Education Litigation Attorney

A law firm seeks a passionate and resourceful Education Litigation Attorney to represent K–12 school clients in Independence, Missouri. This role involves delivering both advisory services and courtroom advocacy to school districts throughout the state.

Duties

• Advocate for school districts in administrative hearings, trial proceedings, and appellate matters

• Draft and file pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and briefs in education-related disputes

• Conduct depositions, client interviews, and fact investigations to build strong case strategies

• Provide general counsel on policy interpretation, compliance issues, and risk management for educational entities

• Negotiate resolutions in mediations, settlement conferences, and informal dispute-resolution settings

• Collaborate with administrators, board members, and in-house staff to develop preventive measures and proactive training materials

• Monitor changes in education statutes, regulations, and case law; advise clients on potential impacts

• Manage caseloads efficiently, ensuring timely responses to clients and court deadlines

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on defense-oriented litigation experience (education law background a strong plus)

• Exceptional legal research, case analysis, and written advocacy talents

• Outstanding interpersonal, presentation, and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to cultivate trust with school administrators and boards

• Demonstrated enthusiasm for serving public education clients, fostering collaborative partnerships

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school

• Admission to the Missouri Bar (or eligibility to sit for the Missouri Bar exam upon hire)

Certifications

• Active membership in good standing with the Missouri Bar

• Any additional certifications in education law or alternative dispute resolution are considered advantageous

Skills

• Advanced legal research proficiency using Westlaw, LexisNexis, or comparable platforms

• Strong ability to draft persuasive legal documents and memos with attention to nuance in education statutes

• Excellent organizational aptitude and case-management capabilities to juggle multiple matters simultaneously

• Superior verbal communication skills for courtroom advocacy, client meetings, and educational workshops

• Capacity to interpret complex regulations and translate them into practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

• Retirement savings plan with contribution matching

• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule

• Continuing legal education reimbursement and professional development support