Description:

Position Summary & Responsibilities:
The employee researches and analyzes all types of legal issues related to the mission of the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) including such topics as general education law, special education law, school finance, employment law, civil and administrative procedure, juvenile law and constitutional law. The employee must effectively communicate the legal analysis to maintain the agency's compliance with state and federal requirements, advise the agency on a large variety of legal issues, write orders and develop policy and regulations for all aspects of primary and secondary education. The employee serves in the place of the General Counsel when the General Counsel is unavailable.

You may request a position description for this opening by email from jobapp@ksde.gov. Be sure to use the Job ID (218415) in the subject line.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Kansas or temporary permit to practice law issued by the Supreme Court of Kansas.

Preferred Skills and/or Qualifications:

Knowledge of common law and of the state and federal laws, particularly in regard to general administrative and regulatory functions of state government;
Knowledge of judicial procedures and the rules of evidence;
Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research;
Knowledge of the methods and practices of pleading and presenting civil and criminal cases;
Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations affecting education administration;
Knowledge of principles, practices, theories and trends in general education law, contract law, constitutional law, employment law, civil and administrative procedure, federal education and special education law, federal discrimination law, state and federal regulatory law;
Demonstrated communication skills including the ability to write legal memorandum, pleadings, briefs and contracts;
Ability to speak effectively before groups and the public;
Ability to interact with attorneys, government officials, court officials, parents, students, education professionals, administrative officials and fellow employees;
Ability to work with minimal supervision and prioritize a broad range of frequently changing circumstances, conditions, problems, activities, methods, programs and interactions;
Computer literacy regarding legal research, word processing, email, internet functions and calendaring; and
Team work skills and effective interpersonal skills.

Preferred Experience:
Two or more years of experience practicing law as a licensed attorney with courtroom or administrative hearing experience.