While I do not have a law degree, working in education has allowed me to cross paths with education attorneys on numerous occasions. I found that the problems they are faced with on a daily basis are noble and challenging.

What is the Education Law?

Education law deals with schools, school systems, and school boards charged with educating children. It is a branch of civil law that encompasses the laws and regulations that govern the education, administration, and federal and state operation of educational institutions, school athletics, and educational programs, methods, and materials.

What do education attorneys do?

Education attorneys work closely with the faculty, staff, students, and school administration. They spend their time discussing issues such as discipline, suspension, expulsion, and discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and disability. Additionally, education attorneys deal with issues related to school attendance, authority, civil rights, dress codes, drugs, disability, homeschooling, immigrant visas, medical requirements , sexual harassment and special education rights. As you can see, the variety of topics found on an education attorney’s desk is impressive.

Careers in education law

Since the scope of the topics covered by this area of ​​law is quite wide, so are the career opportunities. With a degree in educational law, you could represent institutions of post-secondary education and institutions of higher education in a number of different matters. Your clients may include various colleges, universities, and school districts.

While representing these educational institutions, you will work on issues related to discrimination, disability, financial aid, and accreditation and licensing issues facing schools, staff, and teachers / professors. In addition, you can represent individuals, parents or students, as well as teachers, professors, and school employees on similar issues.

Labor outlook

Educational law and the lawyers who practice it will continue to be part of the educational system. They are a necessity charged with ensuring that all students have fair and equitable access to education.

According to the Department of Labor Statistics, the hiring of attorneys is expected to grow 11% during 2006-2016, almost as fast as the average for all occupations. The increased demand for legal services will result in greater job opportunities. However, due to the large number of students graduating from law school, the competition for jobs is quite intense. Those with strong academic records will have the best job opportunities.