[Hiring] Schools & Education Attorney @Sands Anderson

Role Description

Sands Anderson PC is seeking an experienced attorney to join its Schools & Education practice. This position offers the opportunity to work with public school divisions, school boards, educational institutions, and other public-sector clients on a wide range of legal, regulatory, employment, governance, and operational matters.

The ideal candidate will have meaningful experience advising educational institutions or public entities and will bring a practical, collaborative approach to helping clients navigate complex legal issues.

Responsibilities:

• General counsel and day-to-day advice to school boards, school divisions, and educational institutions
• Employment and personnel matters, including employee discipline, policies, investigations, and workplace issues
• Student matters, including discipline, student rights, and related administrative proceedings
• Special education and disability matters, including IDEA, Section 504, and ADA compliance
• Title IX and other civil rights and discrimination matters
• Development, interpretation, and implementation of policies and procedures
• School board governance, meetings, and public-sector decision-making
• Virginia Freedom of Information Act and other public records and open-meeting requirements
• Contracts, procurement, and vendor relationships
• Regulatory compliance and risk management
• Administrative proceedings, investigations, and litigation
• Training school administrators, board members, and other education professionals on legal developments and best practices
• Monitoring legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments affecting Virginia schools and educational institutions

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active membership in the Virginia State Bar or eligibility for admission in Virginia
• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in education law, local government, public-sector law, employment law, special education, civil rights, or a related practice area
• Strong legal research, analysis, writing, and communication skills
• Ability to provide practical, responsive advice directly to clients
• Strong judgment and the ability to manage sensitive and complex matters
• Ability to work collaboratively across practice areas and with attorneys, administrators, governing boards, and other client stakeholders
• Experience working directly with Virginia public school divisions or other Virginia public entities is preferred
• Candidates with experience as in-house or university counsel, government attorneys, school board counsel, or attorneys who regularly advise public-sector clients are encouraged to apply

Requirements

• Strong legal credentials
• Understanding of education clients' operations and the public environment
• Ability to translate complex legal requirements into clear, practical guidance
• Comfort in developing trusted relationships with clients
• Collaboration with colleagues across disciplines
• Contribution to the continued growth of the firm's Schools & Education practice

Benefits

• Salary Range: $145,000 to $190,000

Company Description

Sands Anderson is a Virginia-based law firm serving businesses, governmental entities, educational institutions, and individuals across the Commonwealth. Our attorneys combine substantive legal experience with a practical understanding of our clients' organizations and the communities they serve.