Staff Attorney - Remote

Overview

Advocates For Children (AFC) is a dynamic social justice organization that strives to ensure a high-quality education for New York students who face barriers to academic success, focusing on students from low-income backgrounds. AFC works on behalf of children and youth who are at greatest risk of academic failure due to poverty, race, ethnicity, disability, homelessness, immigration status/limited English proficiency, or involvement in the child welfare or juvenile/criminal legal systems. We use uniquely integrated strategies to advance systemic reform, empower families and communities, and advocate for the educational rights of individual students.

In Short

• Provide legal representation and advocacy for families experiencing school-related difficulties.
• Focus on charter school practices and serve as a subject matter expert.
• Conduct training and workshops on education-related topics.
• Advocate for policy reform regarding charter school issues.
• Represent families at special education administrative hearings.
• Engage in outreach and training for parents and charter school staff.
• Collaborate with other attorneys and advocates.
• Conduct research and visit schools for potential remedies.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Commit to serving the public interest and diversity principles.

Requirements

• Understanding of and alignment with AFC’s mission.
• A Juris Doctor degree.
• Admission to the NY State bar preferred.
• One to two years litigation experience preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the public interest.
• Experience and/or knowledge of education, school discipline, disability, or general civil rights law is strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to engage across cultures, identities, and ethnicities.
• Organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and able to work independently.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance.
• Generous time-off policies including 10 federal holidays.
• 15 vacation days and 15 paid time off days in the first year.
• 403(b) plan with a fully vested employer match.
• Coverage of premium cost of life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance.