Staff Attorney, Special Education
Description
ABOUT US
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.
Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely .
Job Posting End Date:
Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.
DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, the staff attorney for special education represents the Howard County Public School System in matters related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at mediation conferences, resolution sessions, and due process hearings. The staff attorney also supports schools by attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings, participating in case conferences, and providing information regarding IDEA and Section 504 . The staff attorney provides professional development to ensure compliance with special education law and regulations in conjunction with the Department of Special Education. The staff attorney may represent the school system in student-related administrative matters, including student discipline, residency, and kindergarten admission. The staff attorney provides a variety of legal services as directed by the General Counsel and Assistant General Counsel . The staff attorney will support the school system’s mission by providing high-quality legal support to schools and staff as well as ensuring the provision of legally required services .
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy .
Education:
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Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Certification/Licensure:
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Admission to the Maryland Bar.
Experience:
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Three (3) years of experience practicing law .
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One (1) year experience in special education law, education law, or administrative law.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
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At least one (1) year of experience in handling administrative appeals, preferably special education due process matters .
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
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Representation of the school system at mediation conferences, resolution sessions, and/or due process hearings regarding IDEA complaints.
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Evaluate cases and when appropriate , negotiate settlement agreements, and consider requests for expert and attorney’s fees.
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Provide legal advice regarding IDEA to school-based members of the IEP team and participate in IEP team meetings as directed by the General Counsel or as requested by the Department of Special Education .
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Participate and provide professional development regarding compliance requirements of IDEA, COMAR, and case law through the Department of Special Education and to individual schools, as requested.
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Review statutory amendments, regulations, judicial decisions, and federal and state agency decisions to keep staff current on recent changes in obligations to students under IDEA.
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Respond to complaints, correspondence and questions regarding special education and Section 504 issues, conduct legal research on issues, formulate legal opinions, and provide advice.
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Represent the Superintendent at administrative hearings and perform other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.
Knowledge
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Special Education Law & Regulations: Comprehensive knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and federal/state education codes.
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Due Process & Dispute Resolution: Deep understanding of the legal frameworks governing administrative hearings, mediations, resolution sessions, and state complaint procedures.
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Compliance Standards: Thorough knowledge of procedural safeguards, Individualized Education Program (IEP) compliance, and legally defensible student programming.
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Educational Policy: Knowledge of how to structure public school policies and guidelines that align with shifting statutory and case law requirements.
Skills
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Litigation & Advocacy: Skilled in representing organizations in formal legal proceedings, including delivering opening/closing statements, direct and cross-examination, and negotiating settlement agreements.
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Legal Writing & Analysis: Exceptional ability to draft legally sound policies, contracts, settlement agreements, legal briefs, and formal guidance documents.
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Conflict De-escalation: Strong proactive dispute resolution and conflict prevention skills to mitigate legal risks before they escalate to due process.
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Instructional Design: Skilled in translating complex legal mandates into digestible, practical professional learning modules and training for non-legal staff.
Abilities
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Collaborative Partnership: Ability to work effectively across distinct departments (such as the Office of General Counsel and the Special Education Department) to balance legal risk management with student-centered outcomes.
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Strategic Problem Solving: Ability to analyze complex, high-stakes student programming issues and provide practical, legally sound counsel under tight deadlines.
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Communication: Ability to explain intricate legal concepts clearly and empathetically to diverse audiences, including teachers, school administrators, and parents.
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Objective Judgment: Ability to maintain professional objectivity, confidentiality, and integrity when handling sensitive or adversarial student and system matters.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Working Hours
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The position may occasionally be required to work evening hours due to hearing schedules and the office of administrative hearing requirements.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Complete applications must be submitted , and o nce your application has been submitted , you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. I ncomplete applications will not be consider ed . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Supplemental Application Questions
T his position requires applicants to provide r esponses to the below supplemental application questions to determine whether you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications . Please upload your responses in a separate file to the supplemental application questions section of the application.
1. Describe your experience in the practice of law as an attorney in court, administrative proceedings, and trials, to include at least three (3) years of experience providing full-time or re