Senior General Counsel

Seattle Public Schools•John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, WA

11d

About The Position

This position is open until filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The Senior General Counsel serves as legal counsel and representative to assigned District managers and their staff; provides expertise in specialized legal areas, including labor and employment law issues; advises District staff on other legal and policy issues; takes a lead role in adversary proceedings involving the District; advises the Superintendent and Board of Directors on legal issues affecting the District; and supervises staff within the General Counsel’s office as assigned. This position is one of a level of attorney positions within the General Counsel’s office. The Senior General Counsel is expected to exercise sound professional judgment with minimal direction from the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel, based upon experience and practice as a lawyer or in a government position.

Requirements

Six (6) years of experience practicing law or working in education or local government
J.D. or L.L.M. degree, or an equivalent of education and experience.
Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work will be considered.
Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association
Valid Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility
Satisfaction of continuing legal education requirements/reporting every three years.
Criminal Justice fingerprint and background check

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of legal and compliance issues affecting the District.
Knowledge of laws and regulations affecting public schools and other local government entities in Washington.
Collaborative problem-solving skills.
Strong research skills.
Strong oral and written communications skills.
Ability to think logically and creatively.
May occasionally deal with distraught or difficult individuals.
Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District management and staff, students, parents/guardians, outside agencies and the public in a multicultural community.

Responsibilities

Acts as legal counsel to the District.
Represents the District in legal proceedings, including litigation and administrative proceedings.
Provides advice and counsel to Human Resources and other organizational leaders/managers on a broad spectrum of employment matters including wage and hour compliance, discrimination and retaliation claims, family and medical leave laws, ADA compliance, internal investigations, discipline and terminations, collective bargaining agreement interpretation, and grievance procedures.
Prepares and provides legal advice on employment-related documents such as Human Resource correspondence and agreements (e.g., settlement agreements, disciplinary letters, grievance responses, etc.) and employment-related policies.
Oversees outside counsel in employment litigation, labor arbitrations and hearings, and unfair labor practice hearings, including participating in settlement negotiations.
Prepares written opinions and guidance for organizational management and key leaders.
Maintains current knowledge of changing federal and local laws impacting the organization as an employer and provides legal advice on a wide variety of employment and leave laws.
Responds to external governmental/agency audits or investigations, including preparing responses to the EEOC and Department of Labor.
Undertakes lead responsibilities in other legal practice areas of importance to the District, which may include a variety of school law and policy issues.
Provides legal advice to District management, administrators, and staff to respond to lawsuits and complaints filed with state and federal agencies.
Advises the Board and District staff on policies and procedures.
Advises Board directors on legal issues as assigned.
Performs legal research.
Drafts and reviews contracts, policies and procedures.
Supervises staff within the General Counsel’s Office as assigned.
Supports colleagues and contributes to a positive workplace.
Contributes to the office’s efficient operation.
Serves on committees as needed.
Takes a lead role in training District staff.