Senior Counsel, Student Litigation

About the role

Represents Baltimore County Public Schools in matters regarding administrative appeals of student-related matters, including student discipline, assignment, magnet school admissions, grades, homeless status, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Provides a variety of professional legal services as directed by the Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Represents the Baltimore County Public Schools before board-appointed hearing examiners and the local Board of Education in matters concerning homeless education, magnet school admission, student suspension and expulsion, student transfer, residency.
• Represents Baltimore County Public Schools in special education mediations and due process hearings.
• Prepares school staff to participate in mediations and hearings.
• Congnates and conducts in-service training related to procedural safeguards and team processes.
• Serves as a consultant to schools to ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding students with disabilities and their parents.
• Aids teachers and administrators in responding to student and parental concerns.
• Responds to complaints regarding special education and student related Section 504 issues.
• Conducts legal research on issues raised in complaints, formulates legal opinions and provides advice.
• Represents the Superintendent in administrative hearings, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Possession of a juris doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.
• Three years’ professional experience in the practice of law which includes experience with legal issues involving students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience with litigation, negotiation, mediation, and administrative hearings.
• Experience with general education law preferred.