Associate Attorney – Education & Civil Litigation (3+ years’ civil litigation required)

Seattle, WA

We are seeking 1–2 associate attorneys to join our education-law practice in Seattle. We represent students and families in matters ranging from kindergarten through higher education and handle related employment issues. We’re looking for collegial litigators with a strong civil-litigation background who are passionate about advocacy and civil rights.

Compensation

Base Salary Schedule (Attorney Staff)

  • 1st-year Associate: $88,000
  • 2nd-year Associate: $93,500
  • 3rd-year Associate: $99,000
  • 4th-year Associate: $104,500
  • 5th-year+ Associate: $110,000
  • 6th-year+ Associate: Discretionary*

Senior Associate (At the discretion of Cedar Law’s partners, associate can be elevated to senior associate status prior to reaching 6+ years of experience)

  • Step 1: $123,500
  • Step 2: $130,000
  • Step 3: Discretionary*

*Discretionary tiers reflect individualized assessment of experience, performance, and market factors.

Work Arrangement

Hybrid role with an expectation of three in-office days per week (Seattle). Remote work is available on the remaining days, with occasional flexibility based on court, client, and team needs.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 3 years of civil-litigation experience (heavy litigation background strongly preferred).
  • Licensed to practice law in Washington (required).
  • Additional bar licenses in Oregon, California, or Idaho are preferred but not required.
  • Background in education including teaching and school administration (including kindergarten–twelfth grade) preferred.
  • Demonstrated interest in advocating for students, civil rights, or related causes.
  • Comfort using—and learning—AI-enabled legal tools while understanding their limitations (experience preferred; training provided).

Skills & Expectations

  • Identify and apply relevant education-law provisions to a case.
  • Fairly evaluate the merits and value of claims.
  • Promote early, just resolution of disputes when appropriate.
  • Handle complex litigation matters with skill and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with colleagues in a professional, respectful manner.

What We Value

  • Strong, positive working relationships with peers.
  • Commitment to protecting and improving the educational experience for students of all backgrounds.
  • An advocacy approach that balances client goals with constructive future relationships between students and schools.

Application Instructions

Please email the following to info@cedarlawpllc.com:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter addressing the values listed above
  • Writing sample (no longer than 5 pages)

Of Counsel – Education & Civil Litigation (6+ years of civil litigation experience required)

Seattle, WA

We are seeking an experienced Of Counsel attorney to join our education-law practice in Seattle. Our firm represents students and families in educational matters ranging from kindergarten through higher education, as well as related employment issues. This position offers an opportunity to handle complex and meaningful litigation with a focus on advocacy and civil rights, and will particularly appeal to attorneys with prior experience in K–12 education disputes, including special education, student discipline, or discrimination matters.

Compensation
This position is compensated at 60% of client account receivables earned.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 6 years of civil litigation experience (substantial litigation background required).
  • Proven track record of managing civil litigation cases through every stage, from initial filings to resolution or trial.
  • Civil rights litigation experience is highly desirable.
  • Licensed to practice law in Washington (required).
  • Additional bar licenses in Oregon, California, or Idaho are preferred but not required.
  • Background in education including teaching and school administration (including kindergarten–twelfth grade) is strongly preferred.

Skills & Responsibilities

  • Draft pleadings, discovery, and dispositive motions.
  • Argue motions in state and federal courts.
  • Conduct witness interviews, take and defend depositions, and prepare for trial.
  • Experience with federal court practice is a plus.
  • Experience with Washington Superior Courts is a plus.
  • Identify and apply relevant education-law provisions to a case.
  • Evaluate the merits and value of claims and promote early, just resolution of disputes.
  • Collaborate effectively with colleagues in a professional and collegial manner.

Work Environment
This position is intended to be hybrid, blending in-office collaboration in Seattle with remote flexibility. For the right candidate, we will consider a primarily remote arrangement.

What We Value

  • Strong and positive working relationships with peers.
  • A demonstrated commitment to civil rights and educational equity.
  • An approach to advocacy that protects students’ rights while supporting constructive future relationships between students and schools.

Application Instructions
To apply, please send your resume to info@cedarlawllp.com.

If you are interested in working with us, feel free to email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to info@cedarlawllp.com.

Cedar Law is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.