Assistant Legal Counsel I - Exempt RB# 26-029

About the role

The Assistant Legal Counsel I position is an entry-level professional role in the fields of state and federal education law, including special education, labor and employment law, municipal law, and general corporate law practice for the Buffalo City School District.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a surrogate to the Legal Counsel and represents the School District in Federal and State court in administrative proceedings.
• Develops and interprets School District policy.
• Works under general supervision of the Legal Counsel and assumes direct and independent responsibility for legal matters.
• May supervise assigned personnel.
• Counsels with and advises departments, schools, principals, and other School District officials and personnel on matters of law affecting the School District and its various departments and offices.
• Defends and represents the School District and its officers and employees eligible for defense services in various courts and before State or Federal administrative agencies.
• Evaluates and resolves questions regarding special education issues, residency of students and tuition obligations, student emancipation, immunization requirements, custody and guardianship of students in separation, divorce and foster care situations, alternative education issues (including charter schools and home schooling), student discipline and the Code of Conduct, and athletic or extracurricular eligibility.
• Prepares drafts and researches, edits, and submits legal documents and briefs to various State and Federal courts.
• Attends Board of Education meetings, committee meetings, and other internal or external meetings as required.
• Interviews and prepares witnesses, including expert witnesses for depositions, hearings, arbitrations, mediations, and trials.
• Assists in providing training for School District administrators and teachers on the legal implications of various aspects of general and special education and student discipline.
• Prepares allegations and conducts prosecution for long-term suspension hearings in accordance with statutory due process requirements for students.
• Aids in the preparation and/or review of Board of Education resolutions.
• Aids in drafting of School District’s policies, rules, and administrative regulations in education related areas.
• Performs legal work necessary for the purchase/sale of real property.
• Represents the School District at due process hearings regarding students with disabilities.
• Drafts, negotiates, and prepares contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, deeds, easements, leases, and any other legal documents and forms on behalf of the School District and its departments and schools.
• Counsels with and advises the School District’s facilities and purchasing departments on various contracts for public bid, as well as professional services agreements.
• Interprets questions and provides advice pertaining to the confidentiality and disclosure of student records, or regarding access to School District records under FERPA or under the Freedom of Information Law.
• Aids in mediation of ad hoc disputes with various community members, groups, or agencies.
• Performs legal work necessary in connection with collective bargaining, employee grievances, or other labor relations matters.
• Prepares and conducts training sessions for District personnel and volunteers.
• Conducts legal research, as required and related to duties performed.
• Performs other legal work and related duties as required.

Full performance knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics

• Working knowledge of federal and state law, including statutes, decisions, and regulations pertaining to public education in general or to other subject matters essential to the School District operations.
• Working knowledge of the Civil Practice Law and Rules and the rules of evidence.
• Basic knowledge of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act and Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act and other federal statutes relating to the function of public elementary and secondary education.
• Good research and technical writing skills relating to the general duties of an attorney.
• Ability to analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems.
• Ability to conduct legal research.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships.
• Ability to function effectively in stressful situations.
• Independent judgment;
• tact;
• professional discretion;
• initiative;
• integrity;
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Minimum qualifications

• Graduation from a Law School of recognized standing.
• Admission to the New York State Bar or proof that requirements for admission are complete and are pending.
• Maintain good standing in the New York State Bar during employment.
• Admit to the bar of the United States District Court within one year of date of appointment.
• Participate in a police background record check and DCJS fingerprinting process.