General Counsel

Harford County Public Schools • Bel Air, MD

23h • $194,869 - $222,822

About The Position

Serves as legal counsel to the Superintendent of Schools and administrative and school staff by performing a full range of legal services.

These items are intended only as examples of the various types of job duties to be performed; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an accredited school of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Maryland.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in the legal field, handling increasingly complex matters and responsibilities.
• Previous experience as in-house counsel within a Maryland public school district.
• Substantial knowledge and experience in the following subject matters: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”); Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”); FERPA; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act; Title IX of Education Amendment of 1972; Open Meetings Act (“OMA”); Maryland Public Information Act (“MPIA”)
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software programs and eLearning platforms.
• Demonstrated effective leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Hold and maintain a valid driver's license to carry out the essential functions of the position.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.
• Able to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the position.
• Demonstrated knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with database systems, reporting and data analytics, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as legal counsel to the Superintendent of Schools and administrative and school staff on school system legal matters.
• Serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Council.
• Provides advise on legal matters involving the school system, Board policies, administrative regulations, educational law, federal, state and county laws, including the Individuals with Education Disabilities Act (“IDEA”), Section 504, Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), Title VII and Title IX, and related functions and services of the school system.
• Renders oral and written opinions, memoranda and correspondence to the Superintendent, administrative and school staff for guidance on legal matters/issues.
• Reviews pending legislation as to its impact on the school system and advises the Superintendent and staff accordingly.
• Analyzes legal controversies and recommends disposition, prepares, and conducts litigation; recommends appeals or settlements on the basis of professional evaluation of the nature of the proceedings.
• Discusses case results with the Superintendent and staff to evaluate and improve performance related to future matters.
• Reviews, edits, drafts agreements, leases, contracts, and deeds in which the school system is a party.
• Represents the school system in connection with matters affecting its legal relations with Federal, State and County governments.
• Attends Board of Education meetings and conferences and provides advice on legal implications of actions taken and parliamentary procedure as required.
• Provides advice to school-based personnel on legal issues, including parent-child custody disputes, student discipline, subpoena responses, complaint resolution and other operational matters.
• Prepares and presents personnel and student disciplinary cases at all levels of appeal.
• Prepares and presents cases brought under Section 4-205 of the Education Article.
• Drafts and reviews Board policies and regulations.
• Advises the Superintendent and the Board regarding union contract negotiations.
• Advises the Board on legal matters as appropriate.
• Serves as liaison to the Board Ethics Panel.
• Prepares and responds to Public Information Act requests and serves as Public Information Officer for Public Information Act requests.
• Serves as a member of the Case Management Team.
• Supervises Deputy General Counsel.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• This is a twelve-month position with (20 days of annual leave.
• HCPS offers an expansive benefits package including individual and family medical, vision, dental, life insurance, retirement savings, pension, paid time off, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree