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Assistant General Counsel (Right to Know Law/School Law)

Employer
The School District of Philadelphia
Location
Philadelphia, PA, US
Salary
Competitive

View more

Job Category
Administrator, Legal

Job Details

Assistant General Counsel (Right to Know Law/School Law)
OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
440 N. BROAD STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19130

Central Office

Job Number: 4600166516

Start Date:

Open Date: 11/02/2018

Closing Date:

Job Summary
Provides legal advice and representation to the Board of Education and the School District of Philadelphia and its employees on a wide array of legal issues. Works under the supervision of the General Counsel and the Deputy General Counsel, Ethics and Compliance, and focuses on Right to Know Law, Sunshine Act, school law, investigations, and compliance, with crossover to support torts and claims, civil rights, labor and employment, litigation, and other matters as needed. The Office of General Counsel handles a diverse and challenging array of legal issues and provides ongoing learning opportunities.
Essential Functions
  • Defends the District in federal and state courts, administrative tribunals, and hearing officer proceedings, from matter initiation, through motion practice, discovery, settlement negotiations, hearings, trial, and appeals; matters are primarily handled within the Office of General Counsel (OGC), with outside counsel retained and overseen by OGC attorneys as appropriate for certain types of matters and based on need.
  • Reviews requests for records, advises departments and offices throughout the District concerning search, compilation, and maintenance of records.
  • Prepares written responses to requests within the time established by law, responds to appeals to the Office of Open Records, and handles all aspects of appeals to court from Final Determinations of the Office of Open Records.
  • Provides day-to-day legal advice to departments, schools and offices on legal issues related to records retention.
  • Handles legal issues involving students including first amendment rights, FERPA, student activities and permissible uses of District data and facilities.
  • Represents the School District in response to Office for Civil Rights complaints and Investigations.
  • Coordinates with various departments and offices in developing policies and procedures, as assigned.
  • Assists with the claims process to collect and analyze data for purposes of risk mitigation.
  • Performs other duties as requested and assigned by General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, the Superintendent, and the Board of Education.
  • Assists in development and implementation of policies, practices, procedures, and training through committee participation, training sessions, continuing legal education, presentations, and data analysis and data-driven decision-making.
  • Proactively anticipates client needs and works to maximize efficiency.
  • Advises on risk management, fact-finding, investigations, issue identification, and resolution.
  • Advises District governance, leadership, and program offices.
  • Participates in evaluation and development of improvement in systems, personnel, and procedures in the OGC and other offices as appropriate.
  • Interacts professionally and respectfully with District personnel, District partners, parents and guardians, representatives of other governmental and social services entities, contractors, for profit and not-for-profit entities, opposing counsel, and advocacy groups.
  • Maintains the utmost confidentiality and protects information from improper disclosure.
Minimum Requirements
  • Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
  • Three years of full-time, paid experience in a law firm, non-profit or government legal department, other in-house legal department, or in a judicial clerkship.
  • Experience working in an education-related field a strong plus.
  • All work experience related to the position must be included on the resume.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • state and federal statutory, regulatory, and common law particularly as they relate to functions of the School District.
  • judicial proceedings and rules of evidence as related to the area of specialization.
  • principles, practices, methods, and techniques of legal research.
  • uses and capabilities of personal computers and software applications including word processing, database management, and spreadsheets.
Demonstrated ability to :
  • analyze, organize, and evaluate evidence and procedures involving difficult and complex cases and to present such material in clear and logical form for verbal and written presentation.
  • juggle a substantial workload and use judgment in prioritizing matters.
  • maintain flexibility in work hours and for high-peak work flow.
  • cooperate and collaborate with office colleagues and District clients.
  • accept responsibilities and opportunities, including those outside of the area of specialty.
  • adapt to new or different ways of doing things.
  • analyze legal documents and instruments.
  • draft legal instruments and propose legislation.
  • negotiate terms and conditions successfully, including resolution of contested cases.
  • exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
  • handle multiple concurrent tasks.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Certificates/Licenses
  • Certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and active member in good standing - or - eligible for admission to the Pennsylvania Bar within six months of employment, without the need for paid time off for that purpose, and an active member in good standing and currently licensed to practice law in another state. Applicants must be in compliance with the most recently completed twelve-month Continuing Legal Education compliance period as of the date of employment.


Additional Job Information: This is a non-represented position. The salary grade is 4030.

Interviews may be conducted to determine how well a candidate meets the established criteria. Please note that not all qualified candidates may be selected for an interview.

Company

In classrooms across the city, teachers are changing lives. They are enriching students with experiences, skills, and knowledge that will help them to grow, achieve, and succeed. With their fellow teachers, principals, administrators, and leadership, SDP teachers are part of the District’s progress that includes increasing test scores and graduation rates, two 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools, and a multi-million dollar commitment to improving school facilities.

If you have a passion for making a difference in the classroom and in the community, we want you on our team. We offer the opportunity to work in a diverse district with students and families who believe in the power of a great public education. You will work with professionals who share your commitment to young people and want to join you in changing tomorrow. A competitive compensation package, professional development, and career advancement await you. More importantly, so do students looking to excel.

Teach Today. Change Tomorrow. Apply to Teach in Philly Now at www.teachinphilly.com 

Company info
Website
Telephone
2154004600
Location
440 N. Broad St.
Suite 222
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
19130
US

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