Assistant General Counsel, Compliance & Diverse Iniitiatives

School District of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

Provides legal advice and representation to the Board of Education and the School District of Philadelphia and its employees with a focus on federal litigation, investigatory responses, and regulatory compliance, and special projects. Works under the supervision of the General Counsel and the Deputy General Counsel for Compliance and Diverse Initiatives. This position will support a range of special litigation and compliance advisory matters, with a focus on civil rights, environmental litigation, student discipline, truancy, parental rights, as well as negotiations arising out of statutory and regulatory requirements. The focus of the position is on supporting the District’s legal needs whether through litigation or advising, as necessary. The Office of General Counsel handles a diverse and challenging array of legal issues and provides ongoing learning opportunities.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Four years of full-time, paid experience in a law firm, non-profit or government legal department, other in-house legal department, or in a judicial clerkship.
All work experience related to the position must be included on the resume.
Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal statutory, regulatory, and common law particularly as they relate to functions of the School District.
Demonstrated knowledge of judicial proceedings and rules of evidence as related to the areas of specialization.
Demonstrated knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and techniques of legal research.
Demonstrated knowledge of uses and capabilities of personal computers and software applications including word processing, database management, and spreadsheets.
Demonstrated ability to analyze, organize, and evaluate evidence and procedures involving difficult and complex cases and to present such material in clear and logical form for verbal and written presentation.
Demonstrated ability to juggle a substantial workload and use judgment in prioritizing matters.
Demonstrated ability to maintain flexibility in work hours and for high-peak work flow.
Demonstrated ability to cooperate and collaborate with office colleagues and District clients.
Demonstrated ability to accept responsibilities and opportunities, including those outside of the area of specialty.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to new or different ways of doing things.
Demonstrated ability to analyze legal documents and instruments.
Demonstrated ability to draft legal instruments and propose legislation.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate terms and conditions successfully, including resolution of contested legal cases.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks.
Certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and active member in good standing, without the need for paid time off for that purpose.
Applicants must be in compliance with the most recently completed twelve-month Continuing Legal Education compliance period as of the date of employment.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in either special education, civil rights, environmental litigation, and compliance is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Defends the District in both federal and state courts, administrative tribunals, and hearing officer proceedings, from matter initiation, through motion practice, discovery, settlement negotiations, hearings, trial, and appeals; matters are primarily handled within the Office of General Counsel (OGC), with outside counsel retained and overseen by OGC attorneys as appropriate for certain types of matters and based on need.
Manages case timelines independently and is able to provide updates on status and strategy at regular intervals as well as when needed by leadership or by the client.
Can research and learn new areas of law quickly, and with depth, as organizational needs require.
Special project on an as needed basis, on a wide variety of issues including that may be novel or unforeseen.
Supports schools and administrative offices when questions arise on legal proceedings or requests related to student records, truancy, student discipline, accommodation requests, or other student support matters.
Provides legal advice on a wide range of education, policy, school law, and other regulatory focused topics.
Assists in development and implementation of policies, practices, procedures, and training through committee participation, training sessions, continuing legal education, presentations, and data analysis and data-driven decision-making.
Proactively anticipates client needs and works to maximize efficiency in providing legal services and District processes.
Advises on risk management, fact-finding, investigations, issue identification, and resolution.
Advises District governance, leadership, and program offices.
Counsels various levels of school personnel and administration concerning issues affecting students, staff, and operations.
Participates in evaluation and development of improvement in systems, personnel, and procedures in the OGC and other offices as appropriate.
Interacts professionally and respectfully with District personnel, District partners, parents and guardians, representatives of other governmental and social services entities, contractors, for profit and not-for-profit entities, opposing counsel, and advocacy groups.
Maintains the utmost confidentiality and protects information from improper disclosure.