Overview
A government agency is addressing a backlog of special education claims in New York City to ensure timely and fair resolution of disputes between parents and the city regarding educational plans for children with special needs. This initiative requires contract attorneys to manage a high volume of cases and facilitate claims through the administrative process.
Role Overview
The organization is seeking contract attorneys who are barred and in good standing in any U.S. state with at least 1 year of litigation experience. This remote assignment is expected to last over one year. As a Hearing Representative, you will represent the agency throughout the entire special education claims process—from intake to resolution or settlement.
Compensation
- 1 to 7 years of experience: $41.75 per hour
- More than 7 years of experience: $43.75 per hour
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a high-volume caseload of 100–200 special education claims, ensuring timely and effective handling.
- Prepare for and litigate complex cases involving significant legal precedents, policy implications, or financial impact.
- Represent the agency in administrative hearings, pre-hearing conferences, and settlement negotiations.
- Navigate procedural requirements and ensure compliance with federal and state education laws and regulations.
- Prepare and review all necessary filings, agreements, and reports with accuracy and thoroughness.
- Negotiate settlements with parents, public advocacy groups, and opposing counsel, including claims for attorney’s fees.
- Collaborate with special education specialists, technical experts, and attorneys; provide training to field and clinical staff on compliance with education laws.
- Analyze case law, gather evidence, evaluate settlement demands, and provide guidance on compliance obligations under hearing orders.
Required Qualifications
- Active bar license in good standing in any U.S. state.
- Minimum of 1 year of recent litigation experience; more experience preferred.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to troubleshoot basic technical issues.
- Proven ability to manage 100–200 cases concurrently.
- Ability to log activities in 15-minute increments throughout the workday.
- Dedicated workspace with reliable Wi-Fi and comfort using virtual tools such as Microsoft Teams and Outlook.
- Willingness to accommodate early morning hearings and work within Eastern Time Zone hours (7 AM–7 PM).
Preferred Experience
- Administrative law
- Individualized Education Program (IEP) and special education knowledge
- Experience working for a government agency
- Public interest work
- Settlement negotiation experience
Equal Opportunity Statement
The employer complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, military service, genetic information, height, weight, or any other protected characteristic. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.