Chief Legal Counsel

Jeffco Public Schools - Colorado; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Jeffco Public Schools - Colorado in Golden, CO seeks a Chief Legal Counsel to provide strategic legal leadership to the Board of Education and district leadership, overseeing governance, employment, student rights, contracts, real estate, and compliance.

Day‑to‑day duties include drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts; coordinating outside counsel; evaluating legal risks; and ensuring policy compliance to support student‑focused learning.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school with bar admission in Colorado.
• Significant senior-level legal experience in school districts, government, or non-profit organizations.
• Expertise in education and public sector law with strong regulatory comprehension.
• Ability to provide clear legal advice to senior leaders and boards.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal leadership to the Board and district leadership.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and legal documents.
• Coordinate outside counsel and manage legal budgets.
• Assess risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and district policies.
• Support investigations and dispute resolution as needed.

Skills

Education law

Public sector law

Contract negotiation

Legal document prep

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Policy development

Executive advisory

Legal research

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Colorado bar license

Job description

Company Description

Jeffco Public Schools is Colorado’s second‑largest K–12 district, serving approximately 75,000 students across 155 schools in 770 square miles. Since 1950, the district has built strong community ties and a reputation for educational quality, supported by experienced and collaborative school leaders. Jeffco offers diverse learning options, including neighborhood schools, dual language programs, integrated arts, STEM/STEAM, International Baccalaureate, preschool, charter schools, and outdoor education. The district is guided by the Jeffco Generations vision, emphasizing civic and global engagement, communication, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and self‑direction. Jeffco’s culture is grounded in Exemplary Performance, Integrity, Teamwork, Valuing People, and Entrepreneurial Spirit, and welcomes professionals who are committed to innovative, engaging learning for all students.

Role Description

The Chief Legal Counsel is a full‑time, on‑site position based in Golden, CO, providing strategic legal leadership and advice to Jeffco Public Schools’ Board of Education, Superintendent, and district leadership. This role oversees all legal matters impacting the district, including governance, employment, student rights, special education, contracts, real estate, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Day‑to‑day responsibilities include drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and other legal documents; managing and coordinating outside counsel; evaluating legal risks and developing mitigation strategies; and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and district policies. The Chief Legal Counsel advises on policy development and implementation, supports investigations and dispute resolution, and represents the district in administrative and judicial proceedings as appropriate. The role collaborates closely with leaders, staff, and community partners to promote equitable, legally sound practices that support Jeffco’s mission and student‑focused vision.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in Law and broad experience with education law, public sector law, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong capabilities in Contract Negotiation and Legal Document Preparation, including policies, agreements, and memoranda of understanding.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and manage Legal Issues across areas such as employment, student services, special education, procurement, and governance.
• Proven experience providing clear, practical Legal Advice to senior leaders, governing boards, and diverse stakeholders.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in Colorado (or ability to obtain licensure within a defined timeframe).
• Significant senior‑level legal experience, preferably in a school district, government agency, or complex public or nonprofit organization.
• Strong judgment, integrity, and discretion, with the ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters and balance legal risk with organizational goals.