Legal Specialist

Academy School District 20 • Colorado Springs, CO

4d • $77,420 - $87,420 • Onsite

About The Position

The Legal Specialist works collaboratively with senior leadership, General Counsel, Human Resources, other District departments, outside counsel, local law enforcement agencies and other staff to support the District’s efforts for equity and inclusion, to oversee compliance efforts, and to deliver efficient and systematic legal support. The Legal Specialist will coordinate and support a variety of legal matters of a confidential and sensitive nature. The Legal Specialist fosters a safe and supportive environment that is conducive to the academic pursuit and healthy personal development of all persons. This position requires a high level of independent thinking, sound legal judgment, and critical decision making in all aspects of the job.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• 5+ Years Legal Office Experience
• 3-5 Years Experience in any of the following areas required: 504 compliance, disability services, special education, school leadership, human resources/ADA, employment and/or education law and/or public administration
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, administrators, departments, other agencies, and the general public
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to multi-task and work independently with minimum supervision
• Ability to travel among school locations
• Demonstrates citizenship, compassion, courage, discernment, excellence, honesty, hope, integrity, patience, perseverance, reliability, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness
• Detail oriented
• Excellent cooperative, collaborative, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with parent, student, staff, administrator, district, and community relations
• Maintains confidentiality
• Proven experience in a school or district setting
• Strong desire to be a member of a dynamic leadership team
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, listening, and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Workplace, Title IX, or other non-discrimination investigations experience
• Relevant professional training or certification, such as Paralegal Certification

Responsibilities

• Reports consistently for work as scheduled
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Attains proficient or higher evaluations on established Performance Standards
• Assists legal counsel with all litigation matters and drafts documents to be filed with the Court or compliance agencies
• Assists with the administration of the District’s procedures for investigating and resolving complaints
• Assists with tracking legislative initiatives, review language of bills, and provide an overview of the actions impacting K-12 education during the legislative session
• Attends ongoing training relevant to the function of the position and legal ethics
• Conducts complex legal research, writing, and editing
• Coordinates and prepares response to subpoenas duces tecum and specific FERPA requests within statutory deadlines
• Coordinates complaint resolution on behalf of the District concerning violations of District policy, discrimination, harassment, and any other legal matters
• Coordinates in the development and editing of annual student conduct and discipline code policy manual, including policy revisions
• Develops training materials, resources, forms, and presentations on legal issues to educate staff of rights, responsibilities, and resources to increase overall compliance
• Edits and formats annual contracts with District charter schools
• Edits, updates, and maintains administrative policies to ensure District compliance and manage day-to-day responsibilities regarding State, federal and District polices
• Maintains a tracking system to ensure a cycle of review for all administrative policies
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all information relating to representation of the District and abide by the standard of ethics in a manner consistent with professional conduct rules
• Maintains various databases, reports, and office filing systems including records retention
• Oversees the preparation and maintenance of accurate logs, complete reports and other documentation relating to potential litigation matters and creates proactive measures to identify and address any negative trends/patterns
• Receives and responds to subpoenas duces tecum and specific FERPA or CORA requests within statutory deadlines
• Reviews, revises and draft District policies and procedures, as well as conducts research to ensure District policies comply with the goals of the District and state and federal laws such laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as other laws and rules relating to harassment, sexual misconduct, gender, sexual assault, and related policies for the District
• Supports the compilation and formulation of case reports and relevant materials
• Supports the legal department with truancy filings and case management
• Uses sound legal judgment, critical thinking, and appropriate standards/methods of practices to ensure completion of timely, impartial, and thorough review of legal issues

Benefits

• Full-time - Regular

What This Job Offers

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