Deputy General Counsel, General Practice
Salary: 1-5 / $141,464 - $157,000
Location: Washington, DC
Our public school students need your expertise, passion and leadership. We are looking for highly motivated and skilled talent to join our team at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). We seek individuals who are passionate about transforming the DC school system and making a significant difference in the lives of public school students, parents, principals, teachers, and central office employees.
DCPS serves 50,000 students in the nation's capital through the efforts of approximately 4,000 educators in 118 schools. As part of a comprehensive reform effort to become the preeminent urban school system in America, DCPS intends to have the highest-performing, best paid, most satisfied, and most honored educator force in the nation and a distinctive central office staff whose work supports and drives instructional excellence and significant achievement gains for DCPS students.
Position Overview
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is responsible for providing expert advice of counsel and legal representation to DCPS' Chancellor, Central Office, principals, and other school-based staff to help ensure that all DCPS students, regardless of background or circumstance, receive a world-class education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. Major practice areas in OGC include: Labor and Employment, General Practice, and Litigation, which includes Special Education due process litigation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA).
The Deputy General Counsel, General Practice oversees the General Practice group and is responsible for managing a team of attorneys, paralegals, and other support staff in representing DCPS in making policy recommendations to DCPS leadership and providing legal advice and counseling to stakeholders across the school system. The Deputy General Counsel (General Practice) serves on the General Counsel's leadership team and is regularly called upon to exercise sound judgment when weighing in on sensitive agency matters that can be complex, confidential, or urgent.
The Deputy General Counsel, General Practice will report to the General Counsel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.
Advises the Chancellor and senior management using in-depth knowledge of and skill in the interpretation of relevant laws and policies.
Manages and provides guidance to a team of OGC staff members working on a wide variety of diverse legal matters confronted by a complex urban school district including, but not limited to, federal education law, contract and procurement law, student privacy rights and other student-related matters, and government ethics.
Reviews, negotiates, and revises various agreements, including, but not limited to, memoranda of agreement, memoranda of understanding, procurement contracts, and technology licenses.
Prepares and presents legal memoranda and opinions on matters upon request by the client.
Edits and evaluates attorney and client work product for quality and consistency.
Recruits, develops, evaluates, and retains key talent on the team.
Represents the General Counsel and DCPS with external stakeholders, including other District agencies, DC Council, and the public. Provides legal training, advice, representation, and guidance to DCPS leadership, school officials, and other DCPS staff in the areas of policy and legislation, contracts, ethics, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, among other things.
Participates in the formulation of and development of policies, procedures, and programs that impact OGC and the agency.
Reviews new legislation proposed by the DC Council, evaluates its impact on the agency, and presents findings and guidance to senior leadership at DCPS.
Communicates with DCPS administrators, other attorneys, and outside organizations to coordinate activities, resolve issues and conflicts, and exchange information.
Reviews findings and reports prepared internally and by outside entities such as the Office of the Inspector General and provides guidance on how to comply and respond.
Advises of trends or problems and recommends appropriate corrective action.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and eight to twelve years of previous legal experience.
Juris Doctor and Member of the District of Columbia Bar or the ability to become a member within six months of hire.
Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector is preferred.
Previous experience in managing attorneys and legal support staff is preferred.
Demonstrated technical mastery and use of judgment in the application of law to complex fact patterns.
Demonstrated skill in fact-finding, analysis, problem solving, writing, presentation, consulting, and conflict resolution techniques to identify problems and recommend solutions.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $141,000.00 - $157,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Ability to Relocate:
- Washington, DC 20002: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20002