Our client is an experienced Labor & Employment Associate Attorney to support public-sector clients, with a strong focus on school districts in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. This role centers on advising education leaders, managing employment-related disputes, and representing clients in administrative and litigation matters.
Responsibilities:
- Advocate for public school district clients in special education disputes, mediation sessions, and administrative proceedings.
- Provide legal guidance on student accommodation issues, individualized education programs, disciplinary matters, and compliance with applicable education regulations.
- Advise board members and school administrators on governance questions, student protections, and employee-related concerns.
- Manage public-sector employment matters such as workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, accommodation issues, tenure disputes, and grievance responses.
- Support labor relations efforts by preparing for negotiations, participating in collective bargaining matters, and representing clients in arbitration and related proceedings.
- Draft, revise, and analyze employment documents, board policies, settlement terms, and other legal agreements tied to school operations and personnel matters.
- Represent clients at hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and board meetings while delivering practical legal recommendations.
- Contribute to litigation strategy, including case preparation, deposition support, and written advocacy as needed.
- At least 5 years of experience practicing education law, public-sector labor law, employment law, or a closely related area.
- Demonstrated experience representing New Jersey public school districts, government bodies, or similar public entities.
- Strong knowledge of special education disputes and compliance obligations involving student accommodation frameworks and related regulations.
- Background handling labor and employment issues in a public-sector setting is strongly preferred.
- Active admission to the New Jersey Bar is required.
- Proven ability to manage litigation tasks, including legal drafting, case analysis, and advocacy in formal proceedings.
- Strong client counseling skills with the ability to communicate clearly with administrators, board members, and other stakeholders.