Job Summary

AFC seeks an energetic Staff Attorney determined to make a difference for NYC families struggling to gain appropriate educational services for their children in the country’s largest school district during an unparalleled time of difficulty for low-income families of children with disabilities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The focus of this Staff Attorney position will be representing families with children with disabilities in administrative proceedings in order to obtain services that are the difference maker in a child’s future.  The day-to-day responsibilities of this position include conducting intake, reviewing school records and psychological evaluations, engaging with and advocating before school staff, and exploring schools and services that may serve as potential remedies.  The Staff Attorney will draft and file due process complaints that culminate in special education hearings, where the attorney will present and argue the student’s case through evidence and witness testimony, and any legal briefing required to prevail.

This position will report to the Director of Project Thrive.

Qualifications

• Understanding of and alignment with AFC’s mission. Please review AFC’s work at advocatesforchildren.org
• Law degree required and admission to the NYS bar preferred
• 0-3 years litigation experience preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the public interest
• Experience with and/or knowledge of low-income and disability communities, education, civil rights
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to engage across cultures, identities, and ethnicities
• Ability to engage and build relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including parents, community partners, and school staff
• Organized, detail oriented, flexible, and able to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date client files and records
• Desire to learn, both as an individual and as part of an organization, and apply diversity, equity, and anti-racism principles
• Spanish fluency preferred

How to Apply

Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter highlighting why they are interested in this role at AFC and how their experience aligns with the Staff Attorney position, including any personal or professional experience that demonstrates their connection to the populations AFC serves.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis starting June 2025. This position would start as soon as possible. Due to the high volume of applicants, only complete applications from qualified candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Compensation

This is a full-time position, with a salary in the range of $83,899 - $91,036, depending on experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

This position is expected to work at least 2 days a week in the office and remotely on the remaining days.