, this project is looking for committed attorneys to join a vital effort in managing a substantial volume of cases and steering claims through the administrative landscape.

This role invites contract attorneys, who are licensed and in good standing in any U.S. state, and possess a minimum of one year of experience in litigation, to engage in a remote position for over a year. As a Hearing Representative, you will be pivotal in advocating for our client throughout the entire special education claims process, encompassing everything from initial intake to final resolution or settlement.

Compensation:

• 1 to 7 years of experience: $41.75/hour
• 7+ years of experience: $43.75/hour

Key Responsibilities:

• Case Management: Oversee a demanding caseload of 100-200 special education claims, ensuring prompt and proficient handling at every stage.
• Representation: Prepare and/or litigate intricate cases that carry significant legal, policy, or financial implications. Act as the agency’s representative in administrative hearings, pre-hearing conferences, and negotiations for settlements.
• Administrative Process: Skillfully navigate procedural requirements while ensuring adherence to federal and state education laws and regulations.
• Documentation: Accurately prepare and scrutinize all necessary filings, agreements, and reports to guarantee meticulousness and compliance.
• Settlement Negotiation: Collaborate with parents, advocacy groups, and opposing counsel to facilitate equitable resolutions and negotiate claims for attorney’s fees.
• Training and Collaboration: Work alongside special education specialists, technical experts, and fellow attorneys; conduct training sessions for field and clinical staff to enhance compliance with education laws.
• Research and Compliance: Assess case law, compile evidence, and evaluate settlement proposals. Offer guidance on compliance responsibilities regarding hearing orders to parents and students.

Required Qualifications:

• Bar Admission: Must hold an active bar license in good standing in any U.S. state.
• Litigation Experience: A minimum of 1+ years of relevant litigation experience is essential, with more experience preferred.
• Tech Savvy: Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to manage basic technical troubleshooting.
• Caseload Management: Demonstrated ability to handle 100-200 active cases simultaneously.
• Timekeeping: Must be adept at logging activities in 15-minute increments throughout the workday.
• Remote Work Skills: Must have a dedicated workspace, dependable Wi-Fi, and comfort using virtual platforms like Microsoft Teams and Outlook.
• Schedule Flexibility: Must be willing to adjust to early morning hearings and operate within Eastern Time Zone hours (7 AM-7 PM).
• Preferred Experience: A background in Administrative Law, IEP/Special Education, government agency work, public interest, or settlement experience is advantageous.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, fully compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including those from minority groups and women. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the future of special education!