Purpose and Scope
OVERVIEW
Memphis-Shelby County Schools is seeking dynamic educational champions ready to position our district as a national exemplar of education transformation. We need leaders with a fierce commitment to actualizing a bold vision that yields ambitious outcomes for more than 110,000 students and families across the Memphis-Shelby County area. The reality is that we can do better for kids, and we will with the right leaders in place. The most successful candidates believe that more is possible for Memphis and are:
- Courageous Thinkers & Doers: Prepared to navigate and thrive in a complex and ambiguous environment on day one, present innovative ideas to address systemwide issues, and execute sustainable plans toward transformation.
- Solutions-Oriented: See the possibilities, demonstrate the capacity to synthesize information and adjust short and long-term goals, and consistently find a window when doors close to deliver measurable results for kids and families.
- High-Performing Gamechangers: Leader of leaders with the capacity to mobilize and empower an outstanding team, make people-centered data-informed decisions, and operate with a relentless hyperfocus on removing stubborn barriers that destroy the hopes and dreams of too many of our students.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
The responsibility of the Associate General Counsel, serving at the direction of the General Counsel, is to assist in providing legal advice, counsel and representation to the Board and the District. This responsibility includes researching legal matters, providing legal advice, drafting legal opinions and other documents on a variety of subjects that affect a public school district, and performing related professional and administrative duties as required. The position works independently, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.
Essential Job Functions
- Represents the District in state and federal court or in other procedural and administrative matters as assigned by General Counsel; assists with the administrative and supervisory responsibilities of legal assistants related to litigation matters; prepares and files briefs for cases.
- Works collaboratively with other managers and management representatives and General Counsel to achieve a system-wide result. Formulate local targets, goals, and activities that are in synch with and support the broader goals and objectives of the organization.
- Visits school locations and district facilities, at the direction of General Counsel.
- Acts in place of the General Counsel when the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel are unavailable.
- Attends District meetings, including Board meetings, staff meetings and community meetings.
- Develops creative and innovative strategies to resolve legal challenges facing the school district.
- Executes the responsibilities according to lawful and ethical standards. Uses personal judgment and initiative to develop effective and constructive solutions to challenges and obstacles.
- Performs legal research and renders legal opinions on straightforward questions involving issues of current or potential litigation exposure.
- Assists in providing advice concerning new or revised Board/District policies and procedures.
- Attends meetings of the Board and other groups as requested to provide legal opinions, discussion or comment as necessary.
- Attends internal and external hearings and administrative proceedings to represent the District's interests as required.
- May attend and assist in facilitating collaborative conferencing negotiations.
- May review or negotiate contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, leases and other legal documents.
- Drafts, reviews and negotiates simple and complex settlement agreements and releases.
- Responds to and resolves inquiries, requests for information and complaints; may serve as media spokesperson on matters as assigned when the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel are unavailable.
- Gathers information to support periodic and special reports documenting activities in areas of responsibility.
- Attends professional conferences, training, seminars and workshops as necessary to maintain job knowledge and skills.
- Performs other duties as assigned or directed.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and admitted to practice law in the State of Tennessee (or eligible for comity under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7 or related provisions) plus a minimum of 3 (three) years of relevant legal experience as an attorney (Must be in good standing). Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: Tort Litigation, Business/Commercial Litigation, Labor & Employment, State and Federal Appellate Advocacy, Special Education, School Services.
Degree Equivalency Formula:
Bachelor’s Degree = 4 years of additional experience in lieu of degree level.
Master’s Degree = 6 years of additional experience in lieu of degree level.
Additional Job Details
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE. SCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SCS provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. SCS does not discriminate in its programs or employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, handicap/disability, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, or age (40 or older).
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