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 Philadelphia office. A temporary position (3-6 months) to focus on urgent trial matters may also be considered (timeline to be determined). Primary duties for this position will focus on impact litigation and direct representation of clients and will also include working with community partners and informing our policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. The candidate should have a demonstrated commitment to racial justice, public interest law, civil rights, and advancing the rights of underserved populations.
The mission of the Education Law Center is to ensure that all children in Pennsylvania have access to a quality public education. ELC accomplishes this mission through multiple strategies, including direct legal representation, impact litigation, educating parents and students about their legal rights, working in partnership with community-based groups, and policy advocacy. Our work focuses on issues of access and equity through an intersectional and racial justice lens by working in partnership with clients who are historically underserved by public education, including students of color, students in poverty, students with disabilities, English learners, students experiencing homelessness, LGBTQ youth, and students involved in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. We work 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.
ELC seeks an exceptionally talented candidate with the following skills and experience to work in a highly collaborative and supportive office:
• At least 5 years of relevant litigation experience
• Demonstrated commitment to racial justice, public interest law, civil rights, and advancing the rights
of underserved populations
• Ability to work collaboratively with client families and with colleagues and community partners
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent oral advocacy skills and public speaking experience
• Experience doing policy work a plus
• Initiative, vision, and a willingness to use multi-strategy approaches to advocacy
• Prior experience on the staff or board of a nonprofit a plus
• Admission and good standing in the Pennsylvania bar or eligible for admission by reciprocity
To apply, please submit a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae by email to [email protected] with “Staff Attorney Applicant” in the subject line. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Competitive salary is commensurate with experience, and generous benefits are provided.