Legal Counsel (Assistant, Associate, Senior)

Baltimore City Public Schools; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 88,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Baltimore City Public Schools seeks Counsel to provide high-quality legal representation and proactive problem solving across education law and school system operations. The role includes advising on matters from contracts to special education, representing the district in courts, and coordinating responses to investigations.

The position requires a Juris Doctorate, and Maryland Bar membership is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school is required.
• Maryland State Bar membership is highly preferred.
• Experience in one or more legal practice areas and progressive responsibilities is expected.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel on litigation, labor and employment, student civil rights, special education, contracts, transactions, and land use.
• Represent the Board, CEO, and employees in federal/state courts and administrative hearings.
• Respond to complaints and investigations from government agencies.
• Negotiate settlements and coordinate responses to public information requests and subpoenas.
• Lead legal projects and provide guidance on compliance and policy interpretation.

Skills

Strong communication

Oral and written communication

Legal research

Policy interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal case management systems

Job description

Under the leadership of the Chief Legal Officer, the Office of Legal Counsel provides cost-effective, high-quality, creative, and proactive legal problem solving. The Office supports the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners ("Board"), the CEO, and school system employees to navigate legal requirements, evaluate and manage legal risk, align, and conserve resources, promote collaborative dispute resolution, and reduce avoidable litigation. Counsel provides high-quality legal representation and advice on education law and school system operations. Each Counsel is assigned to one or more legal practice areas (e.g., contracts and transactions, labor and employement, special education, litigation) based on organizational needs.

Essential Functions

• Provide legal advice and counsel on a wide range of matters, including litigation, labor and employment, student civil rights, special education, procurement, contracts, transactions, and land use.
• Represent the Board, CEO, and employees in federal/state courts and administrative hearings.
• Respond to complaints and investigations from government agencies.
• Negotiate settlements and resolutions of legal matters.
• Coordinate responses to public information requests and subpoenas.
• Conduct legal research and draft opinions.
• Advise on federal and state legislation affecting the school system.
• Review policies, regulations, contracts, and other documents.
• Anticipate legal issues and provide strategic guidance.
• Stay current on relevant laws, regulations, and case law.
• Provide legal updates and training to staff.
• Support school-based staff on custody and other legal matters.
• Promote compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies.

Additional Functions (Senior Counsel)

• Lead legal services in designated practice areas.
• Supervise Assistant and Associate Counsel and support staff.
• Manage outside counsel and coordinate legal projects.
• Participate in cross-functional teams and provide leadership support to the Chief Legal Officer.

Maximum Salary 150044.00

Minimum Salary 87963.00

Desired Qualifications

• Assistant Counsel
  • Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
  • 1-2 years of legal experience preferred.
  • Maryland State Bar membership is highly preferred.
  • Interest or experience in one or more legal practice areas.

Hiring Range - ($87,963 - $122,815)

• Associate Counsel
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• Maryland State Bar membership is highly preferred.
• Expertise in one or more legal practice areas.

Hiring Range - ($98,972 - $138,185)

• Senior Counsel
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• Maryland State Bar membership is highly preferred.
• Documented management/supervisory experience.
• Experience managing large-scale legal projects.

Hiring Range - ($118,909 - $166,022)

All Levels

• Strong oral and written communication.
• Excellent legal research and policy interpretation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal case management systems.

Full time or Part time Full time

Benefits -- This position is eligible for benefits. To review the available options please see the information relevant to the union for this position by viewing the following link: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org

Baltimore City Public Schools ("City Schools") does not discriminate in its employment, programs, and activities based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy or parenting status, family structure, ability (cognitive, social/emotional, and physical), veteran status, genetic information, age, immigration or citizenship status, socioeconomic status, language, or any other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations. Discrimination undermines our community's long-standing efforts to create, foster, and promote equity and inclusion for all. Some examples of discrimination include acts of hate, violence, harassment, bullying, or retaliation. For more information, see Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners Policies JBA (Nondiscrimination - Students), JBB (Sex-Based Discrimination - Students), JICK (Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation of Students), ACA (Nondiscrimination - Employees and Third Parties), ACB (Sexual Harassment - Employees and Third Parties), ACD (ADA Reasonable Accommodations), and ADA (Equity), and the accompanying City Schools Administrative Regulations. City Schools also provides equal access to the Boy and Girl Scouts and other designated youth groups. Link to Full Nondiscrimination Notice.

This position is not affiliated with a bargaining union.

This position is affiliated with the City Retirement Plan.

In accor dance with Maryland law, City School is required to share the position salary ranges in its entirety. Please note, this is not the hiring range. The hiring range for this position is ($87,963 - $122,815).