Description

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel will assist the Office of General Counsel of Harford County Public Schools (“HCPS”) in providing legal services, advice and representation to the Superintendent, Board of Education, administrators, and other HCPS staff on legal matters affecting the school system. The Associate General Counsel will be responsible for assisting with or handling labor and employment, procurement and contracts, civil rights, student appeals, special education, and Maryland Public Information Act matters. The Associate General Counsel will also be involved in litigation management, drafting and reviewing policies and procedures, and interpretation of legislation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following examples illustrate the types of duties performed by the Associate General Counsel. Specific assignments will be made by the General Counsel and may vary based on the needs of the office and the experience of the incumbent. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

• Assists in providing legal opinions and advice to the Superintendent and Executive Staff on a regular basis, and to the Board as requested.
• Provides legal advice to HCPS administrators and other employees, as directed by General Counsel.
• Assists in representing HCPS in federal or state courts or in administrative hearings in trials, hearings, and appellate matters, including Education Article Section 4-205 appeals, and may appear in such proceedings as assigned.
• Assists in coordinating with and monitoring the work of outside counsel on matters involving HCPS.
• Participates in system-wide cross-functional teams and assists in providing legal counsel to support projects and initiatives.
• Researches and analyzes federal and state legislation, regulations, court decisions, and Maryland State Board of Education opinions relevant to HCPS and summarizes findings for the General Counsel and HCPS leadership.
• Prepares and reviews contracts, leases, memoranda of understanding, and other legal documents, and assists in resolving contractual issues in collaboration with the Procurement Office.
• Assists in responding to subpoenas, requests for records, and inquiries from agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.
• Assists in responding to complaints and investigations from the Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission/Maryland Commission on Civil Rights.
• Responds to inquiries related to custody/parental rights issues impacting the educational setting, in consultation with the General Counsel.
• Assists in providing advice and representation in matters regarding special education and Section 504, including due process hearings, mediations, and state complaints, as assigned.
• Assists in supporting the work of the Board of Education Ethics Panel, including research, drafting, and related communications.
• Assists in providing advice and counsel on labor and employment matters, including Family and Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act , collective bargaining and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Assists in developing and revising HCPS policies, procedures, and district-wide handbooks and guidance documents.
• Assists in developing and conducting legal trainings and presentations for central office and school-based staff.
• Assists in preparing Board of Education policy items and related materials for review and final action, as assigned.
• Assists in providing advice and legal representation on contractual and labor-related issues, including grievances and arbitrations, as assigned.
• Assists in training administrators, supervisors, office and school-based staff on implementation of HCPS policies and regulations, and state and federal requirements.
• Assists in responding to Maryland Public Information Act requests, including reviewing records and advising on required disclosures and exemptions.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned and directed by the General Counsel.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited school of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Maryland (or eligible for immediate admission/waiver).
• A minimum of three (3) years of legal experience with a school board or public/private organization, preferably including experience in litigation/administrative hearings or education-related matters.
• Experience in transactional and contract law, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and related legal documents, preferred but not required.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge and experience in the following subject areas is preferred:
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”);
  • Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”);
  • FERPA;
  • Education Law;
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act;
  • Title IX of Education Amendment of 1972;
  • Open Meetings Act (“OMA”);
  • Maryland Public Information Act (“MPIA”)
• Demonstrated effective leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Hold and maintain a valid driver's license to carry out the essential functions of the position.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software programs and eLearning platforms.
• Experience with database systems, reporting and data analytics, preferred.