Deputy General Counsel

HCPS•Harford, PA

About The Position

Deputy General Counsel reports directly to and assists the General Counsel in providing legal services, advice and representation to the Superintendent, Board of Education, administrators, and other Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) staff regarding all legal matters pertaining to HCPS

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited school of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Maryland.
Seven years of progressive responsibility as an attorney, including experience in trial, administrative hearings, and appeals.
Significant experience in transactional and contract law, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and related legal documents.
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Demonstrated effective leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Hold and maintain a valid driver’s license to carryout the essential functions of the position.
Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software programs and eLearning platforms.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience in the following subject matters, preferred:
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”);
Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”);
FERPA;
Education Law;
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act;
Title IX of Education Amendment of 1972;
Open Meetings Act (“OMA”);
Maryland Public Information Act (“MPIA”)
Experience with database systems, reporting and data analytics, preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides legal opinions and advice to the Superintendent and Executive Council on a regular basis, and to the Board as requested.
Provides legal advice to HCPS administrators and other employees, as requested.
Represents HCPS in federal or state courts or in administrative hearing in trials, hearings, and appellate matters, including Education Article Section 4-205 appeals.
Services as liaison regarding matters to external HCPS counsel.
Leads and/or participates in system-wide cross-functional teams including providing legal counsel.
Provides advice and analysis regarding federal and state legislation, regulations, court decisions, and Maryland State Board of Education opinions relevant to HCPS.
Prepares and reviews contracts, leases, and documents. Serves as a primary liaison with the Procurement Office.
Responds to subpoenas, requests to include: Student Record subpoenas and release of information requests, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints, Office of Civil Rights, complaints, etc.
Responds to Office of Civil Rights and equal Employment Opportunity Commission/Maryland Commission on Civil Rights complaints.
Responds to inquiries related to custody/parental rights issues impacting the educational setting.
Provides advice and representation in matters regarding special education and Section 504. Serves as liaison to the Board of Education Ethics Panel.
Provides advice and counsel on Labor and Employment, including Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”)/Fair Labor Standards Act (“FSLA”)/Collective Bargaining and Family Educational Rights and privacy Act (FERPA).
Develops and manages revisions to HCPS policies and regulations, as well as district-wide handbooks and guidance documents.
Develops and conducts appropriate in-service activities and trainings for staff on education law, employment law, and emerging legal issues and trends.
Presents policies to the Board of Education for review and final action as assigned. Provides advice of counsel and legal representation on contractual and labor related issues.
Trains administrators, supervisors, office and school-based staff on implementation of HCPS policies and regulations, and state and federal regulations.
Responds to Public Information Act requests.
Performs other work-related duties as assigned.