] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL

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Associate General Counsel

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Associate General Counsel CODE: 0493 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Associate General Counsel GRADE: Q MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the direction of the General Counsel, this position is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, managing, and administering the development and/or revision of all board policies and administrative regulations, as well as overseeing and providing legal services in other key legal practice areas of the Office of the General Counsel and supporting the effective operation of the Office of General Counsel. Major responsibilities include managing litigation or other legal projects assigned to outside Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) counsel and providing consultation with such counsel; making presentations to the Board of Education of Montgomery County and other stakeholders; representing the Board of Education in federal or state courts or in administrative hearings; participating in or handling litigation cases as required; conducting settlement negotiations; drafting opinions and providing opinions and advice on a daily basis; and providing in-service training for staff, as requested.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of and ability to analyze and interpret state and federal laws and regulations related to education, as well as extensive knowledge, of legal principles and their application, and expertise in education law including student rights. Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in assessing, interpreting, and resolving complex problems/situations. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, as well as excellent skills in legal research and in presenting, explaining, and defending policies and procedures. Thorough understanding of public school operations and knowledge of legal research and case law that may impact the school system. Excellent skills in managing litigation in state or federal courts or before administrative agencies; negotiating settlements which accommodate conflicting interests and viewpoints; and in presenting, explaining, and defending policies, procedures, and legal issues, both orally and in writing. Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with MCPS employees and managers at all levels, as well as external attorneys and law firms, parents, government leaders, and community stakeholders. Ability to interact with diverse constituencies and convey complicated information with tact and diplomacy. Ability to multi-task, prioritize changing assignments, and organize busy work load, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure, while exercising excellent attention to detail.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Possession of a juris doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law preferred, including recent progressively more responsible professional experience in educational and public litigation and administrative law, preferably in the public sector; as well as experience in one or more of the legal practice areas of the Office of General Counsel, such as special education, employment, policy development, student rights, and/or contracts and procurement. Extensive experience in managing large-scale projects that require substantial interaction within all levels of an organization and community stakeholders. Successful experience with management and supervisory responsibilities, preferably in a legal setting. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Membership in or eligible for the Maryland State Bar.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or ability associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the core job elements.)

Develops and manages revisions to and codification of policies and regulations, as well as district-wide handbooks and guidance documents in collaboration with the Board¿s Policy Management Committee and Board staff.

Presents policies to the Board of Education for Tentative and Final action regularly.

Collaborates with school, central office, and community-based stakeholders and employee association representatives regarding the development, revisions, updating, and revisions of policies and regulations, as well as district-wide handbooks and guidance documents, to ensure that all interests are considered and reflected as appropriate.

Trains administrators, principals, office and school-based staff on the implementation of MCPS policies and regulations, as well as state and federal regulations.

Administers systemwide forms management and control program that ensures accurate data collection, consistent with the districts focus on data-driven monitoring and accountability.

Administers systemwide compliance with subpoenas and other legal requests for information.

As Charter School Liaison, serves as a primary point of contact for MSDE reporting requirements; responds to questions from members of the public or potential Charter School applicants; provides technical assistance to potential Charter School applicants; and, attends regular MSDE meetings of Charter School Liaisons.

Oversees the MCPS charter school application process which includes conducting technical training sessions with potential applicants; convening a panel of content experts to review the applications and general oversight of the application review process.

Oversees and provides legal services for one or more of the legal practice areas of the Office of the General Counsel..

Manages litigation and other legal projects assigned to outside MCPS counsel and serves as the liaison with such counsel to coordinate their activities in a cost-effective manner.

Represents the school district in federal or state courts or in administrative hearings by participating in or handling litigation cases as required.

Represents the interests of the school system in negotiating between parties in certain settlements, the conduct of trial and hearings at the level of original jurisdiction or on appeal; and other court or hearing appearances.

Drafts opinions and provides opinions and advice on a daily basis.

Reviews and/or prepares pleadings, trial, and appellate briefs

Conducts research of legal questions and issues, interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations and drafting legal opinions, policies, and other legal position papers which promote the interests of the school system.

Confers with MCPS administrators and employees and provides legal advice on a wide variety of matters.

Provides advice regarding federal and state legislation of concern to the school system. Provides legal review for regulations, agreements, materials, and other document.

Proactively anticipates legal issues relevant to decision making.

Provides updates on relevant legal decisions or regulations which are likely to impact MCPS policy or practice, any federal or state legislation which may require changes in existing policy or practice, as well as any court or administrative decisions.

Prepares and reviews contracts, leases, and other legal documents.

Develops and conducts appropriate in-service activities and trainings for staff on education law, legal interpretations and related areas.

Provides supervision, as designated by the General Counsel, for staff in the Office of the General Counsel.

Leads and/or participates in numerous system-wide cross-functional teams to provide legal counsel and expert input.

Provides direct support to school based staff on legal matters.

Provides leadership support to the General Counsel in ensuring effective operation of the Office of General Counsel.

Understands and applies the principles of the 3 MCPS Professional Growth Systems and performance evaluation for employees.

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Class Established: 9/90
Date(s) Revised: 9/93, 11/95,11/2016, 5/2019
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.