Description:

Job Summary and Essential Functions:
The attorney selected for this position will be an integral part of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and provide legal advice and representation to the School District, including the Board of Education and senior leadership, on a wide array of legal issues, working under the supervision of the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel.

This position focuses on (i) analysis and advising on risk mitigation and contract requirements, prerequisites, and preparation, (ii) negotiating and drafting transactional agreements and other related documents, and (iii) assisting on and independently handling other projects and workstreams as needed by clients and assigned by the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel. The work will include, among other things:
  • assessing risk and mitigation strategies, and preventing legal claims by identifying potential risks and making appropriate recommendations;
  • assisting in the development of School District practices, procedures and policies through legal analysis and counseling;
  • creative and strategic decision making, with openness to new approaches and improvement on existing methods;
  • participating with teams, committees, and other groups to tackle large and small issues;
  • providing legal advice relating to federal, state and local statutory and regulatory requirements with the potential to impact the District's legal and policy compliance obligations, grants, agreements for goods and services, memoranda of understanding, real property and facilities issues, technology, procurement, educational services and programs, grant administration, audits, insurance, investigations, financial matters, and other issues that arise, ranging from novel to routine;
  • communicating and collaborating as needed with program offices, District leadership, and colleagues within OGC;
  • using a solutions-oriented and growth mindset to approach issues thoroughly and with an open mind, to streamline and bring value and efficiency to District processes, and improve outcomes;
  • adapting to changes in District and OGC processes, technology, and personnel;
  • juggling, prioritizing, and meeting challenging and often competing deadlines for multiple clients, projects, and responsibilities; and
  • remaining flexible and willing to support colleagues and practice areas across OGC as needed for the office to meet work demands.

Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:
  • Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
  • Certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and membership in good standing, or eligible for admission to the Pennsylvania Bar within six months of employment and active membership in good standing and currently licensed to practice law in another state.
  • In compliance with the most recently completed twelve-month Continuing Legal Education compliance period, or ability to become compliant prior to starting employment at the School District.
  • Three years of full-time, paid, professional legal experience in a law firm, public sector law department, or other in-house law department with a transactional focus.
  • All work experience related to the position must be included on resume.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • the common laws and state and federal laws particularly as they relate to administrative, fiscal and regulatory functions of the School District.
  • judicial proceedings and the rules of evidence as related to the area of specialization.
  • the principles, practices, methods and techniques of legal research.
  • the principles and practices of governmental laws.
  • the uses and capabilities of personal computers and their software applications including word processing, database management and spreadsheets.

Demonstrated ability to:
  • analyze, organize and evaluate evidence and procedures involving difficult and complex matters;
  • present material in clear and logical form in writing and verbally decisions;
  • analyze, negotiate, and draft legal documents and instruments;
  • manage a detail-oriented workload;
  • organize and prioritize workload during high pressure, high-volume workload periods;
  • collaborate with colleagues and District clients;
  • exercise sound judgment, discretion and tact;
  • handle matters outside areas of familiarity;
  • manage stress and handle multiple concurrent projects and workstreams;
  • learn, review and process technology platforms; and
  • establish and maintain effective working relationships.