Community Corner

My Dream Job: Lawyer for the Children's Legal Alliance

Chesterfield resident Amanda Schneider works in the area of special education law as a staff lawyer for the Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.

Still striving to find that "perfect" job? You know, the one that combines what you are passionate about with the ability to make a difference? Here's a bit of inspiration with the scoop on a Chesterfield resident who was able to find her dream gig. 

Who she is: Amanda Schneider received her law degree from the University of Indiana in Bloomington in 2006 and moved to Chesterfield with her husband in November of 2010. 

What she does: Schneider is a staff lawyer with the Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to low-income families. She specializes in the area of special education law and is part of the organization's Children's Legal Alliance. 

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"It's anything from suspensions and expulsions to special education cases. I am the point person for dealing with enrollment issues," Schneider said. "A lot of clients living in poverty are unable to present all the documents necessary for enrollment, possibly due to homelessness or having a parent who has passed away."

Why she does it: Schneider said that even as a little girl she knew she wanted to be a lawyer, although the reasons for doing so has evolved over time. In college, she volunteered at a boys and girls club organization that brought her in close contact with children living in poverty.

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After she received her undergraduate degree, she participated in the Americorp program and spent a year working with at-risk middle school youth in the Washington, D.C. area. 

"It forever changed me, seeing the struggles of trying to get a good education," she said. 

Around the same time, Schneider's sister had a child that was born with cerebral palsy. Over the years, she witnessed first hand the struggles her sister went though, emotionally and financially, in getting her soon access to a quality education. 

"It really came full circle for me to decided that I didn't just want to be a poverty lawyer, but an education lawyer as well," she said. 

What's her favorite part: Justice. Schneider said she loves her job because it allows her to be a voice for kids who aren't being heard. It's what motivates her to be a lawyer, the ability to see justice done. In this case, it means ensuring that every children, no matter their circumstances and the challenges they may pose, receives the education they are entitled to. 

About this feature: Chesterfield Patch talks to people in the community who have found work that is fulfilling, rewarding and making an impact. 


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