Associate Attorney

Gillis Law is a boutique law firm representing students and families in special education, disability rights, and school-related matters. Our practice focuses on high-level advocacy under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title IX, and related civil rights laws.

We represent families in Team meetings, mediations, settlement negotiations, and administrative due process proceedings before the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA). We are committed to helping students access meaningful educational opportunities and appropriate supports.

We are seeking an associate attorney who is passionate about education law and interested in developing deep expertise in this highly specialized area of practice. This role offers meaningful mentorship, substantial responsibility early in practice, and significant hands-on litigation experience.

What You’ll Do

· Representing families in Team meetings, mediations, settlement conferences, and BSEA proceedings, including motion practice and due process hearings;

· Conducting legal research and drafting complaints, motions, memoranda, discovery requests, and other litigation documents;

· Preparing cases for administrative hearings and participating in litigation strategy development;

· Reviewing educational records, evaluations, expert reports, and school documentation;

· Developing legal strategies involving IDEA, Section 504, bullying, Title IX, and school discipline matters;

· Working directly with families navigating complex educational systems and disputes;

· Participating in settlement negotiations and client counseling.

Ideal Candidate

· Is enthusiastic about mentorship and professional growth;

· Has zero to two years of legal experience (we will train the right candidate);

· Possesses strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills;

· Is passionate about education law, disability rights, and civil rights advocacy;

· Is comfortable managing complex factual and documentary records;

· Works well independently and collaboratively and is receptive to feedback.

What Makes This Role Unique

· Develop expertise in a highly specialized and impactful area of law;

· Work closely with educational and clinical experts;

· Gain significant pre-litigation and litigation experience early in practice;

· Build meaningful client relationships;

· Help families secure important educational opportunities and services for their children.

Compensation and Benefits

· Opportunities for professional growth and increasing responsibility;

· Strong work-life balance with a reasonable billable hour expectation;

· PTO and paid holidays;

· Safe Harbor 401(k);

· Health insurance benefits.

Requirements

· J.D. required;

· Massachusetts bar admission required, or anticipated admission by Fall 2026.

Application Materials

· Cover letter;

· Resume;

· Writing sample primarily reflecting the applicant’s own work;

· Law school transcript;

· Two personal or professional references.

Additional Information

Associates receive significant substantive responsibility early in practice, including direct client interaction, hearing preparation, and participation in case strategy.

Preferred Background

Candidates with prior educational experience — including former teachers, special education professionals, school staff, education advocates, or Teach For America alumni — are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location

Hybrid position based out of the firm’s Topsfield office, with regular in-office collaboration and occasional travel for meetings and hearings.

Start Date

Ideal for a recent graduate or newly admitted attorney beginning practice in September 2026.

Application Submission

Please send application materials to:
Kayla Serard, Director of Operations
[email protected]

Pay: $90,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Topsfield, MA 01983