What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Legal Counsel II - Exempt RB #24-141 position at Buffalo Public Schools?
BOARD OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
ROOM 720 CITY HALL
BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202
ROOM 720 CITY HALL
BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202
RECRUITMENT BULLETIN #24-141 November 22, 2024
BUFFALO BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY
Civil Service Residency Requirements will Apply
POSITION: Assistant Legal Counsel II - EXEMPT
SALARY: By Contractual Agreement
LOCATION: Legal Department, Room 713 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202
APPLICATION: CANDIDATES FOR THIS POSITION SHOULD COMPLETE AN APPLICATION AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.buffaloschools.org
Applications successfully received will generate a confirmation email to the account listed on the application. If you do not receive a confirmation email, we cannot guarantee that your application was received. You must submit an application until you receive a confirmation email.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
This is an intermediate position in the fields of state and federal education law, special education, labor and employment law, municipal law and general corporate law practice for the Buffalo City School District. The incumbent serves as a surrogate to the Legal Counsel and is responsible for representing the School District in Federal and State court and in administrative proceedings. Duties also include developing and interpreting School District policy. Supervision of other attorneys may be included as a responsibility of this class, and may occur on certain projects, or in certain subject matter areas, as assigned by the Legal Counsel. S/he works under general supervision of the Legal Counsel and will be required to assume direct and independent responsibility for legal matters.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
- Counsels with and advises departments, schools, principals and other School District officials and personnel on matters of law and the development and interpretation of policies, affecting the School District and its various departments, and on occasion be directed by the Legal Counsel to give such advice to the members of the Board of Education or Superintendent;
- Defends and represents the School District and its officers and employees eligible for defense services in various courts and before State or Federal administrative agencies such as the Commissioner of Education, the State Division of Human Rights, the Public Employment Relations Board, the United States Department of Education, and at arbitration and mediations;
- Evaluates and resolves questions regarding special education issues, residency of students and tuition obligations, student emancipation, immunization requirements, custody and guardianship of students in separation, divorce and foster care situations, alternative education issues (including charter schools and home schooling), student discipline and the Code of Conduct, and athletic or extracurricular eligibility;
- Prepares drafts, and researches, edits and submits legal documents and briefs to various State and Federal courts;
- Attends Board of Education meetings, committee meetings, departmental and other internal or external meetings in which the School District personnel participate, or on behalf of such officials, giving legal assistance when required;
- Interviews and prepares other attorneys and witnesses, including expert witnesses, for depositions, hearings, arbitrations, mediations and trials;
- Provides training for School District administrators and teachers on the legal implications of various aspects of general and special education and student discipline;
- Prepares allegations and conducts prosecution for long-term suspension hearings in accordance with statutory due process requirements for students;
- Responsible for handling all aspects of the District’s arbitration practice;
- Assists in preparation and/or review of Board of Education resolutions;
- Assists in drafting of School District’s policies, rules and administrative regulations in education related areas;
- Drafts, negotiates and prepares contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, deeds, easements, leases and any other legal documents and forms on behalf of the School District and its departments and schools, examines and approves specifications in connection with such agreements, when applicable;
- Performs legal work necessary for the purchase/sale of real property;
- Counsels with and advises the School District’s facilities and purchasing departments on various contracts for public bid, as well as professional services agreements;
- Represents the School District at due process hearings regarding students with disabilities;
- Interprets questions and provides advise pertaining to the confidentiality and disclosure of student records, or regarding access to School District records under FERPA or under the Freedom of Information Law;
- Assists in mediation of ad hoc disputes with various community members, groups or agencies;
- Performs legal work necessary in connection with collective bargaining, employee grievances or other labor relations matters;
- Prepares and conducts training sessions for District personnel and volunteers;
- Conducts legal research, as required and related to duties performed;
- Performs other legal work and related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet all of the following at time of hire:
- Graduation from a Law School of recognized standing
- Three years of full-time experience as a practicing attorney. Experience must include oral and written arbitration; legal defense work; legal research; legal writing.
- Admission to the New York State Bar and proof of good standing and maintained during employment.
- Admission to the bar of the United State District Court and maintained during employment.
Special Requirements
- Applicants must fulfill biannual New York State continuing legal education requirement during employment.
- Applicants must participate in a police background record check and DCJS fingerprinting process.
Note: Proof of the above requirements must be presented at time of appointment.
APPOINTMENT:
Appointments are subject to the approval of the Board of Education upon the recommendation of the Superintendent following the approval of the Civil Service Commission. Personal interviews shall be scheduled where appropriate.
FINAL FILING DATE: Until Filled
APPROVED:
Tami Hollie-McGee
Chief of Human Resources
The Buffalo Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, religious practice, national origin, ethnic group, sex (including sexual harassment and sexual violence), gender identity, sexual orientation (the term "sexual orientation" means heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or asexuality ), political affiliation, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability, weight, domestic violence victim status, arrest or conviction record, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by New York state and/or federal non-discrimination laws in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the District's non-discrimination policies should be directed to HRCompliance@buffaloschools.org or to: Mrs. Tami Hollie McGee, Chief of Human Resources; 719 City Hall; Buffalo, New York 14202; (716) 816-3579
