Education Law Deputy Counsel — Schools

Washington County Public Schools; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 104,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County Public Schools is seeking a Deputy Legal Counsel to support the Chief Legal Counsel in providing legal services to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and administrators on labor, employment, student rights, and special education matters.

The role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, reviewing policies, researching pending legislation, and representing the school system in due process matters and appeals. Strong Maryland bar qualifications required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Admission to Maryland bar or eligible and able to obtain MD admission within six months.
• Minimum of three years of legal experience.
• Experience interpreting and applying federal and state statutes, regulations, policies and administrative requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chief Legal Counsel in providing legal services to the Superintendent, Board of Education, executive leadership, administrators and staff on legal issues affecting the school system.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret contracts, procurement documents, memoranda of understanding, interagency agreements and other legal instruments.
• Assist with governance matters, policy review and compliance with applicable state and federal law.
• Review pending legislation and court decisions and advise on impact to the district.
• Provide legal services and litigation management on matters including disputes and compliance with IDEA and Section 504.
• Advise administrators and staff on student eligibility, evaluations and individualized education programs.
• Represent or assist in representing the school system in due process hearings, mediations, investigations and appeals.
• Provide training for administrators on law and regulations impacting K-12 education, including bullying and harassment.

Skills

Legal experience

Contract drafting

Regulatory compliance

Labor and employment knowledge

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Admission to Maryland bar or eligible with ability to obtain MD admission within 6 months

Job description

Washington County Public Schools is seeking a Deputy Legal Counsel to support the Chief Legal Counsel in providing legal services to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and administrators on labor, employment, student rights, and special education matters.

The role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, reviewing policies, researching pending legislation, and representing the school system in due process matters and appeals. Strong Maryland bar qualifications required.