General Counsel

Duval County Public Schools • Jacksonville, FL

18h

About The Position

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the School Board and Superintendent and provides strategic, proactive legal guidance on all matters impacting the operation of the District. This position is responsible for ensuring legal compliance, managing litigation, overseeing legal services, and protecting the legal interests of Duval County Public Schools.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible legal experience required.
• Significant experience in litigation and legal advisory services.
• Member in good standing with The Florida Bar required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in education law, governmental law, or administrative law preferred.
• Experience in a public school district preferred.
• Florida Bar Board Certification in Education Law, Labor & Employment Law, or Administrative Law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal advice to the School Board, Superintendent, and district staff on all legal matters affecting the operation of the school district; interprets and applies federal and state laws, administrative rules, and School Board policies; prepares and renders legal opinions as requested.
• Represents, or provides for the representation of, the School Board, Superintendent, and District in all litigation, administrative proceedings, arbitrations, mediations, and other legal matters; coordinates and oversees legal strategies to protect the interests of the District; and monitors the work of the Office of General Counsel while providing regular reports to the School Board regarding litigation and other legal matters handled on its behalf.
• Drafts and/or review Board policies, contracts, agreements, resolutions, and other legal documents; recommends revisions to policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws and Department of Education regulations.
• Attends School Board meetings, workshops, and hearings; serves as parliamentarian and provides real-time legal counsel to support Board governance, decision-making, and compliance with Sunshine Laws and public records requirements.
• Coordinates and monitors work performed by outside counsel; reviews and approves legal services and associated expenditures; prepares scope of services and oversees contracts for outside legal representation.
• Develops and implements legal training and provides preventative legal guidance to District leadership and staff; promotes risk mitigation strategies and compliance across all departments.
• Develops and manages the legal services budget; monitors expenditures and provides reports to the School Board regarding litigation, legal services, and financial impact to the District.
• Responds to legal inquiries from District staff, parents, community members, and external stakeholders as appropriate; maintains effective working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Performs other duties as assigned consistent with the goals and objects of this position.

What This Job Offers

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