Deputy Legal Counsel
Recruit Finds
MD, United States
Job summary
Deputy Legal Counsel AT Washington County Public Schools Maryland
About this role
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About the Job
Deputy Legal Counsel
Position Summary
The Deputy Legal Counsel works under the direction of the Chief Legal Counsel and provides legal guidance and support to the Superintendent, Board of Education, administrators, and staff on matters affecting the operation of the school system. Areas of responsibility include labor and employment, constitutional matters, student discipline, parental rights, special education, contracts, and other education-related legal issues.
The position requires a strong understanding of applicable laws and regulations, sound legal judgment, and the ability to work effectively with school personnel, families, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
Minimum Requirements
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Current admission to practice law in Maryland, or active membership in good standing in another state with the ability to secure Maryland admission within six months of employment as a condition of continued service.
At least three years of relevant legal experience.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and administrative requirements.
Ability to establish and maintain productive professional relationships with employees, families, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience representing or advising school systems, educational institutions, government agencies, or similar organizations on special education, student issues, disability rights, administrative proceedings, or related legal matters.
Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Experience handling labor and employment law, public ethics, procurement, contracts, litigation, administrative law, or public records matters.
Key Responsibilities
Support the Chief Legal Counsel in advising the Superintendent, Board of Education, senior leadership, administrators, and staff regarding legal matters affecting the school system.
Provide guidance on labor and employment issues, constitutional questions, student discipline, special education, and other education-related legal concerns.
Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret contracts, procurement materials, memoranda of understanding, interagency agreements, and other legal documents.
Assist with legal matters involving the Board of Education, including policy review, governance issues, and compliance with federal and state requirements.
Research proposed legislation, judicial decisions, and other legal developments and evaluate their potential effect on the school system.
Manage and provide legal support for matters involving employment disputes, including Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Maryland Commission on Civil Rights charges, employee grievances, appeals, and disciplinary actions.
Advise and represent the school system on special education matters involving IDEA, Section 504, and applicable Maryland laws and regulations.
Counsel administrators and staff on student eligibility, evaluations, individualized education programs, accommodations, discipline involving students with disabilities, and dispute resolution.
Represent or assist the school system in special education due process proceedings, mediation, complaint investigations, and appeals.
Support investigations and prepare witnesses, legal arguments, and case materials for proceedings involving student placement, admissions, disciplinary decisions, transportation, records access, employee grievances, appeals, and disciplinary hearings.
Develop and deliver training for administrators on legal and regulatory issues affecting K-12 education, including student discipline, curriculum and testing, Title IX, IDEA, academic freedom, bullying, harassment, and legal responsibilities for school leaders.
Identify potential legal exposure and recommend practical strategies for reducing and managing organizational risk.
Provide guidance concerning the Maryland Public Information Act, Open Meetings Act, student records, confidentiality obligations, and related compliance requirements.
Maintain a courteous, professional, and service-oriented approach when working with all Washington County Public Schools stakeholders.
Perform other duties and legal assignments as directed.