Associate Attorney

Position Title: Associate Attorney

Organization: Education Rights Counsel (ERC)

Location: Nebraska

About Education Rights Counsel

At Education Rights Counsel, we believe every child deserves a real chance to succeed, and that starts with access to the education they are entitled to under the law. As Nebraska’s only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to education law, we work on the front lines with families, schools, courts, and agencies to cut through complexity and turn legal rights into meaningful action. Our team doesn’t just interpret the law, we make it practical, accessible, and impactful for the families who need it most.

About the Role

Education Rights Counsel seeks a dedicated Associate Attorney to represent children and families in education-related matters, primarily through appointments by Nebraska’s Juvenile Courts. This role is ideal for an attorney who is committed to ensuring that every student, particularly those involved in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems, has meaningful access to the education they are legally entitled to receive. If you are driven to level the playing field, elevate family voices and hold education systems accountable, using your legal skills to create tangible change in the lives of children and families across Nebraska, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

·     Serve as appointed counsel in Juvenile Court cases involving students with unmet education needs

·     Advocate for clients in matters involving special education, school discipline, enrollment, and access to appropriate educational services

·     Represent clients in all stages of advocacy, including all juvenile court hearings, informal and formal negotiations with school districts, administrative proceedings (such as due process hearings), and litigation in state or federal court as needed

·     Participate in multidisciplinary meetings (e.g., Family Team Meetings)

·     Collaborate with families, caseworkers, schools, service providers, and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective education plans

·     Translate complex legal and procedural requirements into clear, practical guidance for clients

·     Maintain thorough and timely case documentation and meet all court and administrative deadlines

·     Draft motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents

·     Maintain a caseload of approximately 50 cases

·     Accurately and timely record work in case management systems and meet billing requirements

·     Participate in team strategy discussions and contribute to ERC’s broader mission of systemic impact

Qualifications

·     J.D. from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in Nebraska (or ability to obtain admission promptly)

·     Experience or demonstrated interest in education law, juvenile law, child welfare, or related fields preferred

·     Strong commitment to public interest law and advancing educational equity

·     Excellent legal research, written and oral advocacy skills

·     Proven ability to independently manage a legal caseload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

·     Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including vulnerable youth and families navigating complex systems

What We Offer

·     Meaningful, mission-driven work with direct impact on children and families

·     A collaborative, supportive team environment grounded in shared values

·     Opportunities for professional growth and development in a specialized area of law

·     Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience

• Hybrid worplace
• Health Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (12 weeks)
• Flexible Schedule

How to Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to:

Sarah Hollibaugh, Director of Operations, at sdh@educationrightscounsel.org

In your cover letter, we encourage you to share your interest in education equity and your experience (or interest) working with youth and families.

Join us in ensuring that every child in Nebraska has access to the education they deserve.