Senior Counsel, Student Litigation

Baltimore County Public Schools; Towson (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits program

Flexible spending accounts

Paid holidays and sick days

Job summary

A large school district in Maryland seeks a legal professional to represent them in educational matters. The role involves providing legal services related to student issues, conducting training for school staff, and ensuring compliance with laws affecting students. Candidates must possess a juris doctorate and have experience in education law and litigation. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and collaboration in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Three years of professional experience in the practice of law.
• Experience with legal issues involving students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience with litigation, negotiation, and administrative hearings.

Responsibilities

• Represent the organization in administrative appeals and hearings.
• Coordinate in-service training on procedural safeguards.
• Consult with schools for compliance with laws and regulations.

Skills

Legal research

Litigation

Mediation

Negotiation

Communication skills

Education

Juris doctorate degree

Tools

Westlaw

Lexis‑Nexis

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Under general supervision, represents Baltimore County Public Schools in matters regarding administrative appeals of student‑related matters, including student discipline, assignment, magnet school admissions, grades, homeless status, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Provides a variety of professional legal services as directed by the Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Represents the Baltimore County Public Schools before board-appointed hearing examiners and the local Board of Education in matters concerning homeless education, magnet school admission, student suspension and expulsion, student transfer, and residency.
• Represents Baltimore County Public Schools in special education mediations and due process hearings. Prepares school staff to participate in mediations and hearings.
• Coordinates and conducts in‑service training related to procedural safeguards and team processes.
• Serves as a consultant to schools to ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding students with disabilities and their parents. Assists teachers and administrators in responding to student and parental concerns.
• Responds to complaints regarding special education and student‑related Section 504 issues. Conducts legal research on issues raised in complaints, formulates legal opinions, and provides advice.
• Represents the Superintendent in administrative hearings, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Possession of a juris doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.
• Three years’ professional experience in the practice of law, including experience with legal issues involving students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience with litigation, negotiation, mediation, and administrative hearings.
• Experience with general education law preferred.

Licenses and Certificates

• Admission to the Bar of Maryland is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skill and ability to use a personal computer, including Microsoft Office.
  • Knowledge of legal research tools (Westlaw, Lexis‑Nexis).
  • Knowledge of Maryland administrative law and the appeal process.
  • Knowledge of statutes and regulations related to education law (IDEA and Section 504).
• Skill in the practice of law and in conducting litigation before administrative agencies and courts.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Skill in developing relationships with school administrators, central office personnel, and teachers.
• Ability to prepare and deliver professional development regarding special education law.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

The work is generally sedentary and performed in an office environment. Duties require travel to schools and facilities throughout Baltimore County, with limited out‑of‑county and out‑of‑state travel.

Conditions of Employment

Person appointed to this class may be required to work evenings, weekends, and beyond their normally scheduled hours with little or no advanced notice.

FLSA

Exempt

Retirement

Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System.

Benefits

BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans. Other benefits include paid holidays, sick and personal days, bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA.

Non‑Discrimination Statement

The Board of Education of Baltimore County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to educational programs or activities. For inquiries regarding the Board’s nondiscrimination policies contact the EEO Officer, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Baltimore County Public Schools, 6901 Charles Street, Building B, Towson, Maryland 21204 (443‑809‑8937).

Application Instructions

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Information on your resume and application must match.
• Professional references must be submitted. Acceptable references include current and former principals, supervisors, managers, mentor teachers, and university/college supervisors. Personal references from colleagues are not accepted.
• Ensure all periods of employment and unemployment are accounted for. Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section may result in your application not being considered.
• You must attach your unofficial transcript(s) or license(s) to your application if you are applying for a position that requires licensure or certification.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education

• Applicants must submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the application stage. Official transcripts must be provided only after acceptance of a contingent offer.
• Failure to submit proof may result in your application not being considered.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

• Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States must submit degree equivalence documentation from an MSDE‑approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agency.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

• All employees are required to be fingerprinted and to have a criminal background investigation completed. The fee for fingerprinting is $109.
• Applicants must provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US.
• Applicants with military experience should provide a copy of DD‑214.
• Official transcripts will be required upon hire and must be sent via e‑script/clearinghouse from the university.
• Some positions may require a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• All newly hired personnel must attend a Benefits and Retirement Orientation meeting.
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.

Contact Information

Susan Stansbury, Director Staffing & Licensure

443‑809‑7874

[e-mail]

About Us

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is the 22nd largest school district in the nation and the 3rd largest in Maryland, supporting over 111,000 students with more than 21,000 employees. BCPS has 26 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, 23 National Blue Ribbon schools, 32 magnet schools, and 116 magnet programs. BCPS strives to inspire, support, and prepare students for a successful future through collaboration and empowerment.