Position Type:
Non Instructional - All Titles/Executive Legal Assistant

Date Posted:
4/16/2024

Location:
Legal Counsel - 311

NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION
HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES
765 BROAD STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102
ROGER LÉON, SUPERINTENDENT
EXECUTIVE LEGAL ASSISTANT
Office of the General Counsel

(Pending availability of funds and Board of Education approval)

The Superintendent invites qualified and interested persons to apply for the position of Executive Legal Assistant within the Office of the General Counsel.

DEFINITION: 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

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college required.
2. Certificate in paralegal studies or equivalent experience.
3. 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.
4. Extensive knowledge of school legal principles and practices. Extensive knowledge of legal research techniques.
5. Superb computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint).
6. Criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.
7. Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position.
8. Current residency in New Jersey, approved residency waiver or candidate agrees to obtain residency within one (1) year of employment.

Note: Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute additional experience as indicated on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.
BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serve as confidential assistant to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel.
2. 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

1. 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

1. Perform legal and factual research.
2. Identify relevant judicial decisions, statutes, legal articles, codes and other pertinent material related to public school operations.
3. Organize and analyze information, cross-check and validate information.
4. Assist attorneys in monitoring calendars; meeting deadlines; documenting actions; confirming case status.
5. Perform records research and assist in the maintenance, management and legal destruction of District records in accordance with New Jersey State Records Retention Schedules.
6. 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.
7. Draft legal documents including pleadings, appeals, negotiated agreements and legal memoranda.
8. Help prepare legal arguments, applications, declarations and District motions.
9. Help maintain student and personnel records as required to ensure appropriate compliance with the confidentiality rights of students and personnel.
10. Prepare correspondence.
11. Check and edit legal forms and documents for accuracy.
12. Build and maintain databases and files.
13. Organize and track case files.
14. Respond to inquiries and requests of the Superintendent and district administrators.
15. Assist in preparation of materials for training and professional development programs.
16. Upon request, assume responsibility for district functions, such as:

Custodian of Public Records
Section 504 Coordinator
Assistant Board Secretary

1. Upon request, attend meetings of the Board of Education and Board committees.
2. Participate in district initiatives and complete special projects at the direction of the Superintendent and/or General Counsel.
3. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

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

REPORTS TO: General Counsel
SALARY, EMPLOYMENT PERIOD AND UNION AFFILIATION

1. Salary: Compensation is competitive and based on experience. The expected salary range for this position is $ 90,000 - $130,000.

1. Employment Period: Twelve (12) Months

1. Union Affiliation: Unaffiliated

HOW TO APPLY
Newark Board of Education only accepts electronic applications. If you are a current employee, you must apply via the Employee Self Service website.

OPENING DATE: April 16, 2024

CLOSING DATE: Until Filled

JOB OPENING ID: 1840

THE NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION IS AN
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER