General Counsel

Primary Function:

Under the direction of the Superintendent, provides in-house legal services to the Superintendent, designated staff, and Board of Trustees, including representation and research. Assists the Superintendent and Board in the legal performance of their duties. Coordinates all legal services required by the District. Serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet.

Responsibilities/Duties:

Legal Services

• Advises the Superintendent, designated staff, and Board on legal issues related to governance, employment, business, construction, real estate transactions, inter-local agency/government contracts/agreements, student discipline contracted services arrangements, and special education.
• Represents the District in administrative and judicial proceedings, as appropriate.
• Drafts, reviews, and revises legal documents, including agreements and resolutions.
• Works collaboratively with district staff to draft, review, and revise district board policies and administrative regulations.
• Review board meeting agendas prior to posting.
• Attends board meetings and other administrative meetings to provide legal counsel to the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and designated staff.
• Coordinates legal services provided by outside law firms, including administering contracts and reviewing billings.
• Works collaboratively with the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources to provide legal assistance to the district’s hearing officer(s) for applicable student, parent, community member, and employee grievances, complaints, and appeals as required by policy.
• Provides legal assistance to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and rules, including the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act.
• Provides legal analysis regarding the formulation and execution of guidelines and drafts and/or updates materials for publication in associated manuals and/or handbooks.
• Coordinates responses to investigations by the Texas Education Agency, U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, and other administrative or regulatory agencies, as appropriate.
• Provides legal assistance on district elections.
• Assists with the development of the District’s legislative agenda and provides legislative services to pursue the District’s legislative agenda.
• Monitors and interprets the impact of proposed or enacted legislation.
• Conducts professional development training, including preparing training materials for staff and Board members.
• Provides legal assistance in the compilation, maintenance, and filing of all computerized and physical reports, records, and other documents required by regulation, policy, and/or law.
• Assists with student and personnel investigations and documentation as needed.
• Monitors incoming Public Information Act requests, assists in the collection of records and responses, and prepares requests for opinions to the Attorney General.

Policy and Reports

• Assists in the formulation and execution of policies and regulations, and reviews materials for publication in handbooks.
• Compiles, maintains, files, and presents all reports, records, and other documents as required.
• Follows district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Personnel Management

• Supervises and evaluates the performance of the assigned Administrative Assistant.

Other

• Demonstrates behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Serves as a role model for all district staff.
• Participates in approved professional development opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• School district functions and the interrelation of district programs and systems.
• Understanding of district and campus operations and programs.
• Local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to public education.
• Thorough knowledge of the legislative process.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Methods of collecting and organizing data and information.
• Operation of a computer and assigned software.
• District and department policies and procedures.
• Relevant federal and state laws and requirements.

Ability to:

• Possess exceptional organization, written and verbal communication, public relations, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Evaluate and manage budget and personnel.
• Problem-solve and develop long and short-range plans.
• Demonstrated legal research and litigation skills.
• Interpret and implement laws, policies, and procedures.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance.
• Develop, plan, and organize daily operations.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Plan and organize work.

Education/Licenses/Experience:

• Law degree from an American Bar Association-approved law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
• Three years minimum experience in public or private practice dealing with legal issues of local, state, and federal government, preferably experience specifically in public school law.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands:

• Self-motivated, perform tasks with little or no supervision; work with frequent interruptions; able to manage multiple complex projects concurrently; maintain emotional control under stress; ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); coordinate district support functions.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Lifting/carrying – 15-44 pounds; frequent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, stooping/crouching/kneeling, pulling/pushing, reaching; repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer; speaking clearly; occasional district-wide, state-wide travel; work occasional irregular hours and prolonged hours.