How to Become an Education Lawyer: Degrees, Licenses, and Career Path – Featuring Programs from Northwestern and Boston College Law

Education law offers a unique opportunity to combine legal expertise with a passion for education and social justice. This comprehensive guide outlines the path to becoming an education lawyer, featuring insights from Northwestern University and Boston College Law School programs.

Education lawyers work on issues ranging from student rights and special education to school funding and higher education compliance. The field requires both legal expertise and a deep understanding of educational systems and policies.

Educational Requirements

Undergraduate Degree: While there's no specific undergraduate major required, successful education lawyers often have backgrounds in:

• Education or teaching
• Political science or public policy
• Psychology or social work
• Liberal arts with strong writing skills

Law School: A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school is required. Consider programs with strong education law offerings:

• Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
• Boston College Law School
• Georgetown University Law Center
• University of California, Berkeley School of Law

Northwestern University Program

Northwestern's Education Law Program offers:

• Comprehensive curriculum in education law and policy
• Clinical opportunities in education advocacy
• Externship programs with education organizations
• Faculty expertise in special education and civil rights
• Strong alumni network in education law

Professor Julie Biehl, Director of the Children and Family Justice Center, notes: "Our program prepares students to advocate for children and families in education settings. We emphasize both legal skills and understanding of educational systems."

Boston College Law School Program

Boston College offers:

• Concentration in Education Law and Policy
• Clinical programs in education advocacy
• Research opportunities with education scholars
• Strong connections to local education organizations
• Focus on social justice and education equity

Professor Francine Sherman, Director of the Juvenile Rights Advocacy Project, explains: "We prepare students to work on the front lines of education law, advocating for students who face barriers to educational opportunity."

Licensing Requirements

Bar Examination: After graduating from law school, you must pass the bar examination in the state where you plan to practice. Requirements vary by state but typically include:

• Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)
• State-specific essay questions
• Multistate Performance Test (MPT)
• Character and fitness evaluation

Continuing Legal Education: Most states require ongoing education to maintain bar membership, including courses in education law and ethics.

Specialization and Certification

While not required, specialization can enhance your career prospects:

• Board certification in education law (where available)
• Certification in special education law
• Advanced degrees in education policy
• Professional development in specific areas of education law

Career Development Path

Entry-Level Positions:

• Associate at law firm with education practice
• Staff attorney at education advocacy organization
• Legal fellow at education policy institute
• Government attorney in education agency

Mid-Career Advancement:

• Senior associate or partner at law firm
• Senior staff attorney at advocacy organization
• In-house counsel for school district or university
• Policy director at education organization

Senior-Level Positions:

• Managing partner of education law practice
• Executive director of education advocacy organization
• General counsel for large school district
• Professor of education law

Skills Development

Successful education lawyers develop expertise in:

• Constitutional law and civil rights
• Administrative law and regulations
• Special education law (IDEA, Section 504)
• Employment law in education settings
• Education policy and reform
• Mediation and alternative dispute resolution

Networking and Professional Development

Building a successful career in education law requires:

• Joining professional organizations (Education Law Association, National Association of College and University Attorneys)
• Attending conferences and continuing education programs
• Participating in pro bono work
• Publishing articles and speaking at conferences
• Building relationships with education professionals

Salary Expectations

Salaries vary based on location, experience, and type of practice:

• Entry-level: $60,000 - $90,000
• Mid-career: $90,000 - $150,000
• Senior-level: $150,000 - $300,000+
• Public interest: Generally lower but with loan forgiveness programs

According to Professor Julie Biehl of Northwestern, "Education law offers the opportunity to make a real difference in students' lives while building a rewarding legal career. The field is growing and offers diverse opportunities for lawyers with different interests and skills."