Senior General Counsel, Tort Litigation

School District of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

174d•$111,985 - $145,866

About The Position

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us? Provides leadership on a wide variety of legal issues in the area of tort litigation, with a primary focus on directly representing the District in litigation, overseeing and managing outside counsel and training and supporting litigation attorneys. Oversees projects and develops innovative strategies to resolve legal challenges. Provides legal advice and representation to the Board of Education and the School District of Philadelphia and its employees. Works under the supervision of the Deputy General Counsel and specializes in torts, with a focus on the sexual abuse exception to governmental immunity under the Pennsylvania Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act. Provides support and counsel, as needed, in other areas of litigation, including commercial litigation, civil rights, environmental, employment and labor.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Ten years of full-time, paid, professional legal experience in a law firm, public sector law department or corporate law department or related area relevant to the area of specialization.
All work experience related to the position must be included on the resume.
Demonstrated knowledge of: the common laws and the state and federal laws, particularly as they relate to the civil liability of political subdivisions in Pennsylvania.
Demonstrated knowledge of: judicial proceedings, the rules of civil procedure and of the rules of evidence.
Demonstrated knowledge of: the principles, practices, methods and techniques of legal research.
Demonstrated knowledge of: the uses and capabilities of personal computers and their software applications including word processing, database management and spreadsheets.
Demonstrated ability to analyze, organize and evaluate the evidence and procedures involving difficult and complex matters and to present such material in clear and logical form for written presentations such as memos, briefs, opinions, orders or decisions.
Demonstrated ability to analyze legal documents and instruments.
Demonstrated ability to draft legal instruments.
Demonstrated ability to successfully negotiate terms and conditions of agreements.
Demonstrated ability to manage a detail-oriented workload.
Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload during high pressure, high-volume workload periods.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues and District clients.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion and tact in the context of litigation and legal counseling.
Demonstrated ability to handle matters outside areas of immediate familiarity.
Demonstrated ability to manage stress, and handle multiple concurrent tasks.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a sense of humor and camaraderie with colleagues.
Demonstrated ability to review and process information through electronic systems throughout the workday.
Demonstrated ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, active member in good standing, and compliance with the most recently completed twelve-month Continuing Legal Education compliance period.
Eligible for admission to the Pennsylvania Bar within six months of employment and an active member in good standing and currently licensed to practice law in another state and in compliance with the most recently completed Continuing Legal Education compliance period.
Admitted, or ability to be admitted within two months of employment, to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities

Directly handles, oversees and manages lawsuits arising from the sexual abuse exception to immunity to under the Pennsylvania Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act and other areas of litigation as needed, and develops and implements District-wide litigation strategy consistent with current legal opinions and expert analysis.
Provides counsel and guidance to the General Counsel, School District Administration and Board of Education on matters related to litigation, including the sexual abuse exception, develops strategies to minimize liability and monitors compliance with policies directed towards identifying and eliminating the sexual abuse of students.
Represents the School District, the Board of Education and District officers and employees in varied transactions and litigation.
Serves as a key contributor and handles the most complex legal issues; provides assessments and solutions which are optimal for the School District and the Board of Education.
Leads, supports and trains Assistant General Counsel, Associate General Counsel and staff on matters in the areas of litigation.
Conducts District wide professional development to encourage effective and efficient management controls; participates in and facilitates seminars to effect positive dialogue and relations in school legal matters.
Participates in the planning and implementation of programs and activities in the Office of General Counsel.
Prevents legal claims by identifying potential risks and making appropriate recommendations.
Defends lawsuits and claims by discussing matters with opposing counsel, filing necessary legal papers, conducting extensive discovery proceedings, meeting with and preparing the testimony of witnesses, trying cases or arranging settlements in the best interest of the School District.
Advises employees by providing legal advice to supervisors and administrators on a daily basis and by issuing legal opinions when requested.
Assists in the formation of School District practices and procedures through committee participation.
Provides representation in appellate court proceedings by filing briefs and arguing these cases before the Commonwealth Court, Superior Court and Supreme Court of Pennsylvania as well as Federal appellate courts.
Plans, organizes and prioritizes work to meet deadlines.
Travel as required, including to attend in person, off-site meetings and court appearances.