Careers at YM&C

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

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.

Current openings

Litigation Attorney

Role

We are seeking a skilled Litigation 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 5+ years of litigation experience and are a member of the California Bar, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications

California Bar license.
5+ years of litigation experience.
Proficiency in drafting complex pleadings and conducting legal research and analysis.
Ability to handle discovery in high-stakes actions.
Detail-oriented and strategic thinker with a strong commitment to representing our clients diligently.

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

Apply Here

Labor & Employment Attorney

Role

We are seeking a skilled Labor & Employment Attorney to join our transactional practice at any of our four offices. As part of our dynamic legal team, you will be at the forefront of labor & employment law, tackling complex cases that have a profound impact on society. Opportunities will include employer advice and counsel, employee discipline and dismissal, policy and compliance, labor negotiations, and client defense before public agencies, such as the CRD, EEOC, PERB, and DLSE. If you have an interest in labor & employment law and are a member of the California Bar, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications

California Bar license
Some legal practice is preferred. Will consider applicants with all levels of experience.

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

Apply Here

Student Services/Labor & Employment Attorney

Role

We are seeking a skilled attorney to join our Student Services and Labor and Employment teams to assist our Clients with Title IX, UCP, and other complaints (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
Applicants with 2 or more years of experience in education law, with a specific focus on Title IX, UCP, labor and employment and/or student services are preferred.
Applicants should be highly skilled in legal research and analysis, legal writing, and client counseling.
A friendly, collegial, detailed oriented strategist will be a good fit.

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.”

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