General Counsel

PAY GRADE:   Cabinet

FLSA STATUS:  Exempt

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The General Counsel is expected to represent, advise, and assist the District's administration on a daily basis, but shall recognize that the position of General Counsel exists to represent the organization acting through its duly elected Governing Board.  The General Counsel reports to the Superintendent.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Manage all legal matters on behalf of the District, including but not limited to the following:

o   Student matters, including disciplinary proceedings, Special Education, due process, including investigation, hearings, and appeals.

o   Personnel matters, including federal and state law compliance, investigations, document preparation, discipline and hearings.

o   Represent the District before Federal, State, and local tribunals, including Office for Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints.

o   Draft and/or review District Policies and Regulations for legal compliance.

o   Draft and/or review Intergovernmental Agreements and other contracts.

o   Provide legal advice and counsel to the Governing Board and Superintendent.

o   Provide legal advice to district personnel.

·       Manage all litigation assigned to outside legal services vendors.

·       Make recommendations to the District and Governing Board on legal matters, to ensure that District financial resources are utilized efficiently. Serve as the District’s legal Compliance Officer.

·       Provide training for the Governing Board and District staff on appropriate legal issues.

·       Attend Board meetings as needed to provide legal advice to the Governing Board and Administration.

·       Serve as the contact person in preparing legal documents in all matters affecting the district.

·       Work with the District’s Communications and Marketing Department to develop public statements on legally sensitive issues.

·       Coordinate responses to requests for public records, student records, and employee records.

·       Attend meetings and coordinate with insurance carriers to address liability concerns, provide coordinated services, and/or receive information.

·       Assist District personnel regarding matters affecting:

o   Cost containment and reporting procedures that are designed to limit the District’s financial risks and expenses in cases involving litigation or State and Federal agency investigations.

o   Maintenance of a safe work environment and maximization of employee productivity.

o   Implementation of remedial programs and recommending alternative courses of action to reduce incidents of accidents and claims.

·       Provides regular reports to the Superintendent and Governing Board.

·       Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

·       Law Degree (Juris Doctor) from an accredited law school

·       Member in good standing of the Arizona State Bar

·       A minimum of three years successful experience practicing law

·       Working knowledge of Arizona statutes and other laws that apply to public school districts and/or municipalities

·       Experience in the areas of municipal law, and/or employment and civil rights laws preferred.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:

·       Current license to practice law in Arizona

SKILLS (position requirements at entry):

·       Excellent communication skills, including writing and speaking skills

·       Strong ability to analyze legal issues presented for legal consideration

·       Sound judgment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.  Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

NOTE:

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibility. Specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department and District.