FY 27: Legal Director for Litigation and Employment

About the Role

Under the direction of the General Counsel, this position leads work in various practice areas, supervises assistant general counsel and supporting staff members, and provides oversight, guidance, and supervision of the Office of the General Counsel. The role assists in developing and implementing the departmental strategic plan aligned with the school system's strategic plan, reviews work plans, and serves as a legal advisor to the General Counsel.

This position is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, managing, and administering legal services for one or more principal legal functions of the Office of the General Counsel, such as operations and litigation, employment, student civil rights, special education, procurement and contracts, and land use. Responsibilities include managing litigation or other legal projects assigned to outside counsel, representing the Board of Education in federal or state courts or administrative hearings, conducting settlement negotiations, drafting and providing legal opinions, and offering in-service training for staff.

The role proactively anticipates legal issues relevant to decision-making, identifies matters with significant policy or administrative implications, and supports key initiatives by the Board and school district to promote equity, excellence, and operational enhancements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise assistant general counsel and supporting staff members.
• Provide oversight and guidance for the Office of the General Counsel’s work plans.
• Serve as a legal advisor, offering updates and recommendations to the General Counsel.
• Manage litigation or legal projects assigned to outside counsel for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).
• Represent the Board of Education in federal or state courts or administrative hearings.
• Participate in or handle litigation cases, including settlement negotiations.
• Draft and provide legal opinions and advice on a daily basis.
• Provide in-service training for staff as requested.
• Anticipate legal issues relevant to decision-making and identify matters with policy or administrative implications.
• Support and advise on key initiatives by the Board and school district to promote equity and operational excellence.
• Manage responses to subpoenas, public information, and discovery requests.
• Lead the defense or initiation of legal action before examiners, administrative law judges (ALJs), arbitrators, agencies, and state and federal courts.

Requirements

• Possession of a juris doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.
• Membership in or eligibility for the Maryland State Bar.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in the practice of law, including progressively responsible experience in educational and public litigation, administrative law, and one or more legal practice areas of the Office of General Counsel (e.g., special education, employment, policy development, student rights, contracts, and procurement).
• Experience in settlement negotiations preferred.
• Documented experience with management and supervisory responsibilities, preferably in a legal setting.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of legal principles and their application, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: education law (including student rights and special education), civil rights, policy and regulation development, employment law, litigation, procurement, land use, local government, tort, and/or contract law.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and experience assessing, interpreting, and resolving complex problems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present, explain, and defend policies, procedures, and legal issues.
• Strong legal research skills and knowledge of case law impacting public school operations.
• Ability to manage litigation in state or federal courts or before administrative agencies.
• Experience negotiating settlements that accommodate conflicting interests and viewpoints.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with MCPS employees, external attorneys, law firms, parents, government leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to interact with diverse constituencies and convey complicated information with tact and diplomacy.
• Strong multitasking, prioritization, and organizational skills to meet deadlines and work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.

Pay

The wage range for this position is between $151,715 and $215,987.

Benefits

For information about benefits, please refer to the following document.

Schedule

• Full-time position.
• 12 working months per year.
• Day shift.