General Counsel

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Length of position: 12 months

Hours: Full-Time

SUMMARY

Provides legal advice, consultation and opinions to Superintendent and Governing Board of the Texas School for the Deaf, a State of Texas Agency that functions similarly to an independent school district providing Deaf education services. Provides legal advice, consultation and opinions to administrators and supervisors at request of Superintendent; serves as liaison between the office of the Attorney General and the Superintendent and the Board. Areas of legal advice include school law, special education, business, and human resources. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

TSD Governing Board

1. Provides legal advice, opinions and consultation to the President of the TSD Governing Board

2. Serves as a liaison between the TSD Governing Board and the Office of the Attorney General

Superintendent

1. Provides legal advice, opinions and consultation to the Superintendent regarding legal requirements related to state and federal law and rules related to all school functions (school law, special education business, and human resources)

2. Performs special projects as assigned

3. Under the direction of the Superintendent, participates in development and review of Board Policies Administration

1. At the request of the Superintendent, provides legal advice, opinions and consultation to administrators and supervisors related to specific departmental and division activities

2. At the request of the Superintendent, provides advice on or conducts investigations related to agency issues

3. Attend ARD/IEP meetings when the circumstances warrant legal representation

4. Provides training to agency employees on legal issues and general school law

Employee Relations

1. Coordinates and advises supervisors and administrators regarding responses to employee grievances

2. Advises Human Resources and Superintendent on employee disciplinary actions

Completes other duties as assigned

This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Five years of experience in legal work related to school law and state agency law or regulations

2. Graduation from an accredited law school with a LL.B. or J.D. degree

3. Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas

4. A working knowledge of the following – 1) knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and similar laws; 2) knowledge of employment and civil rights laws; and/or 3) knowledge of general school laws

5. Sign Language: The ultimate required proficiency level for the position using the levels

designated in the Signed Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) is Survival. If hired with a sign language proficiency level below this level, you are required to participate in signed communication learning opportunities on a regular basis until you have achieved the sign language proficiency level assigned to your position

Desirable Qualifications

1. Documented experience in special education litigation

2. Working knowledge of the Deaf community and Deaf Education principles

3. Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings of agency laws, regulations, and statutes

4. Previous experience preparing legal documents, conducting research, interpreting and applying laws, summarizing findings, preparing cases for trial, and conducting hearings

5. Ability to communicate effective with administrators, supervisors, staff and the general public

6. Previous experience using computers, standard office equipment, and MS Office

7. Sign communication skills above required proficiency level for the position

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Attributes

Legal knowledge

1. Core legal areas: Comprehensive understanding of relevant laws like corporate, employment, and contract law.

2. Compliance and governance: Expertise in regulatory issues, compliance protocols, and corporate governance.

3. Legal operations: Proficiency in legal research, case preparation, and document drafting.

Business and strategic skills

4. Business acumen: A strong grasp of the company's industry, operations, and broader economic environment.

5. Strategic thinking: The ability to see the "big picture," identify risks, and align legal strategy with business goals.

6. Financial literacy: Understanding of financial concepts like budgeting and forecasting.

7. Risk management: Experience in anticipating legal risks and developing proactive solutions. 

Leadership and management

8. Team leadership: Proven ability to manage and lead a diverse legal team, including delegating and supervising work.

9. Decision-making: Strong judgment and the ability to make sound decisions, often under pressure.

10. Strategic direction: Capacity to provide direction, manage change, and inspire others. 

Communication and interpersonal skills

11. Oral and written communication: Excellent skills for presenting to executives, writing detailed documents, and negotiating.

12. Negotiation: Ability to effectively negotiate with external parties and internal stakeholders.

13. Interpersonal skills: High emotional intelligence and the ability to build credibility and trust with colleagues, the board, and other business units.

14. Analytical skills: The capacity to analyze complex information, research arguments, and interpret technical documents. 

Professional and personal attributes

15. Ethics and integrity: A high degree of professional ethics and integrity.

16. Attention to detail: Meticulousness when reviewing complex legal documents.

17. Adaptability: Ability to adapt to change and work under pressure while managing multiple

projects.

18. Calm temperament: Maintaining composure in crisis situations.

SUPERVISOR:

Superintendent

MILITARY OCCUPATION SPECIALTY (MOS) CODE:

General Counsel III, see page 2 of http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf