Title: Assistant General Counsel (Civil Rights and Tort Litigation)

Department: General Counsel

Reports To: General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel

Union Affiliation: Not Represented by a Union

Salary Range: $93,322 - $121,556

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?

Job Summary

Provides legal advice and representation to Board of Education and the School District of Philadelphia and its employees on a wide array of legal issues. Works under the supervision of the General Counsel and specializes in one of the following areas: charter school law, claims, commercial litigation, civil rights and torts, federal and state grants compliance, labor and employment, real estate, special education, public disclosure, school law and transactions (contracts).

Essential Functions

• Represents the School District, the Board of Education and District officers and employees in varied transactions and litigation.

• Provides legal advice and counsel to Board of Education members, officers and employees on a wide range of education, labor and employment, litigation and business issues.

• Prevents legal claims by identifying potential risks and making appropriate recommendations.

• Defends law suits and claims by discussing matters with opposing counsel, filing necessary legal papers, conducting extensive discovery proceedings, meeting with and

• Advises employees by providing legal advice to principals and administrators on a daily basis and by issuing legal opinions when requested.

• Assists in the formation of School District practices and procedures through committee participation in such areas as loss control, affirmative action, school closings, transportation and desegregation.

• Provides representation in appellate court proceedings by filing briefs and arguing these cases before the Commonwealth Court, Superior Court and Supreme Court of Pennsylvania as well as Federal Appellate Courts.

• Provides all the insurance needs of the School District by meeting with School District insurance committees.

Civil Rights and Torts Specialty

• Defends the District in federal and state courts in acute personal injury and civil rights litigation and handles appeals actions seeking damages for personal injury and civil rights violations.

• Advices District personnel on risk management, pre-suit investigations and contracts involving release and indemnity issues.

Minimum Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law.

• Three years of full-time, paid, professional legal experience in a law firm, public sector law department or corporate law department.

• All work experience related to the position must be included on the resume.

• Certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and membership in good standing and for litigator’s admission to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

OR

• Eligible for admission to the Pennsylvania Bar within six months of employment and are active members in good standing and currently licensed to practice law in another state and in compliance with the most recently completed twelve-month Continuing Legal Education compliance period

NOTE: An applicant who does not meet the minimum education or work experience requirements listed above may be considered if, at the sole discretion of the Talent Office, they have a unique combination of education and work experiences that indicates potential for success in this role.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of:

o the common laws and the state and federal laws particularly as they relate to administrative, fiscal and regulatory functions of the School District or personal injury claims.

o judicial proceedings and of the rules of evidence as related to the area of specialization.

o the principles, practices, methods and techniques of legal research.

o the principles and practices of governmental laws particularly as they apply to the tax levy measures provided under state statutes.

o the uses and capabilities of personal computers and their software applications including word processing, database management and spreadsheets.

Demonstrated ability to:

o analyze, organize and evaluate the evidence and procedures involving difficult and complex cases and to present such material in clear and logical form for all written presentations such as memos, briefs, opinions, orders or decisions.

o analyze legal documents and instruments.

o draft legal instruments and propose legislation.

o negotiate terms and conditions successfully.

o manage a detail-oriented workload.

o organize and prioritize workload during high pressure, high-volume workload periods.

o collaborate with colleagues and District clients.

o exercise sound judgment, discretion and tact required.

o handle matters outside areas of familiarity.

o manage stress.

o handle multiple concurrent tasks.

o review and process information within a computerized web system throughout the majority of the workday.

o travel as required.

o express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.

o establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Nondiscrimination

The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.