Staff Counsel

Profile

Serves as internal counsel to the Superintendent of Schools, AACPS administrative and school staff by performing the full range of legal services customarily associated with private practice and governmental practice.  Recommends alternative legal and administrative approaches to the solution of major issues; renders oral and written opinions, memoranda, and correspondence on legal matters; represents the school system at all levels in administrative hearings and the courts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Researches, interprets and provides advice on legal matters involving Board policies and AACPS administrative regulations, educational law, federal, state, and county laws and regulations, Maryland State Board of Examiners (MSBE) bylaws, negotiated agreements, and other contracts, instructional programs, and related functions and services of the school system.
2. Prepares and recommends alternative legal and administrative approaches to resolve major problems/issues.
3. Prepares oral and written opinions, memoranda, and correspondence to administrative and school staff regarding guidance on legal issues including custody disputes, student discipline, labor relations, subpoena responses, Public Information Act (PIA) responses, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), charter school law, Title IX and special education and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
4. Reviews pending legislation and court decisions as to their impact on the school system and advises the Director of Legal Services and staff accordingly.
5. Conducts pre-trial investigations, interviews witnesses, argues motions and conducts litigation at all levels in federal and state courts, administrative proceedings and arbitrations.  Handles employee and student appeals before the Board and recommends settlement on the basis of professional evaluation of the nature and implications of the proceedings.
6. Provides legal advice in connection with matters involving federal, state, and county governments and entities including the Office of Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights.
7. Reviews and prepares contracts, agreements and memoranda of understanding and provides legal advice regarding their legality as appropriate.
8. Develops and provides professional system-wide training as directed.
9. Travels to school meetings and court proceedings within and outside the county as needed.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from a regionally accredited college or university law school.
• Three (3) years of professional experience as an attorney in court, administrative proceedings and trials.
• Three (3) years of experience in employment law, arbitration, education law, and special education law.
• Bar Admission issued by Maryland State Board of Law Examiners.
• Possess a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license and have daily access to reliable transportation.

Company info

Anne Arundel County Public Schools