Legal Counsel

POSITION TITLE: Legal Counsel

FLSA: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

CONTRACT DAYS: Days and benefits will be specified in the employee contract. Contract will be prorated based on the actual start date.

LOCATION: Service Center

QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Member of the Arkansas Bar in good standing and authorized to practice law in the state of Arkansas.
• Five years of successful experience practicing law, with a preference for experience in education law, employment law, and/or related fields.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local education laws and regulations.
• Negotiation and litigation skills.

DISTRICT VALUES

• We will always put student needs first.
• We believe relationships matter.
• We expect accountability.
• We operate with transparency.
• We prioritize student and staff safety.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides legal advice and counsel to the school board, superintendent, and other administrators on a wide range of legal issues.
• Represents administration in due process hearings, grievance hearings, and School Board administrative procedures to ensure all laws, policies, and regulations are followed or coordinated with outside counsel representing the district in such matters.
• Provides legal assistance in the drafting of legal documents, contracts, resolutions, applications, and all other legal papers upon request.
• Handles disputes, including those related to employment, contracts, special education, student discipline, and other areas.
• Reviews all Freedom of Information Act matters and provides hands-on assistance in the completion of related tasks in a timely manner.
• Provides training to school district staff on legal issues and compliance requirements.
• Ensures the school district's practices comply with EEOC regulations concerning equal employment opportunity, discrimination, and workplace harassment.
• Ensures compliance with OCR regulations related to civil rights in education, including Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, Section 504, and the ADA.
• Coordinates with outside counsel, when necessary, for the purpose of ensuring information and material are available to advise and defend the district.
• Advises the district regarding matters of student discipline involving suspensions, student appeals, compliance with exceptional student education mandates, and certified and classified discipline and terminations to ensure all laws, regulations, and policies are followed.
• Assists in the development and review of school district policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Maintains prompt and regular attendance and demonstrates the ability to maintain positive professional working relationships with others.
• Attends meetings as required.
• Maintains emotional control under stress.
• Possesses the physical stamina and capacity to carry out district requirements.
• Serves on committees as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasional reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending, squatting.
• This position requires onsite, in-person attendance.