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Assistant General Counsel SPED

Employer
Chicago Public Schools - CPS
Location
Chicago, IL, US
Salary
Competitive

Job Details

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States, serving over 360,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission we make three commitments to our students, their families and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership and continuous learning.

CPS is seeking a motivated, dynamic, team-oriented attorney to join the School Law Unit as Assistant General Counsel-SPED. Candidates must have excellent analytical skills and judgment, and the ability to work both independently as well as collaboratively in a high volume, fast-paced environment. This Assistant General Counsel will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy General Counsel, Assistant Deputy General Counsel, Senior Assistant General Counsel and will be responsible for advising school based administrators on special education matters.

T he Assistant General Counsel will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

Typical Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Represent the Chicago Public Schools in special education due process hearings by investigating the merit of a case, submitting the legally required complaint response, participating in legally required resolution sessions, preparing documentary and witness based evidence for hearings, participating in pre-hearing and related conferences, and submitting oral and/or written arguments;

  • Represent the Chicago Public Schools in Illinois State Board of Education mediations, informally mediate disputes, and formally respond to State Complaints filed by parents and staff;

  • Providing expert and well-managed legal services related to Special Education, attending IEP conferences, coordinating the implementation of hearing orders, mediation and settlement agreements with Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services and local school staff;

  • Conduct and support training regarding Due Process Complaints, Mediation Requests, 504 matters, and general special education legal concerns;

  • Prepare and conduct due process hearings for school restructuring, enrollment fraud, and local school council eligibility; and

  • Assist with special projects related to cross-functional work and new initiatives.



In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Assistant General Counsel must possess the following qualifications:

Type of Education Required :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Licensed and authorized to practice law in the state of Illinois.

Type of Experience and Number of Years :

  • At least 2+ years of legal practice required.

  • Knowledge of the Illinois School Code and special education regulations.

  • Knowledge of IDEA, ADA, and other laws supporting individuals with disabilities



Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

  • Exceptional advocacy, analytical, oral and written communication skills;

  • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment to resolve issues and make effective decisions;

  • Strong work ethic, integrity, sound judgment, initiative, and strategic thinking skills;

  • Organizational skills and ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously under pressure;

  • Demonstrated ability to take ownership and solve problems; and

  • Problem solver able to expeditiously assess issues and provide sound legal advice.



Residency Requirement:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and must maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.

Please submit cover letter, resume, and three references.

Company

Chicago Public Schools is truly a district on the rise. The last five years have been an unprecedented success for CPS, and during that time, our district has emerged as a beacon of what is achievable for large urban school districts across the country. Our mission is to provide a high-quality public education for every child, in every neighborhood, that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.

Company info
Telephone
773-553-1000
Location
42 W Madison St
Chicago
IL
60602
US

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