District Legal Counsel

Job Goal: Provide legal services and advice to the Superintendent, Chief Personnel Officer, and district leadership on a variety of issues including labor and employment, discrimination law, constitutional issues, and data privacy.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides counsel on employment related issues including, but not limited to, employee rights and regulations such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), federal employment laws, school district policies, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and worker’s compensation administration.

• Coordinates and conducts internal investigations regarding violations of district policy, claims of discrimination, harassment or other improper conduct and consults on matters related to employee discipline.

• Maintains a tracking system of investigations outcomes; analyze data and develop proactive measures to address trends and patterns.

• Advises on legal risk regarding student attendance, student discipline, and Title IX complaints.

• Provides guidance on grievances brought forth by the collective bargaining units.

• Serves as the District data privacy officer including responding to data requests under FERPA and public records requests.

• Stays current in education law, regulations and legislative issues and recommends operational, procedural and policy improvements. Reviews Board Policies annually and provides training to District employees.

• Drafts and reviews legal correspondence, opinions, resolutions and contracts as requested by District leadership or the Superintendent.

• Serves as the liaison between the district and outside counsel in litigation matters.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA approved Law School
• Authorized to practice law in the state of Massachusetts
• Three years of experience in public sector labor and employment law
• Knowledge of all state, federal and local laws related to education, employment and labor law, data privacy and judicial and administrative procedures
• Demonstrated technical mastery and use of judgment in the application of law to complex fact patterns
• Demonstrated skill in fact-finding, analysis, problem solving, research, writing, presentation, consulting, and conflict resolution techniques to identify problems and recommend resolutions
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable

Terms of Employment:

• Work year: 260 days
• 40 hours/week
• Non Union

Reports To: Superintendent of Schools or designee