Education Staff Attorney

The Alliance for Children’s Rights is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our Education Program. Under the supervision of the Education Program Directors, this attorney will advocate on behalf of children, youth, and families to secure early intervention, special education, and education stability services. Bilingual Spanish skills are highly preferred.

The Alliance for Children’s Rights provides free, holistic legal services and advocacy to youth and families impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems in Los Angeles County. Our attorneys, advocates, social workers, pro bono partners, and community volunteers help young people overcome barriers to stability and opportunity and access the education, health care, financial supports, and permanent family connections they need.

Since 1992, the Alliance has helped more than 178,000 children and young adults.

We pair direct services with local and statewide policy advocacy to remove systemic barriers and advance stability, equity, and justice for young people. Our collaborative, family-friendly culture recognizes that lasting impact depends on employees who are supported, connected, and able to thrive.

You will help young people facing systemic barriers obtain the services and protections they need to learn and thrive. The Education Program combines client-centered representation, community education, pro bono engagement, and systems advocacy, grounded in clients’ goals and an intersectional commitment to education equity.

• Represent children and families in IFSP and IEP meetings, informal dispute resolution, mediations, compliance matters, and related advocacy.
• Assess education records, identify legal and service gaps, develop advocacy strategies, and support clients in pursuing their education goals.
• Prepare complaints and other advocacy materials for school districts, regional centers, the California Department of Education, and related entities.
• Train and supervise pro bono attorneys, interns, externs, and law clerks.
• Develop and deliver practical trainings and tools for families, youth, CASAs, social workers, probation officers, educators, and community partners.
• Collaborate with the Education team to identify and address systemic inequities affecting clients and internal practices.
• Participate in policy and systems advocacy, coalition work, and community outreach related to education access and equity.
• Maintain accurate, timely case records and support effective program operations and case review.

• Juris Doctor degree and active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
• Zero to two years of legal experience for Level I consideration; two to four years for Level II consideration.
• Personal, educational, or professional experience in early intervention, special education, child welfare, juvenile justice, education systems, or work with diverse communities is valued.
• Excellent written and oral communication, active listening, presentation, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt in a collaborative environment.
• Experience building trust and working effectively with families, children, and young adults.
• Familiarity with legal procedures, courts, early education, education, juvenile dependency, or delinquency is helpful.
• Commitment to social justice, education equity, and client-centered advocacy. Bilingual Spanish skills are highly preferred.

Target starting salary: $79,000 to $85,000 for Level I Attorneys with 0 to 2 years of relevant legal experience, or $85,000 to $92,000 for Level II Attorneys with 2 to 4 years of relevant legal experience. Final starting salary is based on relevant…