Senior General Counsel

Seattle Public Schools; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Public Schools is seeking a Senior General Counsel to serve as legal counsel for the District. This role involves advising on employment law, representing the District in legal matters, and supervising the General Counsel’s office staff. Candidates should have a J.D. and significant legal experience, particularly in public education law, to effectively contribute to organizational leadership and compliance.

Benefits

Continuing legal education opportunities

Potential for flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of experience practicing law, especially in education or local government.
• Knowledge of laws/regulations affecting public schools in Washington.
• Strong research and oral/written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Acts as legal counsel to the District, representing in legal proceedings.
• Provides legal advice on employment matters and oversees outside counsel.
• Supervises staff within the General Counsel's Office.

Skills

Labor and employment law

Legal research

Written communications

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

J.D. or L.L.M. degree

Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association

Job description

The Senior General Counsel serves as legal counsel and representative to assigned District managers and their staff;provides expertise in specialized legal areas, including labor and employment law issues; advises District staff on other legal and policy issues; takes a lead role in adversary proceedings involving the District; advises the Superintendent and Board of Directors on legal issues affecting the District; and supervises staff within the General Counsel’s office as assigned.

This position is one of a level of attorney positions within the General Counsel’s office. The Senior General Counsel is expected to exercise sound professional judgment with minimal direction from the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel, based upon experience and practice as a lawyer or in a government position.

60%

• Acts as legal counsel to the District.
• Represents the District in legal proceedings, including litigation and administrative proceedings.

• Provides advice and counsel to Human Resources and other organizational leaders/managers on a broad spectrum of employment matters including wage and hour compliance, discrimination and retaliation claims, family and medical leave laws, ADA compliance, internal investigations, discipline and terminations, collective bargaining agreement interpretation, and grievance procedures.
• Prepares and provides legal advice on employment-related documents such as Human Resource correspondence and agreements (e.g., settlement agreements, disciplinary letters, grievance responses, etc.) and employment-related policies.
• Oversees outside counsel in employment litigation, labor arbitrations and hearings, and unfair labor practice hearings, including participating in settlement negotiations.
• Prepares written opinions and guidance for organizational management and key leaders.
• Maintains current knowledge of changing federal and local laws impacting the organization as an employer and provides legal advice on a wide variety of employment and leave laws.
• Responds to external governmental/agency audits or investigations, including preparing responses to the EEOC and Department of Labor.

25%

• Undertakes lead responsibilities in other legal practice areas of importance to the District, which may include a variety of school law and policy issues.
• Provides legal advice to District management, administrators, and staff to respond to lawsuits and complaints filed with state and federal agencies.
• Advises the Board and District staff on policies and procedures.
• Advises Board directors on legal issues as assigned.
• Performs legal research.
• Drafts and reviews contracts, policies and procedures.

15%

• Supervises staff within the General Counsel’s Office as assigned.

• Supports colleagues and contributes to a positive workplace.
• Contributes to the office’s efficient operation.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Serves on committees as needed.
• Takes a lead role in training District staff.

RELEVANT COMPETENCIES:

Intellectual Acumen
Is intelligent and capable; deals with concepts and complexity comfortably; is good at learning and deciphering new knowledge; able to assimilate new skills independently.

• Demonstrates and is described as someone who is intellectually sharp, agile and capable.
• Handles concepts and complexity comfortably.
• Demonstrates the ability to comfortably shift thinking on a dime.

Time Management
Uses his or her time effectively and efficiently; concentrates his or her efforts on the most important priorities; adeptly handles several tasks at once.

• Focuses his/her efforts on the most important priorities.
• Uses time effectively and efficiently.
• Handles multiple-tasks effectively and efficiently.
• Values other people's time.

Written Communications
Is able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across that instigate appropriate actions.

• Organizes and presents information in writing in a clear and convincing manner.
• Uses appropriate writing style and tailors writing to meet the needs of the audience.
• Uses correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.

DISTRICT-WIDE CORE COMPETENCIES:

Collaboration
Develops cooperation and teamwork while participating in a group, working toward solutions which generally benefit all involved parties.

• Is seen as a team player who encourages efficient and effective collaborations.
• Works skillfully in difficult situations with both internal and external groups.
• Represents his/her own interests while being open-minded to other groups.
• Builds respectful and productive relationships internally and externally.

Getting Results (Action Oriented)
Performs work with energy and drive; values planning, but will take quick, decisive action when an opportunity presents itself.

• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and getting work done.
• Focuses on achieving the goal even in the face of obstacles.
• Assumes responsibility for starting and finishing work with minimal supervision.
• Strives for new levels of performance.

Decision Quality & Problem Solving
Uses analysis, wisdom, experience and logical methods to make good decisions and solve difficult problems with effective solutions; appropriately incorporates multiple inputs to establish shared ownership and effective action.

• Weighs the consequences of options before making a decision.
• Applies appropriate criteria to situations for the purpose of making decisions.
• Displays self-confidence in own judgment.
• Focuses in the facts and solutions instead of opinions and problems.

Integrity
Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; presents truthful information in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn't misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.

• Deals with people and situations in an honest and forthright manner.
• Represents information and data accurately and completely.
• Represents the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others.
• Takes ownership if a mistake is their own and does not blame others.

Accountability
Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely and cost-effective results; determines objectives, sets priorities and delegates work; accepts responsibility for mistakes; complies with established control systems and rules.

• Takes responsibility and action as if the risks (financial or otherwise) are his or her own.
• Holds individuals and team accountable for their actions and results.
• Initiates action even if outcome is uncertain and is willing to accept the consequences of failure.
• Aligns own activities and priorities to meet broader organizational needs.
• Demonstrates courage and confidence in his or her own ability.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of legal and compliance issues affecting the District.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations affecting public schools and other local government entities in Washington.
• Collaborative problem-solving skills.
• Strong research skills.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to think logically and creatively.
• May occasionally deal with distraught or difficult individuals.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District management and staff, students, parents/guardians, outside agencies and the public in a multicultural community.

OTHER FACTORS:

• Occasional travel may be required.
• Attend evening and weekend meetings as needed.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Six (6) years of experience practicing law or working in education or local government; J.D. or L.L.M. degree, or an equivalent of education and experience.

Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work will be considered.

DESIRED CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:
Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association; Valid Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING:
Satisfaction of continuing legal education requirements/reporting every three years.

CLEARANCES:
Criminal Justice fingerprint and background check