Attorney, Director of Legal Services

Attorney, Director of Legal Services – California Salary Range: $165,000 – $175,000 annually, DOE Eligible for annual performance-based bonus About Academica Academica is one of the nation’s leading education service organizations, providing management and operational support services to public charter schools across the western United States. Our California schools serve thousands of students and families, and the legal landscape of charter school operations requires knowledgeable and responsive legal support. Academica is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Director of Legal Services for our California operations. Position Overview The Director of Legal Services serves as Academica’s internal legal resource for California operations, providing guidance and support across a broad range of legal, regulatory, employment, governance, and compliance matters. This role works closely with school leadership, HR, finance, and executive leadership to ensure organizational operations, policies, and decisions are legally sound and aligned with California law and charter school regulations. The ideal candidate understands the collaborative relationship between Academica and independent charter school governing boards and is comfortable coordinating with outside counsel when appropriate. Key Responsibilities Education Law & Regulatory Compliance Monitor and interpret California and federal legislation affecting charter school operations Advise leadership on education law, charter school policy, and compliance requirements Coordinate with school board counsel and regulatory agencies as needed Litigation & Legal Coordination Manage legal matters involving Academica California operations Coordinate with outside counsel and school board counsel on legal proceedings and disputes Maintain awareness of legal matters that may impact organizational operations Student Due Process & Special Education Provide guidance regarding student discipline, due process, IDEA, Section 504, and compliance obligations Coordinate with school board counsel on hearings, complaints, and appeals Serve as an internal legal resource on employment law matters, investigations, HR compliance, and personnel issues Advise on California labor law, FMLA, ADA accommodations, and workers’ compensation matters Support HR with employment policies, handbooks, and agreements Board Governance & Contracts Support schools and leadership regarding governance matters and compliance requirements Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements Maintain legal entity compliance and organizational records Organizational Leadership Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on legal and risk management matters Develop policies and procedures that proactively reduce organizational risk Build collaborative relationships with school board counsel and operational leadership teams Qualifications Required J.D. from an accredited law school Active California State Bar license in good standing Minimum five years of legal practice experience Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously Collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset Preferred Experience with charter school law, governance, or education law Familiarity with California education legislation and regulatory agencies Experience with student due process, employment law, or special education law Experience with contracts, governance, and organizational legal operations Competitive salary and annual performance bonus eligibility Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with employer contribution Generous paid time off and paid holidays Bar dues, CLE, and professional development support Opportunity to support high-performing schools serving students throughout California This is a full-time, in-person position based in California. Some travel between school sites and occasional regional travel may be required. Academica is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr Academica