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Careers at YM&C

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

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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.

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Current openings

Student Services Attorney

Role

We are seeking a skilled Student Services 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. Our Student Services team focuses primarily on special education due process and the defense of California Department of Education complaints, while also providing day-to-day counsel to local educational agencies and private schools. This work includes advising on student discipline, special education compliance, and a wide range of matters involving student and parent rights. The practice is fast-paced, dynamic, and intellectually engaging, If you have 2+ years of Student Services 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 the areas of special education 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.

Apply Here

Litigation Attorney 5+ Years

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.

Apply Here

Litigation Attorney 1-2 Years

Role

We are seeking an emerging 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 receive mentorship and hands-on experience while contributing to complex education law cases that have a profound impact on our society. If you have 1-2 years of litigation experience and are a member of the California Bar, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications

California Bar license.
1-2 years of litigation experience, including exposure to pleading drafting, discovery, legal research, and motion practice.
Strong legal research and writing skills, with attention to detail and ability to synthesize complex legal issues.
Willingness to learn and develop skills in education law and administrative proceedings.
Professional demeanor and strong work ethic, with commitment to client service.

Apply Here

School Development Attorney

Role

We are seeking a talented attorney to join our team of dedicated school advocates. 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.

Qualifications

California Bar license.
Ability to distill and convey complex ideas through writing that is clear and concise
High level of attention to detail in reviewing and editing documents to conform with laws, regulations, 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 evening meetings in-person or by video conference

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.”

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Kaela Haydu

Partner

“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