Description:

Position Description:
The Deputy General Counsel provides comprehensive legal counsel and representation to Rio Rancho Public Schools (RRPS) under the direction of the General Counsel. The position is responsible for advising District leadership, administrators, and departments on legal matters affecting district operations, with a primary emphasis on special education law, as well as work related to student services, labor and employment matters, public records compliance, civil rights, governance, litigation management, and policy development. The Deputy General Counsel ensures district compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and administrative requirements while supporting the District's mission through proactive legal guidance and risk management.

Minimum Qualifications:

Certificate, license, or other legal credentials required: License to practice law in New Mexico;
Degree(s) required and area of major study: Juris Doctorate degree required;
Six (6) years' experience in a law firm or in-house counsel environment;
Significant experience practicing Special Education law, including with IDEA, Section 504 and State and federal administrative requirements;
Knowledge of the laws and administrative code for the State of New Mexico;
Administrative and managerial experience preferred;
Proven skills of persuasion and negotiation;
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written;
Flexibility, organization, decision-making and problem-solving skills;
Interpersonal skills with diverse populations in-person and on the telephone;
Ability to meet deadlines, work on multiple projects and coordinate the work of others;
Knowledge of word processing, database and spreadsheet software;
Organized work habits and project management skills;
Strong skills at working both alone and in teams, providing legal advice and support to staff; and
Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent, Chief Counsel or General Counsel may find appropriate and acceptable.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Performs legal services under the direction of the Chief Counsel and General Counsel;
Advises and provides representation to the Special Services Department and as otherwise assigned;
Assists the RRPS Records Custodian in all aspects of responding to IPRA requests, including gathering records, redacting, legal review, and responding to requestors;
Ensures that the District operates within all laws, rules and regulations;
Advises the Superintendent and Board of Education (Board) on all legal matters relating to the operations of the District as assigned;
Assist with the evaluation and findings and in the development of strategies and arguments in preparation for cases for the purpose of defending lawsuits filed against the District;
Coordinates and provides in-service training on legal matters for the purpose of keeping administrators informed of the latest changes in the laws and to prevent errors in the application of the law, including professional development training regarding special education and Section 504 topics;
Reviews, edits, and creates District documents for the purpose of conveying information to both internal and external entities in a legally compliant manner;
Maintains and catalogues legal documents and contracts for the purpose of ensuring accurate reference materials;
Maintains excellent relations with students, principals, teachers, parents and staff;
Provides legal assistance to district staff when they are required to appear in court or administrative matters;
Assist District in the development and updating of policies and procedures in addition to recommending changes to policies and procedures for the purpose of ensuring compliance with Federal and State laws and Department of Education regulations;
Represent administration and staff in grievance hearings, OCR complaints, termination proceedings and School Board administrative procedures to ensure all laws, policies and regulations are followed or coordinated with outside counsel representing the District in such matters;
Interpret laws, statutes, legal opinions, and case impact;
Assists with Land Purchases;
Provides advice in employment, labor and civil rights matters, including but not limited to:

Employee Benefits
FLSA
IPRA Requests
Employee Investigations/Terminations
EEOC
Conditions of Employment
RIF
Whistleblower and qui tam actions
FMLA
Disciplinary Hearings
Personnel Hearings
Lawsuits;

Prepare case files in administrative and litigation matters;
Research and anticipate legal risks;
Research public and other legal records as needed for the purpose of writing opinions or answering questions posed by the school District; and
Provides legal advice to the Board as directed by Chief Counsel or General Counsel.

The Attorney

Represents RRPS in State Complaints brought by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) in Special Education matters;
Works with the Records Custodian to gather documents for and to review and process IPRA requests;
Attends Board Meetings or similar type functions and travel on behalf of RRPS;
Stays current on RRPS and advises appropriate staff of potential problem areas with existing or upcoming legislation;
Provides periodic status reports on major issues or as may be required by RRPS;
Assists in the maintenance of detailed records for all legal services provided in the District;
Promotes a ‘customer service philosophy' within a service-oriented organization;
Upholds and enforces rules, administrative directives and regulations, Board policies, and local, state and federal regulations;
Prepares and maintains accurate and complete records and reports as required by law, state directives, District policy and administrative regulations;
Maintains professional relationships and works cooperatively with employees, the community, and other professionals;
Attends and/or conducts staff meetings and participates on committees within area of responsibility;
Complies with state-approved New Mexico Administrative Code of Ethical Responsibility of the Education Profession and the RRPS Employee Standards of Conduct and upholds and enforces rules, administrative directives and regulations, school board policies, and local, state and federal regulations; and
Performs other duties as assigned by the General Counsel. Employee may be assigned other duties based on the needs of the District during the term of employment.

Terms of Employment
Normally eight hours per day; additional time as may be required.

Accountability:
Reports To: General Counsel
Evaluated By: General Counsel

Application Procedure:
The following documents must be attached to complete this application:

One (1) transcript from each crediting college or university;
Copy of Professional License;
Resume;
Letter of Interest (Please scan and upload into one PDF in the Resume Folder.); and
3 current signed/dated letters of recommendation. Letters must be dated within 2 years of submission.