(Posted 3/29/2023)

Gottlieb & Wang LLP—a premier education law firm founded in 2017 and currently holding an undefeated record—is seeking a talented and experienced associate attorney to become an integral member of our team. G&W holds that disadvantaged families—those with children with disabilities and those from marginalized backgrounds—are entitled to the same caliber of legal representation typically reserved for large corporations. By working smarter than the institutional wrongdoers we face, we expand access to the free and appropriate public education that is at the root of equal opportunity and social mobility in our country.

Our dedication to legal excellence is rivaled only by our commitment to employees’ rights—the belief that clients are best served by fulfilled attorneys who have access to agency, mentorship, resources, and who enjoy a healthy work-life balance. We pride ourselves on unparalleled on-the-job training, and we invest heavily and endlessly in team members whom we see growing with us for the long haul.

Applicants located in the greater New York metro area (or willing to relocate to the area down the line) are preferred, but those located elsewhere are also encouraged to apply. G&W has two office locations—one in downtown Manhattan and one in downtown Brooklyn—but for the immediate future, this would be a fully remote position with significant flexibility to set preferred hours.

Our firm is enthusiastically nonconformist and driven by a passion for tenacious advocacy. If this and the below sound like a fit for you, please apply by submitting your cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Qian Julie Wang, Managing Partner, at careers@gottliebfirm.com. As attention to detail is vital, any submissions that do not conform to these requirements will be disregarded.

Responsibilities

• Manage and run delegated IDEA caseload from inception through administrative proceedings and final implementation.

• Advise clients on legal and educational matters, including academic evaluations, school placement decisions, and communications with the New York City Department of Education (particularly regarding the development of Individualized Education Programs).

• Represent clients, deliver opening and closing statements, and examine witnesses at impartial hearings held on the funding of private special education school tuition and various associated proceedings.

• Oversee settlement submissions and negotiate settlement of tuition claims.

• Manage a complex calendar of appearances.

• Oversee and manage client records.

• Research, draft, and revise complaints, memoranda, and similar motions practice.

• Handle intakes of new clients.

• Support the firm’s partners in other litigation matters, including those before federal and state courts at the trial and appellate levels, and including those involving complex issues of first impression.

• Take on, at the associate’s discretion and the partners’ encouragement and guidance, other pro bono matters in areas such as education, immigration, employment discrimination, and civil rights law.

Qualifications

• Admission (current or imminent) to the New York Bar is mandatory.

• At least three years’ experience with IDEA suits is preferred; experience in other areas of civil litigation a plus.

• At least two years of managing and running cases, including managing client relationships, are preferred.

• At least one years’ experience with dealing with opposing counsel and judges or administrative officers preferred.

• A portable clientele or book of business is a plus that would be compensated accordingly.

• Other musts:

  • Motivated self-starter with unrelenting attention to detail.

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills (both written and oral).

  • Exceptional organizational skills and ownership and professionalism in managing caseload.

  • Keen sense of judgment—we run a volume practice and our clients often encounter unprecedented scenarios, so we need attorneys who can exercise sound judgment in novel situations (with, of course, access to our guidance and mentorship).

  • A strong sense of integrity; ability to handle privileged and sensitive legal issues with complete confidentiality and an understanding of the vital importance of each case to the families we represent.

  • Dedicated team player who understands the importance of respectful collaboration with not just the partners but also our invaluable support staff.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary starts at $85,000 for less experienced candidates and increases commensurate with experience. Associates with a portable clientele are eligible for additional compensation.

• We offer a full benefits package including a profit-sharing plan after a certain number of years with the firm; the opportunity to work remotely full time; and paid holidays as well as flexible paid time off.

Gottlieb & Wang is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. We proudly stand with Labor.