Attorney, Special Education, Civil Rights, Labor and Employment

Cleveland Metropolitan School District

20h•$121,410 - $157,833

About The Position

Under the direction of the Chief Legal Counsel, this attorney is directly responsible for conducting internal investigations, representing the District at administrative hearings and before administrative agencies, negotiating agreements, and attending labor arbitration hearings for the District with minimal supervision. The Office of Legal Services is designed to provide support and experience in collective bargaining, board policy development, discrimination claims, student discipline, special education, District-sponsored community schools, public records/sunshine laws and more. The professional duties of the Lawyer, Special Education, Civil Rights, Labor and Employment include researching and analyzing facts and law, discovery, settlement negotiations, presenting evidence and arguments, submitting administrative filings, and appellate processes. This attorney advises clients and litigates legal issues arising from disputes involving special education, civil rights, employment and personnel discipline matters, and other legal matters involving the District. This position will represent the District before various courts, administrative agencies, and arbitrators.

Requirements

Current member in good standing of Ohio Bar or membership within three months of hiring
At least 5 years legal experience concentrated in at least two of the three areas of 1) labor and employment, 2) special education, and 3) civil rights
Demonstrated success in high stakes, high pressure environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong work ethic, attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills
Demonstrated leadership ability to work collaboratively with peers
Self-motivated and able to multi-task with minimal supervision
High moral character and ethical standards

Responsibilities

Provides timely and professional legal advice to a variety of internal stakeholders regarding special education, civil rights, labor, and employment matters
Represents the District through all phases of special education litigation, including administrative complaints and due process hearings before ODEW. This includes researching and analyzing facts and law, drafting responses, preparing witnesses, appearing at hearings, conducting settlement negotiations, presenting evidence, and appellate processes
Represents the District through all phases of Civil Rights related administrative processes and litigation, including complaints before the USDOE, EEOC, OCRC, and ODEW and corresponding court matters
Supports all facets of internal investigations related to civil rights matters, including Title IX investigations, discrimination investigations, and Section 504 complaints.
Develops skills associated with, and eventually assume responsibilities of, the role of the District’s Title IX Coordinator, Director of EEO, and/or 504 Coordinator
Represents the District in matters involving labor, employment, and disciplinary actions, including labor arbitrations
Occasionally represents the District in general civil litigation matters
Provides legal and strategic counsel to District management relating to current and potential special education, civil rights, labor, and employment issues
Proactively identifies potential problems relating to current or potential issues within scope of service and devise creative solutions that strike an effective balance between cost and return, including both short-term and long-term business and legal considerations
Provides accurate and timely reporting to the District’s Chief Legal Counsel and other appropriate District administrators
Leads efforts and initiatives to ensure District compliance with all labor, employment, special education, and civil rights-related local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations, working collaboratively with multiple other departments as needed
Participates in special projects and serves on committees as needed
Performs all other related duties as assigned