Assistant General Counsel, 2024 - 2025

Position Title: Assistant General Counsel

Reports to: General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer

Job #: XXXX

Payroll/Personnel Type: 12 Month

Shift Length: 1.0 FTE

Union Eligibility: Not Eligible/ Exempt

Starting Salary: $140,000

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  We reserve the right to close this job posting at any time based on the needs of the district and the applicant pool. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

Position Summary:

The Assistant General Counsel will focus primarily on Special Education and Employment Disabilities and provide expert legal counsel to St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) on all matters related to special education, worker's compensation, and disability law. This role ensures compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other federal and state regulations. Serving as a strategic advisor to district leadership, the Assistant General Counsel proactively addresses legal risks, supports equitable student and employee outcomes, and handles disputes related to special education and employee accommodation concerns. The Assistant General Counsel will also oversee outside counsel in responding to worker's compensation claims.

Essential Functions:

• Legal Counsel and Compliance:
• Provide guidance on IDEA, Section 504, and ADA compliance, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Review and advise on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, ADA accommodation requests, and related documentation for legal adequacy.
• Monitor changes in special education and ADA laws and regulations and ensure district policies are updated accordingly.

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  Litigation and Dispute Resolution:
• Represent the district in due process hearings, mediations, and other proceedings involving special education matters.
• Collaborate with external counsel when necessary to manage litigation effectively.
• Investigate and respond to complaints from supervisors, employees, parents, advocates, and regulatory agencies.

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  Policy Development and Training:
• Draft, review, and implement policies and procedures related to special education and disability accommodations.
• Conduct training sessions for district supervisors and staff, school leaders, and special education teams on compliance and legal best practices.
• Develop resources and tools to support legal compliance in special education operations.

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  Collaboration with Stakeholders:
• Partner with the Special Education Department and Human Resources to address systemic issues and improve service delivery.
• Work closely with supervisors, employees, parents, advocates, and community stakeholders to resolve disputes and foster collaboration.
• Serve as a liaison between the district and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with audits and investigations.

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  Risk Management:
• Identify legal risks associated with special education operations and recommend proactive solutions.
• Conduct audits and reviews of ADA accommodations and special education programs to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.

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  Advisory Support:
• Provide strategic advice to the General Counsel, Superintendent, and district leadership on matters impacting special education and ADA compliance.
• Prepare legal opinions and briefings on emerging legal issues in special education and ADA law.
• Support other areas of the legal department as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and other special education laws and regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex issues.
• Effective communicator capable of conveying legal concepts to diverse audiences, including non-legal professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and collaborative relationships with parents, advocates, and district staff.
• High ethical standards and commitment to integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in conducting legal research, drafting policies, and preparing legal documentation.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of legal experience, with a focus on special education law, disability law, or education law.
• Experience representing school districts or public agencies in special education disputes is highly preferred.
• Proven track record of managing legal compliance and litigation in the context of education.
• Experience conducting training and policy development for diverse stakeholders.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school is required.
• Active membership in the Missouri State Bar or eligibility for immediate reciprocity.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically able to operate standard office equipment.
• Light work involving walking, standing, and occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds.

Working Conditions and Environment:

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel to court, administrative hearings, or external meetings.
• Minimal exposure to physical risks.

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.