| Under general administrative direction of the Associate
Superintendent for Instruction and Program Development,
is responsible for- planning, developing, implementing,
and administering legal services for the Department
of Special Education Programs and Services. Major responsibilities
include managing special education cases in which parents
have retained counsel by assigning cases to outside
MCPS counsel and providing consultation services to
such counsel; representing MCPS in special education
administrative hearings; participating in or handling
special education litigation cases as required; conducting
settlement negotiations; analyzing attorney fee requests;
drafting opinions and providing opinions and advice
on a daily basis; and providing in-service training
for staff, as requested.
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| Thorough knowledge of the provisions of federal and
state special education law. Knowledge of school system
functions and organizations. Knowledge of special education
case law and proposed special education legislation.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships with MCPS employees and managers and external
attorneys and law firms. Skill in planning, developing,
implementing and administering a legal services program
dealing with special education issues and cases. Skill
in negotiating settlements which accommodate conflicting
interests and viewpoints concerning special education
due process issues. Excellent human relations skills.
Excellent skills in presenting, explaining, and defending
policies, procedures, and legal issues, both orally
and in writing.
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| Graduation from an accredited university school of
law. Minimum of five years experience as an attorney,
preferably in special education. Management or supervisory
experience in a legal setting desirable. 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. |
| Membership in the Maryland State Bar. |
| (Special requirements such
as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None |
| (Frequent overtime
or night work required, etc.) Ability to work evenings and weekends as required. |
|
Plans, develops, implements, coordinates, and monitors
a program that provides special education legal services
management and counsel to the Superintendent, Board
of Education, and all MCPS organizational units.
Handles recurring and less complex special education
legal matters and recommends which legal matters, such
as new issues or complicated cases, should be referred
to specialized external counsel.
Serves as the principal liaison with the general and
specialized external counsel on special education cases
and coordinates activities with them.
Interprets laws and legal requirements; and reviews
special education policies, procedures and regulations.
Writes legal position papers.
Confers with MCPS administrators and management and
provides legal advice on a wide variety of special education
matters.
Researches legal questions and problems and writes
legal opinions.
Serves as legal, liaison with contracted attorneys
representing MCPS in due process hearings.
Develops and conducts appropriate in-service activities
on special education laws, legal interpretations and
related areas.
Performs other related work as required.
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