Executive Legal Assistant SY 2025-26 (NBOE)

Executive Legal Assistant

The Superintendent invites qualified and interested persons to apply for the position of Executive Legal Assistant within the Office of the General Counsel. To assist and provide a range of legal support and administration to school attorneys and other legal professionals engaged in ensuring district compliance with school law.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college required.
• Certificate in paralegal studies or equivalent experience.
• Five (5) to Ten (10) years of experience in the capacity of a legal assistant to an executive or administrative official in a public or private organization.
• Extensive knowledge of school legal principles and practices. Extensive knowledge of legal research techniques.
• Superb computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint).
• Criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position.
• Current residency in New Jersey, approved residency waiver or candidate agrees to obtain residency within one (1) year of employment.

Basic Functions and Responsibilities:

• Serve as confidential assistant to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel.
• Assist in managing operations of the Office of General Counsel, including: proactively manage administrative support, manage office functions, equipment, and supplies, assist in budget preparation and monitoring, provide direction and assistance as needed to the Department coordinator/clerk.
• Assist in monitoring and coordinating services of outside counsel, including: prepare and maintain professional services contracts, assign matters to outside counsel as directed, respond to inquiries and requests from outside counsel; act as liaison between outside counsel and district staff in investigations, discovery, witness, coordination, scheduling, etc., monitor outside counsel fees and costs; attend to invoices and accounts payable.
• Perform legal and factual research.
• Identify relevant judicial decisions, statutes, legal articles, codes and other pertinent material related to public school operations.
• Organize and analyze information, cross-check and validate information.
• Assist attorneys in monitoring calendars; meeting deadlines; documenting actions; confirming case status.
• Perform records research and assist in the maintenance, management and legal destruction of District records in accordance with New Jersey State Records Retention Schedules.
• Review and monitor new and updated education laws and regulations, important commissioner and court decisions and prepare District policy revisions and updates as necessary for attorney review.
• Draft legal documents including pleadings, appeals, negotiated agreements and legal memoranda.
• Help prepare legal arguments, applications, declarations and District motions.
• Help maintain student and personnel records as required to ensure appropriate compliance with the confidentiality rights of students and personnel.
• Prepare correspondence.
• Check and edit legal forms and documents for accuracy.
• Build and maintain databases and files.
• Organize and track case files.
• Respond to inquiries and requests of the Superintendent and district administrators.
• Assist in preparation of materials for training and professional development programs.
• Upon request, assume responsibility for district functions, such as: Custodian of Public Records, Section 504 Coordinator, Assistant Board Secretary.
• Upon request, attend meetings of the Board of Education and Board committees.
• Participate in district initiatives and complete special projects at the direction of the Superintendent and/or General Counsel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Excellent problem-solving abilities, including the ability to identify challenges and actively work to find solutions.
• Basic legal research skills.
• Trustworthiness and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Personal and professional integrity.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of operational best practices.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Reports To: General Counsel

Salary: $90,000 - $130,000

Employment Period: Twelve (12) Months

Union Affiliation: Unaffiliated

In an effort to attract and retain staff, NBOE offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits for all full-time staff. Offerings include Medical and Prescription Drug plans, employer-paid Dental and Vision coverage, an array of Wellness and Voluntary benefits programs, and paid time off; all employees receive paid Personal and Sick days, as well as Vacation days for 12-month employees.

Opening Date: January 22, 2026

Closing Date: February 4, 2026 or until filled

The Newark Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Newark Board of Education