Campus Description Central Office Description/Notes Primary Purpose
The General Counsel provides in-house legal counsel to the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and designated staff and oversees all in-house attorneys and retained counsel as assigned by the Superintendent.
Major Responsibilities and Duties
Legal Representation
- Have overall supervisory authority of all in-house attorneys and retained counsel as
assigned by the Superintendent of Schools
- Advise the Superintendent, staff, and Board on legal matters, including personnel and
student issues, the execution of contracts, and board governance matters
- Draft, review, and revise legal documents
- Attend board meetings and other administrative meetings to provide legal counsel
- Coordinate legal services provided by outside law firms
- Oversee the district’s formal complaint processes for students, employees, and community grievances, complaints, and appeals as required by policy.
- Represent the district in civil litigation and administrative proceedings, and to enforce the collection of delinquent taxes
- Provide legal guidance to the Title IX coordinator
Legal Oversight
- Comply with policies established by federal and state law, administrative regulations, and local board policy and serve as the district’s compliance officer
- Monitor and interpret the impact of proposed or enacted legislation
- Oversee compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, including requests for student records, and comply with court orders to seal juvenile records
- Coordinate responses to investigations by the Texas Education Agency, U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other administrative or regulatory agencies
- Monitor compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act and competitive procurement and purchasing requirements
- Draft, review, or revise legal documents, resolutions, contracts, agreements, and other legal or quasi-legal papers
- Provide legal assistance on district elections
Policy and Reports/Training
- Prepare and refine/revise (when necessary) School Board Policy and administrative procedures in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Association of School Boards
- Assist in the formulation and execution of policies and regulations, and review materials for publication in handbooks
- Compile, maintain, file, and present all reports, records, and other documents as required
- Develop and provide training for administrators, campus principals, and other district employees on various legal matters, including employment and labor laws, legislative updates, ethics and conflicts of interest, student discipline, open meetings, and the Public Information Act.
Professional Growth and Development
- Pursue continuous improvement and growth in knowledge of leadership skills and legal issues affecting schools
Other Duties
- Act in a consultative and advisory capacity to the Superintendent of Schools on legal matters, and perform other duties that may be assigned by the Superintendent of Schools
Supervisory Responsibilities
Overall supervisory authority of all in-house attorneys and retained counsel
Evalution
The evaluation of the General Counsel is a responsibility resting with the Superintendent of Schools. An evaluation shall be completed in writing at least once a year.
Work Environment
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals
Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching
Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
Environment: Frequently work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent district and statewide travel
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress
Qualifications
Education/Certification:
- Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited college or university
- Licensed by the State Board of Law Examiners of Texas as an Attorney and Counselor at
Law and shall have been admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Texas
- Admitted and qualified as an Attorney and Counselor of the United States District Court of the Southern District of Texas
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations relating to public education
- Demonstrated legal research and writing skills
- Thorough knowledge of the legislative process
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as law, policy, and procedures
- Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of
management, both internal and external to the district
- Excellent public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
How To Apply www.aldineisd.org