FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE

The purpose of this position is to assist the General Counsel in providing advice/guidance to key staff and administrators regarding legal matters ensuring the equitable enforcement of School Board policies across the district. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide advice and interpretation of law and Board policy for District administrators and key staff; provide counsel most frequently in matters of school law including, but not limited to, enrollment issues, custody disputes, and confidentiality of student and employee records; review orders and documentation sent from school staff to aid in forming legal opinion.
• Assist in conducting investigations, as needed, of instances of personnel misconduct; make reports and recommendations of policy violations to General Counsel.
• Provide advice and representation for school district in grievance matters; meet and prepare Superintendent and other administrators in advance of hearing; prepare witnesses and documentation for Board's review; present arguments to Board panel on behalf of Superintendent and the District's interests.
• Conduct investigations of potential policy or legal violation resulting from anonymous reports or parent/staff complaints; if necessary, create a report or assist General Counsel in creating a response to same; depends on severity of the issue
• Draft and review contracts submitted by school staff and various departments; Collaborate with outside agencies to create contracts that protect the interests of the District; Attend meetings or telephone conferences to discuss contract issues or to resolve disputes; make recommendations to General Counsel on revisions or amendments; and suggest modifications or revisions at request of General Counsel.
• Assist staff members in responding to subpoenas and other requests for information; Assist Paralegal in coordinating staff court appearances with the District Attorney's Office or the law office that issued the subpoena; Counsel employees on preparing for court and answer any questions they may have; Ensure compliance with FERPA; If necessary, file objections to subpoenas that interfere with FERPA or other law.
• Assist in representing Board of Education in administrative proceedings involving local or state employment agencies (related to unemployment claims), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Office of Civil Rights; Prepare for telephone or in-person hearings (ESC); Compile information in response to formal complaints and inquiries (EEOC and OCR).
• Review motions to set aside forfeitures from bondsman and, if necessary, check the files at the courthouse; File objections and appear in Court to contest bond forfeitures set asides; Communicate with debtors and bondsman regarding payment arrangements; Maintain a list of active and past bond forfeitures and running tally of collections.
• Serve as truancy court mediator for truancy court. Assist General Counsel in preparing for litigation, responding to legal correspondence, drafting pleadings, negotiating settlements, or any other litigation-related matters as necessary and at the request of the General Counsel; Court appearances, if necessary.
• Advise Hearing Officer, as needed, with due process procedures, state and federal law related to student disciplinary proceedings, and serve as back-up Hearing Officer if needed.
• Assist in investigating and compiling all necessary information related to complaints of harassment, bullying and discrimination.  
• Conduct legal trainings for district staff as needed. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic principles of criminal law, juvenile law, family law, contract law and civil law.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to constitutional and employment law.
• Knowledge of the state and federal laws related to persons with disabilities, including the IDEA and the ADA.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people from a variety of education and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply policies, statutes, and theories of law
• Ability to use a computer or other electronic devices to communicate, research information, present information, prepare documents, and collaborate with others.
• Skilled at conducting thorough investigations and keeping detailed notes and accounts.
• Skilled at legal research, legal briefs, and drafting memos to provide concise services interpretations or recommendations according to law.
• Skilled at litigation, including evaluating, preparing, and organizing case strategies, preparing witnesses, compiling exhibits, formulating arguments.
• Ability to present findings or recommendations to both internal work audiences as well as external groups for several hours at a time.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, and parents and maintain a professional demeanor as a representative of the school district.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum Experience Required: Juris Doctor (JD) required.
• Desirable Experience: Prior work experience in education law, family law, administrative law or related field.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid state license to practice law in North Carolina
• Valid NC driver’s license.

 Pay Grade SA - $5,944.17 Monthly Salary - Full Time Position

PHYSICAL WORK DEMANDS:

In compliance with Federal Law, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.