Assistant General Counsel (226 Days)

About the Role

Provide legal advice and legal services on complicated, high-profile, or high-exposure matters to the Board of Trustees, the Superintendent of Schools, and senior management. Areas of focus include:

• District policies, practices, and procedures
• Execution of vendor contracts, memoranda of understanding, partnership agreements, and interlocal agreements
• Formulation and execution of policy and other legal issues
• Professional staff development and training
• Chapter 21 employment contracts
• Grievances, complaints, demands, litigation, investigations, and other liability risks to the District

Provide direction, assistance, and training to legal staff/attorneys as directed by the General Counsel/Deputy General Counsel. Attend Board meetings as required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and handle specific legal issues, notice of claims, demands against the District, grievances, TEA appeals, and/or litigation assigned to outside counsel
• Coordinate and oversee timely compliance with subpoenas, including those for student records, employee records, or other District records
• Provide legal advice and represent District employees acting within their scope of duties in litigation matters
• Advise District representatives on student discipline involving suspensions and appeals to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies
• Handle complaints, hearings, and litigation related to school law matters
• Provide assistance and advice regarding District records, including requests under the Texas Public Information Act
• Monitor compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and review Open Records Requests related to grievances, TEA appeals, and/or litigation
• Provide legal counsel on the use of District facilities
• Draft legal documents, rules, regulations, resolutions, applications, interlocal agreements, and other legal or quasi-legal papers
• Negotiate and draft agreements for the acquisition of goods, services, real and personal property, and employment contracts for Chapter 21 employees, architects, contractors, and other entities
• Assist in drafting state legislation proposed by the District for presentation to the Texas State Legislature and other government entities
• Request advice and information from governmental agencies and regulatory bodies as needed
• Counsel District employees on legal problems arising in the course and scope of their employment
• Represent and present evidence on behalf of the District in administrative proceedings, hearings, and grievances at all levels
• Draft, edit, or review employment policies, processes, and procedures, and assist Human Capital Management in their implementation
• Counsel relevant departments on labor and employment laws, including employment contracts, hiring, discipline, wage and hour, privacy, termination, benefits, evaluations, FMLA, ADA, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and employee grievances
• Perform all other tasks and duties as assigned

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited university
• License to practice law in the State of Texas
• 2–5 years of civil litigation/trial experience preferred
• 2+ years of school law experience preferred
• Knowledge of Federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to public education law, employment law, contract law, construction law, and related issues affecting a school organization

Skills

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to convey clear and concise oral and written communication
• Ability to anticipate, manage, analyze, evaluate, and summarize legal issues and findings
• Strong legal research, litigation, and analytical skills
• Ability to represent the District in negotiations with vendors, contractors, and other entities
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues, manage multiple projects, and problem-solve
• Proficiency in using technology for legal work
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Strong interpersonal skills, including understanding human motivation and maintaining good working relationships

Pay

Minimum Salary: $111,609.00
Median Salary: $136,116.00

Schedule

Full-time