Deputy Chief Legal Officer

Primary Purpose:

Provide in-house legal support services to the superintendent, designated staff, and board of trustees, including representation and research. Advise the superintendent and board in legal performance of their duties.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Law degree from an American Bar Association approved law school
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, in good standing

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations relating to public education
• Specific knowledge related to school personnel law in education
• Demonstrated legal research and litigation skills
• Thorough knowledge of the legislative process
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as law, policy, and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district
• Excellent public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Three years of experience in public or private practice dealing with legal issues of local, state, federal government, or public-school law.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Legal Representation

1. Advise the superintendent, staff, and board on legal matters, including personnel and student issues and compliance with the Public Information Act.
2. Draft, review, and revise legal documents.
3. Attend board meetings and other administrative meetings to provide legal counsel.
4. Assist with the coordination of legal services provided by outside law firms, including administering contracts and reviewing billings.
5. Assist as the district’s hearing officer for applicable student and employee grievances, complaints, and appeals as required by policy.
6. Assist as the district’s compliance officer for all applicable state or federal laws.
7. Provides assistance and advice regarding district records, including requests under the Texas Public Information Act.

Legal Oversight

1. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy and assist as the district’s compliance officer.
2. Monitor and interpret the impact of proposed or enacted legislation.
3. Coordinate responses to investigations by the Texas Education Agency, U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, and other administrative or regulatory agencies.
4. Monitor compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act and competitive procurement and purchasing requirements.
5. Provide legal assistance on district elections.

Policy and Reports

1. Assist in the formulation and execution of policies and regulations, and review materials for publication in handbooks.
2. Compile, maintain, file, and present all reports, records, and other documents as required.
3. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Communication

1. Conduct professional development and training, including preparing training materials for staff and board members.

Other

Any and all other duties assigned by your immediate supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise and evaluate the work of assigned support staff.

Working Conditions:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting. Occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse. Occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequently work prolonged or irregular hours. Frequent district and statewide travel.

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions. Maintain emotional control under stress.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all

responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.