Hatch & Cesario, a law firm dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to school districts, charter schools, and SELPAs in the areas of special education, Section 504, and general student matters, is seeking full-time and part-time associate attorneys for its Ventura office and virtually for its San Diego and Ventura locations.
We are looking for detail-oriented, highly organized, and experienced attorneys with strong project management skills who can effectively manage tight deadlines and navigate complex legal matters in special education law. The ideal candidates will have a solid investigative mindset, be adept at analyzing student records, and possess a strong ability to handle all stages of legal proceedings, from preparing responses and complaints to representing clients in hearings and litigation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project Management: Manage and prioritize multiple cases simultaneously while meeting internal and legal deadlines.
- Legal Analysis & Investigation: Analyze student records, including IEPs, assessments, and other relevant documents, to build solid defenses for clients and offer proactive client and student-centered solutions.
- Hearing Preparation & Representation: Prepare and manage all aspects of administrative due process hearings, including preparing and responding to complaints, drafting notices of insufficiency, preparing motions, attending pre-hearing conferences and “meet and confers,” preparing witnesses, engaging in direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and ensuring proper evidence presentation.
- Litigation Support: Provide comprehensive legal support in federal court litigation, when applicable, and manage discovery, depositions, and other litigation-related tasks.
- Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with clients, including school administrators, educators, and special education staff, to ensure alignment and collaboration throughout each case. Professionally engage with opposing counsel, advocates, families, mediators, and relevant agencies as needed.
- Training & Education: Conduct training sessions and guide school staff on compliance with special education laws and regulations, including the IDEA and Section 504.
- Mediation & Compliance: Attend mediations and respond to state and federal compliance complaints from the California Department of Education and Office for Civil Rights.
Qualifications:
- Experience: 3-5 years of legal experience, preferably focusing on special education law, administrative hearings, or litigation. Experience with due process hearings and legal proceedings involving special education matters is highly preferred.
- Skills: Excellent project management skills, an ability to meet tight deadlines, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple cases simultaneously, and strong research, writing, and analytical skills are essential.
- Mindset: A strong investigative mindset with a keen ability to review and analyze complex student records and legal documents while being sensitive to student needs and parent concerns.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
- Travel: For the Ventura office, candidates must be willing to travel to meet clients in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties. The San Diego office may require occasional travel to clients in Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties.
- Team-Oriented: A collaborative, proactive, and client-focused approach is critical. Working well with a diverse team and clients is a must.
At Hatch & Cesario, we value a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering results that support the success and compliance of our school clients. We encourage you to apply if you are an attorney passionate about special education law and the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of due process hearings and litigation.
