GENERAL COUNSEL (2274)

Coordinates the Districts legal affairs. Conducts litigation for the District, and participates in trials related to matters of major importance to the educational program. Serves as a resource person to the Superintendent and the Board of Education regarding all legal matters, administrative policies and procedures related to the Districts educational and administrative programs. The General Counsel is the chief legal officer of the District responsible for administering the legal activities of the District and outside legal firms. Serves as the Districts primary advisor to lead labor negotiator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED
Under the direction of the Superintendent, responsible for coordinating the Districts legal affairs. General direction is exercised over lower-level support staff personnel.


Note: The complete list of qualifications, duties and responsibilities for this classification may be viewed on our website at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/gusd/classspecs.

-Administers the preparation and conduct of litigation authorized by the Board of Education, including the preparation of pleadings and negotiations between parties, and authorizes settlements within settlement authority.
-Represents the District in all certificated and classified disciplinary hearings.
-Represents District employees at hearings where criminal or civil charges are sought against employees, when such charges arise out of the performance of the employees duties.
-Prepares written opinions and conducts independent research concerning legal relationships, duties, obligations, and rights, and the policies, programs, and projects of the Board of Education and Office of the Superintendent of Schools.
-Provides legal advice and assistance to the Superintendent of Schools in order that the responsibilities of the office may be legally carried out.
-Serves as the Districts primary adviser in matters of labor negotiations and employer-employee relations; advises the Superintendent and the Board Members in Closed Session, including reporting the latest trends and developments in the field and making regular, up-to-date reports on the current status of employer-employee relations within the District.
-Serves as a resource person to the Superintendent of Schools and division heads regarding changes and administrative policy and the screening, planning, development, appraisal, and interpretation of legally-related phases of new or special projects or programs.
-Anticipates the legal effect of emerging programs and projects, and provides legal support for both educational and administrative programs proposed by the Board of Education and by the Superintendent of Schools.
-Supervises the conduct of investigations into charges that legal requirements or Rules of the Board of Education or the Personnel Commission have not been followed in connection with employer-employee relations.
-Advises and assists the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools in the drafting of rules, regulations, resolutions, legal forms, and other documents.
-Drafts and prepares amendments to proposed and existing legislation, other than matters of concern to the Budget Services and Financial Planning Division.
-Analyzes legislative bills which affect the operation of the school system.
-Prepares required reports and special reports as requested.
-Evaluates the performance of subordinate personnel.
-Performs related duties as assigned.
Education:
A baccalaureate from a recognized college or university and a Juris Doctor degree or equivalent from an American Bar Association accredited institution.
Experience:
Five years of experience as a practicing member of the Bar. Experience in education law is desirable but not required.
License or Certificate:
-Authorization to practice law in California by the California Bar Association.
-Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license. Ability to be insured and maintain vehicle liability and property damage insurance. Use of an automobile.


Applications must be filed on the GUSD website at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/gusd.
Applications must include the following attachments:
A letter of interest.
A resume of training and qualifications.
Names, emails, and phone numbers of three current references.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Kyle Bruich, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources,
Director, Classified Personnel
(818) 241-3111, Ext. 1259.

Tentative Selection Timeline:
Application deadline: 5/08/24
Completion of paper screening: 5/16/24
Planned candidate interviews: 5/23/24
Planned final interviews: 5/30/24
Appointment by the Board: 6/11/24
Tentative start date: 7/01/24

Prior to employment, a candidate must submit evidence of freedom from tuberculosis, fingerprint clearance with the Department of Justice, and a pre-employment physical exam (district-paid).
Statement of Non-discrimination (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973): The Board of Education is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs, activities and services shall be free from unlawful discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, and/or bullying based on actual or perceived sex, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation, sexual preference, ancestry, ethnic group identification, gender, gender expression, gender identity, physical or mental disability, marital or parental status, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or sexual harassment in any district service, program and/or activity that receives or benefits from state financial assistance. The Board shall promote programs which ensure that unlawful discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. The District will take steps to assure that the lack of English will not be a barrier to admission and participation in district programs. A copy of the District's Uniform Complaint Policy is available by calling (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1457. Complaints alleging noncompliance with this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the following personnel:
Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Kelly King, 223 N. Jackson St., (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1209, [email protected]
Section 504 Coordinator: Hagop Eulmessekian, 223 N. Jackson St., (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1416, [email protected]
Title II/ADA: Dr. Kelly King, 223 N. Jackson St., (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1209, [email protected]