General Counsel

Palo Alto Unified School District; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Unified School District is seeking an experienced in-house attorney to act as chief legal counsel for the Board of Education, Superintendent, and district leadership. The role requires a J.D.

from an ABA-accredited law school, active California Bar membership, and at least eight years of legal experience advising public agencies or educational institutions. The attorney will conduct complex legal research, prepare opinions, and advise on governance matters, contracts, and education-

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible legal experience, including significant advisory work for public agencies or educational institutions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief legal advisor to the Board of Education, Superintendent, and District administration.
• Advise on Brown Act, Public Records Act, Education Code, employment and labor law, special education, civil rights/Title IX, and contracts.
• Attend Board meetings and provide legal counsel on governance, regulations, and open/closed session matters.

Skills

Legal research

Governance advisory

Public sector experience

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Job Summary

Job Summary

QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school;
• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California;
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible legal experience, including significant experience advising public agencies, educational institutions, or governmental organizations;
• Experience representing California school districts;
• Experience in education law, labor and employment law, public contracting, governance, litigation, and administrative law.

OVERVIEW: Under the direction of the Superintendent, manage, oversee, coordinate, and provide professional legal counsel and representation for the District, the Governing Board, and assigned auxiliary organizations. Consistent with Board Bylaw 9124, serve as legal advisor to the Board of Education, maintaining Board access to counsel through the Board President or by majority vote of the Board. Conduct complex legal research and analysis, prepare legal documents, and render formal legal opinions concerning District legal powers, functions, jurisdiction, procedures, and related legal matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES (include, but not limited to, the following):

• Serve as chief legal advisor to the Board of Education, Superintendent, and District administration on governance, policy, and legal matters;
• Advise on Brown Act, Public Records Act, Education Code, employment and labor law, special education, civil rights/Title IX, student matters, contracts, privacy, and other laws affecting public education;
• Attend Board meetings and provide legal counsel on governance, policies, regulations, agenda items, and open and closed session matters;