Counsel (Assistant, Associate, Senior)

Closing Date: 17th November, 2025

Description:

Under the leadership of the Chief Legal Officer, the Office of Legal Counsel provides cost-effective, high-quality, creative, and proactive legal problem-solving. The Office supports the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners ("Board"), the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), and school system employees in navigating legal requirements, evaluating and managing legal risk, conserving resources, promoting collaborative dispute resolution, reducing avoidable litigation, if possible, and engaging in strategic decision-making to promote equity and academic excellence for all students. Counsel are responsible for providing high-quality legal representation and advice on a wide variety of matters related to education law and school system operations. Each Counsel is assigned to one or more of the Office of Legal Counsel's primary practice areas (contracts, transactions, procurement, and land use; labor and employment; special education and student civil rights; litigation; and/or legal support for school operations) based on organizational needs and priorities. Each

Counsel is assigned to a position as Assistant Counsel, Associate Counsel, or Senior Counsel depending on their qualifications, expertise, and experience.

Essential Functions:

• Provide legal advice and counsel on a wide range of matters, including contracts, transactions, procurement, and land use; labor and employment; special education and student civil rights; litigation; and/or legal support for school operations.
• Represent the Board, CEO, and other school system employees in federal/state courts and administrative hearings, including preparing and reviewing briefs, motions, and pleadings; organizing complex discovery and production of documents; preparing for and conducting trials; and closely coordinating and consulting with relevant school system staff.
• Respond to complaints and investigations from government agencies, which may require written responses that include extensive legal analysis of relevant issues.
• Negotiate settlements and resolutions of legal matters.
• Coordinate responses to public information requests and subpoenas.
• Conduct legal research and draft opinions regarding legal questions and issues, interpreting laws, rulings, policies, and addressing current or potential litigation exposure.
• Advise on federal and state legislation affecting the school system.
• Draft and conduct legal review of policies, regulations, contracts, and other documents.
• Anticipate legal issues and provide strategic guidance.
• Stay current on relevant laws, regulations, case law, and best practices in assigned legal practice area(s).
• Provide legal updates and training to staff.
• Support school-based staff on custody disputes and other legal matters.
• Utilize resources appropriately to complete work in the most efficient manner; proactively communicates the status of work; participates and contributes fully as a team member; and exercises sound judgment and decision-making skills to resolve sensitive matters.
• Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies; follow federal and state laws, school board policies and the professional standards.

Additional Functions (Senior Counsel)

• Lead legal services in designated practice areas.
• Supervise Assistant and Associate Counsel and support staff as assigned by the Chief Legal Officer.
• Manage outside counsel and coordinate legal projects.
• Participate in cross-functional teams and provide leadership support to the Chief Legal Officer.

Desired Qualifications:
Assistant Counsel

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• 1-2 years of legal experience preferred.
• Maryland State Bar membership is highly preferred.
• Interest and a demonstrated degree of experience in one or more of the Office of Legal Counsel's primary legal practice areas (contracts, transactions, procurement, and land use; labor and employment; special education and student civil rights; litigation; and/or legal support for school operations) highly preferred.
• Hiring Range - ($87,963 - $122,815)

Associate Counsel:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• Maryland State Bar membership is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in one or more of the Office of Legal Counsel's primary legal practice areas (contracts, transactions, procurement, and land use; labor and employment; special education and student civil rights; litigation; and/or legal support for school operations).
• Hiring Range - ($98,972 - $138,185)

Senior Counsel

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• Maryland State Bar membership is highly preferred.
• Documented management/supervisory experience.
• Significant experience and expertise in one or more of the Office of Legal Counsel's primary legal practice areas (contracts, transactions, procurement, and land use; labor and employment; special education and student civil rights; litigation; and/or legal support for school operations).
• Experience managing large-scale and high-profile legal projects.
• Hiring Range - ($118,909 - $166,022)

All Levels

• Strong ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Excellent skills in legal research and in presenting, explaining, interpreting, and defending policies and procedures.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with school system employees and managers at all levels, as well as external attorneys and law firms, government leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to interact with diverse constituencies and convey complicated information with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to manage and adapt to multiple priorities and meet deadlines, while exercising excellent attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal case management systems.
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Full time or Part time Full time

Additional Details:
Qualified candidates for the above position must submit the following:

• Completed online application
• Resume that clearly demonstrates the above minimum qualifications. It is important that you include all experiences and education related to the position to which you are applying.
• Upload copies of all transcripts -undergraduate, graduate and all MSDE Certifications
• Must provide three (3) professional references to include: name, title, business address, e-mail address and phone number
• All documentation/certification necessary (scanned copies accepted) to substantiate minimum qualifications; must be uploaded into application
• All documentation must be scanned and uploaded to application

Benefits -- This position is eligible for benefits. To review the available options please see the information relevant to the union for this position by viewing the following link: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org

Baltimore City Public Schools ("City Schools") does not discriminate in its employment, programs, and activities based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy or parenting status, family structure, ability (cognitive, social/emotional, and physical), veteran status, genetic information, age, immigration or citizenship status, socioeconomic status, language, or any other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations. Discrimination undermines our community's long-standing efforts to create, foster, and promote equity and inclusion for all. Some examples of discrimination include acts of hate, violence, harassment, bullying, or retaliation. For more information, see Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners Policies JBA (Nondiscrimination - Students), JBB (Sex-Based Discrimination - Students), JICK (Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation of Students), ACA (Nondiscrimination - Employees and Third Parties), ACB (Sexual Harassment - Employees and Third Parties), ACD (ADA Reasonable Accommodations), and ADA (Equity), and the accompanying City Schools Administrative Regulations. City Schools also provides equal access to the Boy and Girl Scouts and other designated youth groups. Link to Full Nondiscrimination Notice.

This position is not affiliated with the a bargaining union.

This position is affiliated with the City Retirement System.

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