FY27: Assistant General Counsel- Special Education Focus

Montgomery County Public Schools; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 131,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery County Public Schools seeks an Assistant General Counsel focused on Special Education to provide daily legal counsel on IDEA and Section 504 issues, train schools and central offices, and defend due process matters.

The role requires a Juris Doctorate and at least five years of public or private practice with a focus on education law, settlement negotiations, and public litigation. Evening/weekend availability may be needed.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of legal principles and their application across education, civil rights, employment and contract law.
• Strong written and oral communication; effective presentations and policy explanations.
• Experience with settlement negotiations and public litigation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal counsel and representation in education matters for MCPS.
• Advise stakeholders and district leaders on a wide range of legal issues as needed.
• Oversee work of legal support staff and participate in litigation and due process proceedings.

Skills

Legal research

Oral & written communication

Policy drafting

Litigation defense

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctorate

Maryland State Bar

Job description

Job Description - FY27: Assistant General Counsel- Special Education Focus (26005CE)

Job Description

FY27: Assistant General Counsel- Special Education Focus

Job Specific Information: This position is primarily responsible for providing legal counsel and representation in special education matters. The assistant general counsel will ensure compliance with federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This includes providing daily advice and regular training to schools and central office partners on special education law; due process litigation defense; participation in mediation; drafting settlement agreements; review and revision of special education policy, regulation and practices. The wage range for this position is between $130,899 and $182,217. Please upload a current resume and interest letter. For information about benefits, please follow the link below. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nCKtJEqy4w4SLTzmvmVXgE8hPfOBolkb/view

Summary Description

Under general supervision of the Chief of Legal Services, this position is responsible for providing high-quality legal counsel and representation for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), and serving as a legal adviser on a wide variety of matters, including, but not limited, to education, students' rights, civil rights, employment, real estate, local government, procurement, contract, or tort law. Participates and supports legal director in litigation cases; and advises and/or engages stakeholders, district leaders and MCPS employees on various legal matters as needed. Oversees work of legal support positions as needed. Physical Demands:NoneSpecial Requirements:Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Thorough knowledge of legal principles and their application, and expertise in one or more of the following areas of legal practice: education law including student rights, education, civil rights, employment law, litigation, procurement, real estate, local government, tort and/or contract law. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, as well as excellent skills in legal research and in presenting, explaining, and defending policies and procedures. Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with MCPS employees and managers at all levels, as well as external attorneys and law firms, parents, government leaders, and community stakeholders. Ability to interact with diverse constituencies and convey complicated information with tact and diplomacy. Ability to multi-task, prioritize changing assignments, and organize busy work load, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure, while exercising excellent attention to detail. Skilled in legal research, critical analysis and independent decision-making. Ability to perform well under pressure and adhere to strict timelines.

Education Training Experience

Possession of a Juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school, plus a minimum of five (5) years of recent progressively more responsible professional experience in public or private sector practice of law, preferably which deals with public school legal issues. Experience in settlement resolution/negotiations and public litigation. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. Certificate License:Membership in or eligible for the Maryland State Bar.