Two women are engaged in a conversation. One is wearing a turtleneck sweater and the other has a white top with a vest. They are indoors with a neutral background.

Careers at YM&C

We’re looking for team members who lead with purpose and passion.

Solid gray square with no visible details or patterns.

Why YM&C

Join Us in Fighting for School Choice

As a member of the YM&C team, you’ll be working at the leading edge of education law, advocating for the rights of students who need your help the most. We work on a wide range of legal issues with an array of educational institutions. We believe school choice and quality schools are more than just legal issues – they’re a modern civil rights issue.

If you feel the same, YM&C may be the law firm for you. YM&C is a team of dedicated professionals with a diverse array of backgrounds and personalities working cohesively to serve modern educational institutions, including charter, independent and private schools and colleges, regardless of their size. We’re always on the lookout for highly motivated and dynamic attorneys who share our passion for choices in education.

A person with short brown hair and glasses is holding an open book or magazine, standing indoors against a textured wall.

Current openings

Civil Litigator 7-10 Years

Role

We are seeking a skilled Civil Litigation Attorney to join our insurance defense and litigation practice at any of our four offices. As part of our dynamic legal team, you will be at the forefront of education law, tackling complex cases that have a profound impact on society. Opportunities will include prosecuting and defending lawsuits related to employment matters, facilities and premises issues, torts, contracts, and other areas of the law. If you have 7-10 years of litigation experience and are a member of the California Bar, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications

California Bar license.
7-10 years of litigation experience.
Trial experience, preferred.
Mediation and arbitration experience.
Proficiency in drafting complex pleadings, conducting legal research and analysis.
Willingness to dive deeply into caselaw and statutes and develop creative arguments.
Detail-oriented and strategic thinker, with a strong commitment to representing our clients diligently.
Experience and willingness to handle everything from small disputes to major litigation.

YM&C offers a competitive salary based on experience, plus a generous quarterly bonus system, annual bonuses, opportunities for growth and advancement, exciting, collegial environment with a focus on team-work. Flexible work environment. Excellent Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, and 401K.

Please send a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and references.

Apply Here

Charter Development Attorney 2-5 Years

Role

School Attorney – We are seeking a talented attorney to join our team of dedicated school advocates at our Los Angeles office (North Hollywood). As part of our dynamic legal team, you will be at the forefront of education law, tackling complex matters that have a profound impact on children and our society and supporting the objectives and day-to-day needs of public schools. You will be responsible for reviewing and revising charter petitions to ensure they meet applicable legal requirements and are aligned with the authorizing school district or agency’s requirements. This work will involve reviewing and analyzing academic performance data across student subgroups, interpreting statutes, regulations, administrative guidance, and authorizer policies, and providing tailored legal advice to charter school leaders. You will also collaborate with school administrators on local political advocacy efforts in support of charter schools. Attorneys on the School Development team are expected to travel (within California) to public meetings on weekday evenings.

Qualifications

California Bar license.
Practiced law for at least two years.
Strategic, energetic legal researcher with comfort navigating regulatory and statutory schemes, accounting for legislative history and government agency guidance.
Ability to distill and convey complex ideas to a lay audience through writing that is clear, concise, and appropriately tailored to the audience.
High level of attention to detail in reviewing and editing documents to conform with laws, regulations, agency requirements, and internal firm protocols.
Superb editor.
Effective oral advocate.
Fast learner able to quickly understand new areas of law and provide accurate and strategic advice in response to unique client needs and objectives.
A strong commitment to representing our clients diligently and maintaining high standards in all aspects of our practice.
Willingness to travel within California, flexibility to attend weekday evening meetings in-person or by video conference.

Please send a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and references.

Apply Here

Nonprofit Corporate Attorney 2+ Years

Role

We are seeking a skilled Nonprofit Corporate Attorney to join our team of dedicated school advocates (at any of our four offices). As part of our dynamic legal team, you will be at the forefront of education law, tackling complex cases that have a profound impact on our society. If you have 2+ years of experience and are a member of the California Bar, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications

California Bar license.
Advise nonprofit organizations on formation, 501(c)(3) applications, and ongoing compliance requirements.
Structure and negotiate complex business transactions, including mergers, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
Draft and review corporate governance documents, including bylaws, board policies, and conflict of interest procedures.
Counsel boards of directors on fiduciary duties and best practices.
Manage state charitable registration and reporting requirements.

Please send a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and references.

Apply Here

“Joining YMC has been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my career. Before becoming an attorney, I was an elementary school teacher, so after law school, I sought a place where my passion for education could align with my legal skills. I have found that ideal intersection at YMC. Each day, I have the privilege of working alongside a team that is as dedicated to the mission of supporting educators and students as I am. I love that the work we do here goes beyond just legal representation—it’s about making a real, tangible difference in the education system. My background as a teacher gives me perspective on the challenges educators face, and being at YMC allows me to use that insight to craft solutions that are both legally sound and deeply empathetic. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do here leads to real, positive change in schools across the state. I am proud to be part of this team and look forward to our continued advocacy in the decades to come.”

Woman with long wavy hair wearing a dark blazer and white shirt, smiling in front of a patterned blue background.

Kaela Haydu

Senior Counsel

“My career began in teaching and non-profit work, where I was constantly searching for ways to make our educational system work better for students. After visiting a charter school at a Boston conference, I was inspired to dedicate my career to supporting these schools of choice. When I learned about YM&C's focus on and dedication to charter schools while in law school, I knew that it was the only place I wanted to work. Eighteen years later, I could not have made a better choice -- I am honored to work with charter schools and education leaders every day, helping them provide a high-quality education to a diverse student population across the state. I'm also proud to be part of the dedicated, passionate YM&C team.”

Sarah Kollman

Partner

“I walked into YMC in 2006 from a Temp service to cover the receptionist position. I was 21 years old with bright red hair, a part time college student, and a hairstylist on the weekends. That was 18 years ago. Since then, I have earned a Bachelors Degree, MBA, and Paralegal certificate. I've bought a home, married, and had 3 children. I have grown up here at the Firm. Having worked in the positions of receptionist, then file clerk, and now legal assistant, I feel blessed to continue working and growing at YMC. I'm grateful to be appreciated with annual retreats, holiday parties and annual bonuses – and honored to work alongside people I consider more like family.”

Janelle Jennings

Legal Assistant | Paralegal