Legal Assistant - Doyle - 1.0 FTE - 26-27 SY

MMSD is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants with a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.

About the District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving a diverse population of more than 25,000 students. More than half are students of color, almost half come from low-income households, nearly one-third are English Language Learners, and over 100 languages are represented. MMSD is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive, with a vision to ensure every school is a thriving school that prepares every student for college, career, and community.

About the Role

Under the general supervision of the General Counsel, this position serves as the first point of contact with public stakeholders, including receptionist duties, and functions as a confidential assistant in support of the Office of Legal Services. This role requires high integrity, dedication to continuous improvement, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Office Clerical (30%)
  • Greet visitors and respond to telephone calls in a friendly and professional manner.
  • Support scheduling and workload management for the Legal Services team.
  • Order and maintain adequate office supplies.
  • Maintain confidential employee, department, and District records in both physical and electronic form.
  • Process and distribute incoming and outgoing mail.
  • Assist with the coordination of various Departmental activities and tasks as requested.
  • Register General Counsel, Associate General Counsel, Associate Legal Counsel, Investigator, and Title IX Coordinator for all professional memberships and conferences.
• Legal Support (30%)
  • Draft expulsion briefs, Board memos, and related documents to students and/or families.
  • Draft, proofread, and format confidential correspondence, memorandums, and other legal documents.
  • Draft correspondence to opposing counsel.
  • Assist attorneys with litigation-related preparation.
  • Conduct basic legal research.
• Financial and Accounting Support (20%)
  • Maintain and input monthly Administrator payroll and bi-weekly payroll for hourly department staff.
  • Prepare invoices for payment.
  • Monitor department budget and expenditures.
• School Board Support (15%)
  • Prepare documents and required Class I Notices for publication in the newspaper for all School Board Elections and Referendums, and coordinate with Municipal Clerks.
  • Prepare and publish Class I Notices for Proceedings and Financial Transfers from Regular Board Meetings and other necessary Notices.
  • Prepare documents required for School Boundary Attachments/Detachments and correspond with neighboring school district staff.
  • Prepare memoranda to the Board for all requested Shortened Day Agreements.
  • Assist with the preparation and updating of School Board Policies.
  • Prepare other documents and notices to, from, and on behalf of the Board as assigned.
• Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned by department or executive leadership.
  • Attend District and school functions that support MMSD’s strategic framework, initiatives, and core values.
  • Complete all District-required training.
  • Build collaborative relationships with internal and external business partners and stakeholders.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• 3 years in an executive-level secretarial or administrative support position or equivalent combination of experience and formal training.
• 5 years of experience in a legal setting or equivalent combination of experience and formal training.
• Experience with basic project management tools and techniques.
• Experience working cross-culturally and/or a commitment to improving one’s own cultural competence.
• Associate’s degree in paralegal studies preferred.

Skills

• Ability to establish relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to follow principles and practices that promote and advance anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to effectively communicate with other organizations and public sector entities in Madison and throughout Wisconsin.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to set priorities, make decisions, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain subject matter confidentiality.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Knowledge of generally accepted budgeting and record-keeping practices and procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, enterprise systems such as Enterprise ERP, Boarddocs, and Google Workspace.
• Solid command of grammar and legal terminology.
• Strong writing, editing, and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of basic legal concepts, formatting for legal documentation, and litigation preparation workflows.

License or Certification

• Four-Year Notary Public Commission from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) or the ability and willingness to obtain it within four months of hire.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions with minimal risk of injury.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally and may involve walking, sitting, stooping, or reaching.
• Manual dexterity necessary for operating office equipment.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods.
• Ability to work in various indoor and outdoor environments, including inclement weather and spaces without air conditioning.

Working Conditions

• Work may require travel to different locations within the district and to off-site meetings.
• Position may require working evenings, nights, and some weekends.
• Hybrid work flexibility may be available for a portion of the work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and work unit.
• School-based positions are required to be in-person unless otherwise directed by the building principal.

Pay

$36.53 hourly

Schedule

Non-Exempt