Senior Counsel, Student Litigation

BCPS • Towson, MD

11d

About The Position

Under general supervision, represents Baltimore County Public Schools in matters regarding administrative appeals of student-related matters, including student discipline, assignment, magnet school admissions, grades, homeless status, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Provide a variety of professional legal services as directed by the Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel.

Requirements

• Possession of a juris doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.
• Three years’ professional experience in the practice of law which includes experience with legal issues involving students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience with litigation, negotiation, mediation, and administrative hearings.
• Admission to the Bar of Maryland is required.
• Skill and ability to use a personal computer, including spreadsheet, database and word processing programs (Microsoft Office preferred).
• Knowledge of legal research (Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis), legal terminology, Maryland administrative law and appeal process, and statutes and regulations.
• Knowledge of legal principles and practices.
• Knowledge of education law (IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973).
• Knowledge of litigation involving administrative agencies and courts.
• Knowledge of legal research.
• Skill in the practice of law.
• Skill in conducting litigation before administrative agencies and courts.
• Skill in conducting legal research.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Skill in developing relationships with school administrators, central office personnel, and teachers.
• Ability to prepare and deliver professional development regarding special education law.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with general education law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represents the Baltimore County Public Schools before board-appointed hearing examiners and the local Board of Education in matters concerning homeless education, magnet school admission, student suspension and expulsion, student transfer, residency.
• Represents Baltimore County Public Schools in special education mediations and due process hearings.
• Prepares school staff to participate in mediations and hearings.
• Coordinates and conducts in-service training related to procedural safeguards and team processes.
• Serves as a consultant to schools to ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding students with disabilities and their parents.
• Assists teachers and administrators in responding to student and parental concerns.
• Responds to complaints regarding special education and student related Section 504 issues.
• Conducts legal research on issues raised in complaints, formulates legal opinions and provides advice.
• Represents the Superintendent in administrative hearings, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System.
• Position may be eligible for relocation bonus, extra duty activities pay, or other student activities pay as defined in the applicable Bargaining Unit Agreement.
• BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans, dental plans, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans.
• Other benefits include paid holidays, sick, personal business, and bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA, sick bank, and board approved leaves.
• All new hires will attend a benefits meeting upon hire.

What This Job Offers

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