If you are torn between entering the education and law field as a career, you should look into becoming an Education Lawyer. It is an interesting and rewarding career that gives its employees an opportunity to work on a federal or state level to shape the education system for future generations.
Special Education Law
Lawyers who focus on education law often turn to special education. As the number of children being diagnosed with a form of autism is growing, this field is becoming increasingly important. They will work for both the government and organizations, which advocate for the equality of children. They will also attempt to implement these ideas into the educational system. Private institutions that specialize in assisted learning require intensive monetary investments. Therefore, many lawyers will work alongside low-income families to find the necessary funding for their disabled child, so they may attend institutions with the appropriate programs. This field is incredibly rewarding and can give underprivileged children incredible opportunities for the future.
Government
Within the government, there are various departments that are solely devoted to education. The United States Department of Education’s General Counsel’s Office organize drafts and interact with state departments regarding education. They will set up any potential, new legislation by observing past reforms and present circumstances. Also, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights interferes in any serious discrimination regarding race, religion, gender, or disabilities. They will represent both students and professionals to insure our educational system is free of discrimination. Education lawyers hired by the government, will work on both the federal and state level. Those on the state level will interact with county and state boards and many of their clients will be district employees. Working as an educational lawyer for the government will give employees a direct hand in the nation’s educational system and will directly affect the generations to come.
Non-Profits
Non-Profit organizations that focus on helping those with physical or mental disabilities, discrimination, or language barriers, often utilize education lawyers. They may act as a mediator between the government and the organizations, regarding funding or support. The lawyers will interact with clients and schools to insure that students are receiving the most rewarding and beneficial experience possible. Education lawyers will not only assist the students, but the teachers. They will work alongside schools if there is any necessary disciplinary action regarding any of the faculty and staff. A few will even interact and represent students within the juvenile justice and reform systems of education. Most non-profits touch on a variety of subjects so the education lawyers will hardly ever have one specific job and their interests will be spread wide.
Education will remain a top priority for the public and government, and becoming a representative of the law can be an incredibly beneficial investment. This field is an interesting and ever growing career that has a wide variety of topics to consider.