FY 27: Legal Director for Litigation and Employment

Job Description - FY 27: Legal Director for Litigation and Employment (2600605) Job Description FY 27: Legal Director for Litigation and Employment Job Specific Information : This position is responsible for providing leadership, oversight and legal counsel for a wide variety of matters, including, but not limited, to litigation civil rights, employment, labor, students' rights and tort law. The legal director will manage litigation matters assigned to external counsel and the office of the county attorney and will lead in the defense or initiation of legal action before examiners, ALJs, arbitrators, agencies and state and federal courts, and oversee responses to subpoena, public information and discovery requests.The wage range for this position is between $151,715 and $215,987. MCPS Official Job Description Summary Description: Under the direction of the General Counsel, leads work in various practice areas; supervises assistant general counsel and supporting staff members; provides oversight, guidance and supervision of assistant general counsel as well as other office staff. Assists in the development and implementation of the departmental strategic plan aligned with the school system's strategic plan, reviews and supports the Office of the General Counsel work plans. Serves as legal advisor; supports and provides updates and recommendations to general counsel. Collaborates with stakeholders, supports the implementation of a positive work environment and has high expectations for achievement. This position is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, managing, and administering legal services for one or more of the principal legal functions of the Office of the General Counsel, such as operations and litigation, employment, student civil rights, special education, procurement and contracts, and land use. Depending on the assigned legal function, major responsibilities include managing litigation or other legal projects assigned to outside counsel for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) counsel and providing consultation with such counsel; representing the Board of Education of Montgomery County in federal or state courts or in administrative hearings; participating in or handling litigation cases as required; conducting settlement negotiations; drafting opinions and providing opinions and advice on a daily basis; and providing in-service training for staff, as requested. Proactively anticipates legal issues relevant to decision making, and identifies legal matters with significant policy or administrative implications. Supports and assists in the review of key initiatives by the Board and the school district, and offers advice on legal opportunities to promote equity and excellence in the district's work, as well as continued enhancements to promote organizational and operational excellence.Physical Demands:NoneSpecial Requirements:Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed. Knowledge Skills Abilities: Thorough knowledge of legal principles and their application, and expertise in one or more of the following areas of legal practice: education law including student rights, special education, civil rights, development of policies and regulations, employment law, litigation, procurement, land use, local government, tort and/or contract law. Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in assessing, interpreting, and resolving complex problems/situations. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, as well as excellent skills in legal research and in presenting, explaining, and defending policies and procedures. Thorough understanding of public school operations and knowledge of legal research and case law that may impact the school system. Excellent skills in managing litigation in state or federal courts or before administrative agencies; negotiating settlements which accommodate conflicting interests and viewpoints; and in presenting, explaining, and defending policies, procedures, and legal issues, both orally and in writing. Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with MCPS employees and managers at all levels, as well as external attorneys and law firms, parents, government leaders, and community stakeholders. Ability to interact with diverse constituencies and convey complicated information with tact and diplomacy. Ability to multi-task, prioritizes changing assignments, and organize busy work load, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure, while exercising excellent attention to detail. Education Training Experience: Possession of a juris doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in the practice of law preferred, including recent progressively more responsible professional experience in educational and public litigation and administrative law, preferably in the public sector, as well as experience in one or more of the legal practice areas of the Office of General Counsel, such as special education, employment, policy development, student rights, and/or contracts and procurement. Experience in settlement negotiations preferred. Documented experience with management and supervisory responsibilities, preferably in a legal setting. 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. Certificate License:Membership in or eligible for the Maryland State Bar. #J-18808-Ljbffr Montgomery County Public Schools