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OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL

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Assistant General Counsel

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Assistant General Counsel CODE: 0154 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Assistant General Counsel GRADE: O MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under general supervision of the General Counsel, this position is responsible for providing high-quality legal counsel and representation for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), and serving as a legal adviser on a wide variety of matters, including, but not limited, to education, students' rights, civil rights, employment, real estate, local government, procurement, contract, or tort law. Participates and supports legal director in litigation cases; and advises and/or engages stakeholders, district leaders and MCPS employees on various legal matters as needed. Oversees work of legal support positions as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of legal principles and their application, and expertise in one or more of the following areas of legal practice: education law including student rights, education, civil rights, employment law, litigation, procurement, real estate, local government, tort and/or contract law. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, as well as excellent skills in legal research and in presenting, explaining, and defending policies and procedures. Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with MCPS employees and managers at all levels, as well as external attorneys and law firms, parents, government leaders, and community stakeholders. Ability to interact with diverse constituencies and convey complicated information with tact and diplomacy. Ability to multi-task, prioritize changing assignments, and organize busy work load, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure, while exercising excellent attention to detail. Skilled in legal research, critical analysis and independent decision-making. Ability to perform well under pressure and adhere to strict timelines.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Possession of a Juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school, plus a minimum of five (5) years of recent progressively more responsible professional experience in public or private sector practice of law, preferably which deals with public school legal issues. Experience in settlement resolution/negotiations and public litigation. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Membership in or eligible for the Maryland State Bar.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(The duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. Not all duties assigned are included, nor are all duties listed performed in every office or every day.)

Provides legal advice and counsel to MCPS administrators and employees on a wide variety of matters, including but not limited to procurement and contract review; business/finance; land use, student rights ensuring compliance with the federal and state laws, the Open Meetings Act and the Public Information Act.

Conducts research of legal questions and issues, interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations and drafts legal opinions, policies, and other legal position papers which promote the interests of the school system.

Provides advice regarding federal and state legislation of concern to the school system. Provides legal review for regulations, agreements, materials, and other documents submitted to the School Board and MCPS entities.

Conducts research, gathers evidence, and takes other steps as necessary to defend or initiate legal action either directly, or in conjunction with the County Attorney's office and other outside attorneys, in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies, including the Maryland State Board of Education.

Participates in litigation matters and serves as support to legal directors in various practice areas.

Drafts legal pleadings, responses, and briefs; argues on behalf of MCPS before judges, arbitrators, and hearing examiners; drafts position statements and responses to complaints; represents MCPS interests in mediations before external agencies.

Negotiates settlement/resolution agreements with external entities and opposing counsel.

Develops and presents training on legal subjects to non-legal audiences.

Handles due process cases which includes: preparing witnesses for anticipated testimony, reviewing documents and discovery and developing and revising litigation plans.

May review and analyze cases to make independent recommendations to the MCPS offices regarding case status and strategies.

Reviews and/or prepares pleadings, trial, and appellate briefs.

Responds to subpoenas and discovery requests.

Represents the interests of the school system in negotiating between parties in certain settlements, the conduct of trial and hearings at the level of original jurisdiction or on appeal; and other court or hearing appearances.

Prepares and reviews contracts, leases, and other legal documents.

Understands and applies principles of performance evaluation and professional growth for employees.

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Class Established: 1/2023
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.