Assistant Legal Counsel II - Exempt RB #25-364

Buffalo Public Schools•Buffalo, NY

11d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an intermediate position in the fields of state and federal education law, special education, labor and employment law, municipal law and general corporate law practice for the Buffalo City School District. The incumbent serves as a surrogate to the Legal Counsel and is responsible for representing the School District in Federal and State court and in administrative proceedings. Duties also include developing and interpreting School District policy. Supervision of other attorneys may be included as a responsibility of this class, and may occur on certain projects, or in certain subject matter areas, as assigned by the Legal Counsel. S/he works under general supervision of the Legal Counsel and will be required to assume direct and independent responsibility for legal matters.

Requirements

Graduation from a Law School of recognized standing
Three years of full-time experience as a practicing attorney. Experience must include oral and written arbitration; legal defense work; legal research; legal writing.
Admission to the New York State Bar and proof of good standing and maintained during employment.
Admission to the bar of the United State District Court and maintained during employment.
Applicants must fulfill biannual New York State continuing legal education requirement during employment.
Applicants must participate in a police background record check and DCJS fingerprinting process.

Responsibilities

Counsels with and advises departments, schools, principals and other School District officials and personnel on matters of law and the development and interpretation of policies, affecting the School District and its various departments, and on occasion be directed by the Legal Counsel to give such advice to the members of the Board of Education or Superintendent
Defends and represents the School District and its officers and employees eligible for defense services in various courts and before State or Federal administrative agencies such as the Commissioner of Education, the State Division of Human Rights, the Public Employment Relations Board, the United States Department of Education, and at arbitration and mediations
Evaluates and resolves questions regarding special education issues, residency of students and tuition obligations, student emancipation, immunization requirements, custody and guardianship of students in separation, divorce and foster care situations, alternative education issues (including charter schools and home schooling), student discipline and the Code of Conduct, and athletic or extracurricular eligibility
Prepares drafts, and researches, edits and submits legal documents and briefs to various State and Federal courts
Attends Board of Education meetings, committee meetings, departmental and other internal or external meetings in which the School District personnel participate, or on behalf of such officials, giving legal assistance when required
Interviews and prepares other attorneys and witnesses, including expert witnesses, for depositions, hearings, arbitrations, mediations and trials
Provides training for School District administrators and teachers on the legal implications of various aspects of general and special education and student discipline
Prepares allegations and conducts prosecution for long-term suspension hearings in accordance with statutory due process requirements for students
Responsible for handling all aspects of the District’s arbitration practice
Assists in preparation and/or review of Board of Education resolutions
Assists in drafting of School District’s policies, rules and administrative regulations in education related areas
Drafts, negotiates and prepares contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, deeds, easements, leases and any other legal documents and forms on behalf of the School District and its departments and schools, examines and approves specifications in connection with such agreements, when applicable
Performs legal work necessary for the purchase/sale of real property
Counsels with and advises the School District’s facilities and purchasing departments on various contracts for public bid, as well as professional services agreements
Represents the School District at due process hearings regarding students with disabilities
Interprets questions and provides advise pertaining to the confidentiality and disclosure of student records, or regarding access to School District records under FERPA or under the Freedom of Information Law
Assists in mediation of ad hoc disputes with various community members, groups or agencies
Performs legal work necessary in connection with collective bargaining, employee grievances or other labor relations matters
Prepares and conducts training sessions for District personnel and volunteers
Conducts legal research, as required and related to duties performed
Performs other legal work and related duties as required