Senior Legal Counsel - Litigation and Human Resources

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Senior Legal Counsel - Litigation and Human Resources
The candidate will provide professional interpretations and recommendations to assigned management personnel, administrators and staff in order to respond to current or potential litigation, claims and complaints, to plan preventative measures, and to serve as a resource for decisions affecting policies and procedures; acts as an advisor in meetings which include legal matters, to assist in management decision making to ensure maximum protection of the district’s legal rights. Will Provide technical legal expertise, information and assistance to assigned departments, the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools; assist in the formulation and development of policies, procedures and programs to assure legal compliance; advise assigned departments, District General Counsel, the Board of Education and the Superintendent of unusual trends or problems and recommend appropriate corrective action. Represent the district in legal proceedings, including initiating legal action and defending the district in legal action initiated against it; work with outside counsel as assigned to assist in representing the district’s interests in litigation, including controlling fees and costs and advising on strategy and settlement. Work collaboratively with the Senior Director of Employee and Labor Relations to build and maintain an effective working relationships with union representatives. Provide ongoing training to management and administrators on legal issues, laws and best practices on a wide range of subjects; identifies areas of concern that need to be shared with a broader audience, which may include acting as a staff development instructor for classes, giving presentations to groups within a department or division and/or writing articles or preparing publications on legal issues. Investigate complaints, interview appropriate parties, issue findings, recommend corrective actions and/or negotiate resolution as authorized. Assist in providing legal assistance in drafting of State legislation proposed by the District for presentation to the Oregon State Legislature; interpret the impact of legislation on the interests of the District as such legislation is being considered by the legislature. Draft and review written policies and procedures; draft and review contracts and provisions; review documents, research legal issues; prepare legal documents; write responses to and verbally respond to requests for legal advice on a wide variety of legal issues; provide interpretation of written policies and regulations to ensure proper application when converted to procedures. Advise the Superintendent and Board on annual teacher and administrator non-renewals and non-extensions. Represent the district in appeals to the Board of non-renewals and teacher terminations. Review and update Human Resources policies and administrative directives to ensure compliance with federal and state law, and incorporation of best practices. Work as a team with assigned legal office staff and outside counsel to respond to legal inquiries and to prepare for legal actions. Serve as an advisor to the Board of Education, management and administrators to respond to complaints, disputes, claims, lawsuits, injunctions, and a variety of legal issues. Provide guidance on employee discipline and termination cases to ensure compliance with legal requirements to minimize district risk. Work closely with district supervisors and Human Resource performance managers in developing plans of assistance and progressive discipline. Provide interpretation support of various collective bargaining agreements to the Senior Director of Employee and Labor Relations. Advise the Human Resources department and other departments on a wide variety of legal matters involving employment law, including civil rights, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, state and federal leave law (FMLA/ OFLA), fair labor practices and labor contract rights; student discipline, and special education and disability issues. Investigate complaints, interview appropriate parties, issue findings, recommend corrective actions and/or negotiate resolution as authorized. Other duties as assigned Serve on committees; attends meetings; make presentations and conduct training. Maintain knowledge of current trends in laws, affecting area of assignment and public employers; participate in training to enhance professional skills; coordinate with outside agencies to establish working relationships with other professionals engaged in legal arenas of interest to the area of assignment. Perform related duties consistent with scope and intent of the position. Must have Juris doctor degree. Should have 7+ years of experience in the practice of law, including responsible experience as Counsel for an urban public jurisdiction is preferred. Experience in a K-12 public school setting is highly desirable. Must have admission to the Bar of the State of Oregon or ability to be admitted, and admission to practice law before State of Oregon and federal courts or ability to obtain admission. Should have demonstrated ability to bargain, communicate and maintain effective working relationships with union representatives. Must have knowledge of: Principles and practices of civil, administrative and employment law, especially as they relate to public education; Labor and collective bargaining agreements, preferably in a large, complex organization; State and federal court procedures and rules of evidence; Interview techniques, methods and strategies for investigations, arbitration and case preparation; State and federal law and regulation, court decisions and other legal requirements applicable to K-12 operations and personnel. Excellent oral and written communications and presentations required.

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