General Counsel, Exempt RB #25-558

BOARD OF EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202

RECRUITMENT BULLETIN RB#25-558

GENERAL COUNSEL - EXEMPT

DATE: June 3rd, 2026

BUFFALO BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY

Civil Service Residency Requirements will apply - must be a resident of the City of Buffalo. (The City of Buffalo Civil Service does not require residency within the City of Buffalo for Native Americans. The City of Buffalo Civil Service does require tribal enrollment or community recognition as a Native American)

POSITION

General Counsel; Exempt

SALARY

Per Contractual Agreement up to $185,000/year

LOCATION

City Hall – Buffalo, NY 14202

APPLICATION

CANDIDATES FOR THIS POSITION SHOULD COMPLETE AN APPLICATION AVAILABLE ONLINE AT Applications successfully received will generate a confirmation email to the account listed on the application. If you do not receive a confirmation email, we cannot guarantee that your application was received. You must submit an application until you receive a confirmation email.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The Legal Counsel to the School District renders legal advice and counsel to the Superintendent of Schools and executive staff. The incumbent is responsible for planning, organizing and conducting reviews and analyses of day-to-day legal problems, cases and legislative proposals. The incumbent is the liaison to any outside legal counsel providing legal services for the school district and the Corporation Counsel for the City of Buffalo. The incumbent may confer with the Corporation Counsel on legal matters. The incumbent may supervise a staff of attorneys, clerical staff and other support staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Renders legal advice and counsel to the Superintendent of Schools and executive staff;
• Advises principals and other administrative staff, where necessary and appropriate;
• Provides advice and counsel to the Board of Education where appropriate;
• Provides consultation and written memoranda about application of district policies and procedures to situations at all levels of operations;
• Represents the Superintendent of Schools and/or the Board of Education before administrative agencies, or in court;
• Establish, publicize and participate in implementation of systems and strategies to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies.
• Ensures that the roles and responsibilities of all legal counsel are implemented in accordance with the school system’s policies and procedures;
• Formulate research and suggest amendments to Board of Education policies with legal implications pertinent to all aspects of district operations.
• Advises school based and central office staff in student disciplinary matters;
• Investigate and research emerging issues and legislation with legal and/or policy implications and advise the Superintendent and Board of Education, ensuring a high level of confidentiality;
• Develops legal strategies for district departments and groups as needed to ensure timely, complete provision of legal advice;
• Ensures that all managers and supervisors comply with applicable laws, policies and negotiated agreements;
• Analyzes and establishes training programs to promote compliance with applicable policies and procedures;
• Coordinates the advice sought by the administration from the Corporation Counsel and/or outside counsel;
• Conducts legal research of statutes, decisions, opinions and other legal sources in order to respond, both orally and in writing, to requests for legal decisions and opinions;
• Investigates and researches requests and inquiries from department staff and prepares legal decisions and opinions;
• consults with department personnel regularly;
• Interprets pertinent laws, rules, regulations, procedures, etc;
• Represents the District in all stages of adversary proceedings, including labor grievances, civil rights complaints, appeals to the Board of Education and State Board of Education matters;
• Assists staff in the preparation of disciplinary cases and represents the school district in those matters;
• Represents the District in administrative and judicial proceedings regarding students’ rights under federal and state laws concerning Students with Disabilities;
• Prepares and presents arguments at judicial and administrative proceedings, prepares findings, orders or decisions in areas ranging from employee disciplinary actions to compliance with statutory regulations;
• Tries discipline and other matters by preparing opening statements and summations, arguing motions, examining witnesses, consulting with parties to the proceeding, examining evidence, preparing briefs, negotiating settlements, preparing appeals and advising superiors;
• Negotiates and prepares various legal documents, i.e. contracts, agreements and other legal instruments, with outside parties;
• Reviews and responds to subpoenas and information requests from the public and other government agencies;
• Performs related legal services as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five years of full-time experience in the practice of education and/or public employment/labor law, after graduation from a recognized Law School.
• Possession of Juris Doctor Degree from a recognized Law School;
• Possession of a current license to practice law in New York State or eligible for license in New York State;
• Admission to practice law in any United States District Court;

NOTE

Verifiable part-time experience will be pro-rated to meet full-tile experience requirements. Proof of all the above must be presented at time of appointment.

APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be made by the Board of Education upon the recommendation of the Superintendent following the assessment of training, experience, credentials, evaluation of service, program needs, and personal interview.

SALARY

BY CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT

APPROVED

The Buffalo Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, religious practice, national origin, ethnic group, sex (including sexual harassment and sexual violence), gender identity, sexual orientation (the term "sexual orientation" means heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or asexuality ), political affiliation, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability, weight, domestic violence victim status, arrest or conviction record, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by New York state and/or federal non-discrimination laws in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the District's non-discrimination policies should be directed to View email address on click.appcast.io or to: Tami Hollie McGee, Chief of Human Resources 719 City Hall Buffalo, NY 14202 View phone number on click.appcast.io