Deputy General Counsel, General Practice

Position Overview

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is responsible for providing expert advice of counsel and legal representation to DCPS' Chancellor, Central Office, principals, and other school-based staff to help ensure that all DCPS students, regardless of background or circumstance, receive a world-class education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. Major practice areas in OGC include: Labor and Employment, General Practice, and Litigation, which includes Special Education due process litigation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA).

The Deputy General Counsel, General Practice oversees the General Practice group and is responsible for managing a team of attorneys, paralegals, and other support staff in representing DCPS in making policy recommendations to DCPS leadership and providing legal advice and counseling to stakeholders across the school system. The Deputy General Counsel (General Practice) serves on the General Counsel's leadership team and is regularly called upon to exercise sound judgment when weighing in on sensitive agency matters that can be complex, confidential, or urgent.

The Deputy General Counsel, General Practice will report to the General Counsel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Advises the Chancellor and senior management using in-depth knowledge of and skill in the interpretation of relevant laws and policies.
• Manages and provides guidance to a team of OGC staff members working on a wide variety of diverse legal matters confronted by a complex urban school district including, but not limited to, federal education law, contract and procurement law, student privacy rights and other student-related matters, and government ethics.
• Reviews, negotiates, and revises various agreements, including, but not limited to, memoranda of agreement, memoranda of understanding, procurement contracts, and technology licenses.
• Prepares and presents legal memoranda and opinions on matters upon request by the client.
• Edits and evaluates attorney and client work product for quality and consistency.
• Recruits, develops, evaluates, and retains key talent on the team.
• Represents the General Counsel and DCPS with external stakeholders, including other District agencies, DC Council, and the public.
• Provides legal training, advice, representation, and guidance to DCPS leadership, school officials, and other DCPS staff in the areas of policy and legislation, contracts, ethics, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, among other things.
• Participates in the formulation of and development of policies, procedures, and programs that impact OGC and the agency.
• Reviews new legislation proposed by the DC Council, evaluates its impact on the agency, and presents findings and guidance to senior leadership at DCPS.
• Communicates with DCPS administrators, other attorneys, and outside organizations to coordinate activities, resolve issues and conflicts, and exchange information.
• Reviews findings and reports prepared internally and by outside entities such as the Office of the Inspector General and provides guidance on how to comply and respond.
• Advises of trends or problems and recommends appropriate corrective action.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and eight to twelve years of previous legal experience.
• Juris Doctor and Member of the District of Columbia Bar or the ability to become a member within six months of hire.
• Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector is preferred.
• Previous experience in managing attorneys and legal support staff is preferred.
• Demonstrated technical mastery and use of judgment in the application of law to complex fact patterns.
• Demonstrated skill in fact-finding, analysis, problem solving, writing, presentation, consulting, and conflict resolution techniques to identify problems and recommend solutions.

DCPS Values

• STUDENTS FIRST : We recognize students as whole children and put their needs first in everything we do.
• COURAGE : We have the audacity to learn from our successes and failures, to try new things, and to lead the nation as a proof point of PK-12 success.
• EQUITY : We work proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps by interrupting institutional bias and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds.
• EXCELLENCE : We work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for exemplary outcomes, service, and interactions.
• TEAMWORK : We recognize that our greatest asset is our collective vision and ability to work collaboratively and authentically.
• JOY : We enjoy our collective work and will enthusiastically celebrate our success and each other.