The Education Law Center-PA, a statewide civil rights advocacy organization that has played a leading role on key issues of educational equity since 1975, seeks an attorney for a full- time position in our Pittsburgh office. Our attorneys work in partnership with students, families, and community-based groups to engage in multi-strategic legal and community advocacy, including direct legal representation, impact litigation, and state, local, and federal policy advocacy. Candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil rights, racial justice, and advancing the education rights of underserved students.
Advancing racial justice is a critical part of the mission of the Education Law Center to ensure that all children in Pennsylvania have access to a quality public education. Candidates should be committed to working on behalf of clients who are members of one or many historically underserved communities, including students of color, students in poverty, students with disabilities, English learners, students experiencing homelessness, LGBTQ youth, students involved in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, and students at the intersection of these identities. Our work seeks to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline, secure fair and adequate funding for public schools, and ensure that all children have access to the full range of educational opportunities in schools that are safe, just, and inclusive.
We welcome applicants with the following skills and experience:
• Law degree and license to practice in Pennsylvania, or ability to be admitted by reciprocity.
• A minimum of 5 years of litigation experience. Experience in policy advocacy, complex litigation, or appellate advocacy is a plus.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial justice, public interest law, civil rights, or advancing public education justice, and ability to engage in multi-strategic advocacy.
• Lived or other demonstrated meaningful and sustained experience with people living in poverty, people of color, immigrant or indigenous communities, or the criminal legal system.
• Excellent written and oral communication, research, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team, prioritize responsibilities, and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Commitment to exposing and dismantling all forms of structural bias and oppression in public education, beginning in early childhood education.
• Demonstrated initiative and creativity, commitment to continuous learning, and openness to exploring different areas of law.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae to [email protected] with “Pittsburgh Attorney Applicant” in the subject line. Applicants will be accepted until the position is filled.
Competitive salary is commensurate with experience, and generous benefits are provided. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance with 100% paid by employer for employee, flexible spending account, retirement plan, and professional development budget. Employees have a generous self-managed leave benefit inclusive of vacation, sick, and holidays, including an office closure the last week in December.
The ELC office in Pittsburgh is a flexible hybrid office. Staff may work remotely up to three days a week. ELC will consider requests for flextime and alternative remote work schedules.
ELC requires that all employees show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Medical and religious exemptions are reviewed on an individual basis in accordance with applicable law.