General Counsel - Legal

General Counsel - Legal
Reports to: Superintendent
Pay Grade: 101
Salary Range: $175,957 - $211,995
Duty Days: 239
FSLA Status: Exempt


Position Purpose 

Provides in-house legal support services to the superintendent, designated staff, and the District Board of Trustees. Assists and advises the superintendent and the Board in performing their statutory duties.  Coordinates all legal services required by the District.  
 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

Legal Representation 

• Advises the superintendent, staff, and board on legal matters, including personnel and student issues. 
• Attends board meetings and other administrative meetings to provide legal counsel and compliance with the Texas Public Information Act. 
• Oversees the District's formal complaint processes for students, employees, and community grievances, complaints, and appeals as required by District policy. 
• Drafts and reviews legal documents, resolutions, contracts, agreements, and all other legal or quasi-legal papers. 
• Coordinates legal services provided by outside law firms; responsible for monthly report of legal expenses incurred by outside legal firms. 
• Coordinates responses to investigations by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Texas Education Agency, State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other state and federal agencies. 

Legal Oversight 

• Complies with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, and local board policies; serves as the District's Compliance Officer for all applicable state or federal laws. 
• Maintains knowledge of laws, decisions, and other legal information pertaining to school issues, and conducts legal in-service to the Board of Trustees and employees, as applicable. 
• Monitors and interprets the impact of proposed or enacted legislation. 
• Oversees compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act, the Texas Public Information Act, and competitive procurement and purchasing requirements. 
• Provides legal guidance to the District's Title IX Coordinator. 
• Serves as the District records management officer as required by the Texas State Libraries and Archives Commission. 
• Responds to and coordinates subpoenas for the personal appearance of employees and for District records. 
• Oversees compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, including requests for student records and compliance with court orders. 
• Provides legal advice and coordinates district elections. 
• Establishes relationships and serves as a liaison with administrative and law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over the District. 

Policy & Reporting 

• Assists in the formulation and execution of policies and regulations, and reviews materials for publication in handbooks, including the Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook(s). 
• Compiles, maintains, files, and presents all reports, records, and other documents as required. 

Communication 

• Maintains knowledge of laws, decisions, and other legal information pertaining to school issues; keeps informed of relevant legislation; updates the district regarding any implications. 
• Conducts professional development and training, including preparing training materials for staff and board members. 
• Maintains confidentiality. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff assigned to the Office of Legal Services, and makes recommendations related to the assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal of staff. 
• Maintains regular attendance.  

Personal Work Relationships 

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. 
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic. 
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer. 
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations. 

Other Duties as Assigned 

• Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance with Board rules, policies and regulations.  All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations relating to public education. 
• Knowledge of the legislative process. 
• Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis. 
• Skill in public relations, and interpersonal relations. 
• Skill in conveying clear and concise oral and written communication. 
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. 
• Skill in representing the District in negotiations with vendors, contractors, and other entities. 
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as law, policy, and procedures. 
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district. 
• Ability to use software to create spreadsheets, databases, and do word processing. 
• Ability to organize and coordinate work, and delegate assignments. 
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth. 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. 
• Excellent public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. 

Travel Requirements 

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. 

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards 

• Tools/Equipment Used:  Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals. 
• Posture:  Prolonged sitting; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting. 
• Motion:  Frequent repetitive hand motions; including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. 
• Lifting:  Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds). 
• Environment:  Works in an office setting; frequently requires irregular and/or prolonged hours; frequent District and statewide travel. 
• Attendance:  Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. 
• Mental Demands:  Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions. 

Minimum Required Qualifications 

• Education:  Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. 
• Certification/License:  Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, in good standing. 
• Experience:  7 + years’ in the practice of law required; experience with emphasis on public school district issues preferred. 

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.