IEP Defenders | A Lex Tecnica Practice
Location: California | Remote
Engagement: Independent Contractor | Net 70 Revenue-Sharing Model
Experience: 3–5 Years Preferred
Licensure: Active California State Bar Membership Required
About IEP Defenders
IEP Defenders is a dedicated special education law practice within Lex Tecnica, a national law firm platform committed to delivering exceptional legal services through collaboration, innovation, and a people-first approach.
Operating in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Hawaii, and New York, IEP Defenders advocates for families of children with disabilities who face challenges obtaining the educational services, accommodations, and support to which their children are legally entitled.
We represent families when efforts to resolve disputes directly with schools and school districts have not produced meaningful results. Our work focuses on protecting students’ educational rights, navigating complex special education laws, and pursuing practical, effective resolutions.
About the Opportunity
IEP Defenders is seeking a California-licensed attorney with approximately three to five years of legal experience who is interested in developing or expanding a practice in special education law.
We welcome attorneys from litigation, administrative law, civil rights, family law, and other practice areas who demonstrate strong legal fundamentals, sound judgment, and a genuine desire to learn more about special education law. We will train you.
A significant component of this position involves preparing and drafting legal documents associated with California special education Due Process Hearings, as well as supporting families through dispute resolution and administrative proceedings.
The ideal candidate is a thoughtful, detail-oriented advocate who enjoys working directly with families, approaches challenging situations with empathy and professionalism, and is motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
Key Responsibilities
Due Process Hearings and Legal Advocacy
- Draft, prepare, and file Due Process Hearing complaints and related legal documents in accordance with California and federal special education laws.
- Prepare cases for administrative Due Process Hearings before the California Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), including developing case strategies, reviewing evidence, identifying witnesses, and preparing exhibits.
- Conduct legal research and prepare motions, briefs, discovery requests, witness outlines, and other hearing-related materials.
- Participate in resolution sessions, settlement negotiations, mediations, and administrative hearings, with increasing responsibility as experience and proficiency develop.
- Analyze potential violations involving Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), educational placement, services, accommodations, evaluations, and procedural safeguards.
- Work collaboratively with experienced IEP Defenders attorneys on case preparation, hearing strategy, and legal advocacy.
Client Representation and Case Management
- Represent and advise parents and guardians in disputes involving public schools and school districts.
- Review and analyze Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), educational records, evaluations, assessments, and related documentation.
- Advise families regarding their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and applicable California law.
- Participate in IEP meetings and communicate with school district representatives and opposing counsel.
- Develop practical legal strategies focused on achieving meaningful educational outcomes.
- Maintain timely, compassionate, and professional communication with families throughout their matters.
- Independently manage assigned matters, deadlines, documentation, and case-related administrative requirements.
- Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and other professionals across the IEP Defenders and Lex Tecnica teams.
- Participate in ongoing professional development to strengthen knowledge of special education law and administrative hearing procedures.
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in California, in good standing.
- Strong legal research, writing, drafting, and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare persuasive legal arguments and organize complex factual records.
- Ability to manage multiple legal matters, priorities, and deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with families navigating emotionally sensitive circumstances.
- Willingness and enthusiasm to learn California and federal special education laws, Due Process Hearing procedures, and administrative litigation practices.
- Ability to work independently within a collaborative, multi-jurisdictional legal environment.
- Commitment to professional responsibility, confidentiality, and exceptional client service.
Preferred Qualifications
- Three to five years of experience practicing law.
- Experience in litigation, administrative law, special education, education law, civil rights, family law, or other advocacy-focused practices.
- Experience drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests, or other litigation documents.
- Experience preparing for or participating in evidentiary hearings, mediations, negotiations, or administrative proceedings.
- Familiarity with IDEA, Section 504, IEPs, FAPE, or California special education procedures.
- Experience working with parents, families, children, or individuals with disabilities.
- Admission to practice in additional jurisdictions where Lex Tecnica operates.
- Spanish-language proficiency or other multilingual capabilities.
The Lex Tecnica Opportunity
Lex Tecnica offers an entrepreneurial alternative to the traditional law firm model. Our attorneys maintain professional independence while benefiting from shared infrastructure, administrative support, technology, and collaboration across practice areas and jurisdictions.
This opportunity is structured under Lex Tecnica’s Net 70 independent contractor model, allowing attorneys to retain 70% of applicable net revenue generated from their legal work, subject to the terms of the firm’s independent contractor agreement.
Through IEP Defenders, attorneys have the opportunity to develop specialized legal expertise, collaborate with experienced colleagues, and build a meaningful practice advocating for children and families.
We value attorneys who are curious, compassionate, accountable, and motivated to grow professionally while making a measurable difference for the people they represent.
BUILD YOUR PRACTICE. EXPAND YOUR IMPACT. LET’S GO CHANGE THE WORLD.
Equal Opportunity
Lex Tecnica is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative professional environment. We welcome qualified attorneys from diverse backgrounds and practice areas.