Description:
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: General Practice, which includes FOIA, FERPA, policy and ethics, Labor and Employment, and Special Education due process litigation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA).
The Trial Attorney will represent DCPS at administrative hearings, make policy recommendations to DCPS leadership, andprovide legal advice and counseling to stakeholders across the school system, including principals and other administrators.The Trial Attorney will work with a focus on special education due process litigation, as well as provide support in civil litigation matters. The Trial Attorney may also work on other legal matters given the requirement of the client to handle a diverse body of work.
If you are hired into this position at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, DC government regulations require that you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment. If you do not currently reside in the District of Columbia and face extenuating circumstances that prevent relocation, you may request a hardship waiver for consideration.
The Attorney, Trial will report to the Deputy General Counsel, Special Education & Litigation.
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 clients in the interpretation of relevant laws, including, but not limited to federal and district education laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA).
- Manages a varying caseload, including administrative due process matters related to special education, student disciplinary matters, involuntary transfers, and administrative vendor disputes.
- Provides advice and counsel to school-based staff on a variety of special education and other general issues.
- Prepares and presents legal memoranda and opinions on matters upon request by the client.
- Represents DCPS in administrative hearings in various fora, including, but not limited to: Office of Dispute Resolution, Office of Human Rights, Office of Administrative Hearings, and at times appears with the Office of the Attorney General before the District Court for the District of Columbia.
- Participates in the formulation and development of policies and procedures.
- Monitors trends and recommends strategies to minimize the need for administrative actions.
- Conducts and presents legal research on the impact of new and proposed legislation on the interests of DCPS.
- Communicates with DCPS administrators, other attorneys, and outside organizations to coordinate activities, resolve issues and conflicts, and exchange information.
- Coordinates with the DC Office of Attorney General (OAG) litigation counsel in cases pending before DC Superior and US District and Circuit Courts, including, but not limited to, assisting in preparation of discovery responses
Qualifications:
- Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.
- Juris Doctor and at least five to eight years of legal experience.
- Member of the District of Columbia bar or the ability to become a member within six months of hire.
- Previous experience litigating cases under the IDEA preferred.
- Demonstrated mastery and use of judgment in the application of law to complex fact patterns.
- Demonstrated skill in fact-finding, analysis, problem solving, writing, oral advocacy and presentation, consulting, and conflict resolution techniques to identify problems and recommend solutions.
- 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.
