Assistant General Counsel, School Law

Chicago Public Schools • Chicago, IL

186d

About The Position

The Assistant General Counsel, Special Education will join the School Law Unit in the CPS Law office. This position will be responsible for advising the Office for Students with Disabilities and school-based administrators on special education matters. The Assistant General Counsel will report to the Deputy General Counsel, and will work closely with the Assistant Deputy General Counsel and Senior Assistant General Counsel. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
• Licensed and authorized to practice law in the state of Illinois
• Minimum of one (1) year legal experience; three (3) years of experience preferred
• Litigation or administrative hearing experience is preferred

Nice To Haves

• Strong knowledge of the Illinois School Code and special education regulations, including but not limited to, the IDEA, ADA, and other laws supporting individuals with disabilities
• Exceptional advocacy, analytical, oral, and written communication skills
• Motivated, dynamic, team-oriented individual with the ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment to resolve issues and make effective decisions
• Capable of working both independently and collaboratively in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Strong work ethic, integrity, sound judgment, initiative, and strategic thinking skills
• Organizational skills and ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership and solve problems
• Able to expeditiously assess issues and provide sound legal advice

Responsibilities

• Representing CPS in ISBE special education mediations, informally mediating disputes, and formally responding to ISBE State Complaints filed by parents, staff, and advocates
• Representing CPS in Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) special education due process hearings by investigating the merits of a case, drafting and submitting the legally required complaint response, participating in legally-required resolution sessions, preparing documentary and witness-based evidence for hearings, participating in pre-hearing and related conferences, and submitting oral and/or written arguments
• Providing expert and well-managed legal services related to Special Education, attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings, coordinating the implementation of ISBE due process hearing orders, state complaint corrective action orders, and mediation and settlement agreements with Office for Students with Disabilities and local school staff
• Advising Board of Education and school-based staff on Board rules, policies, and statutes related to school law, including, but not limited to: enrollment and transfer, student privacy, student discipline, special education concerns, legislation, Charter school matters, custody issues, and school climate matter
• Preparing and conducting due process hearings for school restructuring, enrollment fraud, and Local School Council eligibility
• Assisting the School Law Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Deputy General Counsel with special projects related to cross-functional work and new initiatives
• Conducting and supporting training regarding Due Process Complaints, Mediation Requests, 504 matters, and general special education legal concerns
• Other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree