General Counsel

Job Description – 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 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, through the Superintendent’s office, on legal issues, including but not limited to, those related to governance, employment, business, and 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
• Works collaboratively with district staff to draft, review and revise district board policies and administrative regulations
• Reviews 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 Assistant Superintendent of Employee and Community Relations to provide legal assistance to district’s hearing officer(s) for applicable student, parent, community member and employee grievances, complaints and appeals as required by policy
• Works collaboratively with district administrative staff and provides legal assistance to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and rules, including but not limited to, 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 provide 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 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 review 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
• 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 inter-relation 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

Ability to:

• 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 law, policy 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 time lines
• 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.

Calendar and Salary Range: 225 work days. See current hiring pay grade on the Administrative Compensation
Plan.

The foregoing statements describe the general function and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $122,000.00 - $175,678.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: One location

Salary : $122,000 - $175,678