Assistant General Counsel, (Labor and Employment)

School District of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

8h • $96,122 - $150,242

About The Position

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us? This role provides legal advice and representation to the Board of Education and the School District of Philadelphia and its employees on a wide array of legal issues. The Assistant General Counsel works under the supervision of the General Counsel and specializes in labor and employment.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law.
• Three years of full-time, paid, professional legal experience in a law firm, public sector law department or corporate law department.
• Certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and membership in good standing and for litigator’s admission to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
• OR Eligible for admission to the Pennsylvania Bar within six months of employment and are active members in good standing and currently licensed to practice law in another state and in compliance with the most recently completed twelve-month Continuing Legal Education compliance period
• Demonstrated knowledge of the common laws and the state and federal laws particularly as they relate to administrative, fiscal and regulatory functions of the School District or personal injury claims.
• Demonstrated knowledge of judicial proceedings and of the rules of evidence as related to the area of specialization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of legal research.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of governmental laws particularly as they apply to the tax levy measures provided under state statutes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the uses and capabilities of personal computers and their software applications including word processing, database management and spreadsheets.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, organize and evaluate the evidence and procedures involving difficult and complex cases and to present such material in clear and logical form for all written presentations such as memos, briefs, opinions, orders or decisions.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a detail-oriented workload.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload during high pressure, high-volume workload periods.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues and District clients.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion and tact required.
• Demonstrated ability to handle matters outside areas of familiarity.
• Demonstrated ability to manage stress.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to review and process information within a computerized web system throughout the majority of the workday.
• Demonstrated ability to travel as required.
• Demonstrated ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Represents the School District, the Board of Education and District officers and employees in varied transactions and litigation.
• Provides legal advice and counsel to Board of Education members, officers and employees on labor and employment issues.
• Prevents legal claims by identifying potential risks and making appropriate recommendations.
• Defends law suits and claims by discussing matters with opposing counsel, filing necessary legal papers, conducting extensive discovery proceedings, meeting with and preparing the testimony of witnesses, trying cases or arranging settlements in the best interest of the School District.
• Advises employees by providing legal advice to principals and administrators on a daily basis and by issuing legal opinions when requested.
• Assists in the formation of School District practices and procedures through committee participation in such areas as loss control, affirmative action, school closings, transportation and desegregation.
• Provides representation in appellate court proceedings by filing briefs and arguing these cases before the Commonwealth Court, Superior Court and Supreme Court of Pennsylvania as well as Federal Appellate Courts.
• Provides all the insurance needs of the School District by meeting with School District insurance committees.
• Provides legal advice concerning collective bargaining agreements, human resources and employment matters.
• Represents the District in labor arbitrations and in employment discrimination cases before administrative agencies and in court.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level