General Counsel

Description:

Essential Functions -- Essential Functions, As Defined Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, May Include Any of the Following Representative Duties, Knowledge, and Skills. This List is Illustrative Only, and is Not a Comprehensive Listing of All functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides advice and counsel for the Board and A Government Entity executive management on legal matters concerning the District; provides legal opinions and strategy, minimizes risk and liability, and manages legal issues, disputes and proceedings.
• Represents the District in legal proceedings, litigation, court appearances, administrative proceedings, and other disputes and legal actions; manages litigation and establishes case strategy; conducts conferences with opposing parties concerning settlement of cases, and negotiates agreements within scope of authority.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the activities and staff of the General Counsel's Office; protects the legal rights of A Government Entity, enforces rights and obligations, anticipates problems and pursues solutions.
• Supervises the District's Office of Compliance, responsible for compliance with federal and state law, particularly anti-discrimination laws.
• Exercises independent judgment within policy guidelines; analyzes issues and recommends solutions.
• Represents A Government Entity in negotiating contracts and other legal issues; assures that legal issues are resolved within A Government Entity policy guidelines; reviews and evaluates pertinent decisions, policies, regulations and other legal matters applicable to the A Government Entity.
• Provides legal assessments and recommendations; conducts factual and legal analysis to determine how legal issues should be resolved, based on the facts of law and evidence.
• Provides advice and consultation to management on the interpretation and consistent application of state and Federal rules, regulations and policies.
• Manages strategies and activities of outside counsel.
• Responds to community issues, and coordinates public issues between A Government Entity and various organizations and agencies; advises District on compliance with technical legal issues and appropriate responses to complaints and requests for information.
• Manages assigned staff, and assigns tasks, legal issues, programmatic responsibilities, and projects; evaluates performance, resolves workload and technical issues, and assures that goals are defined and achieved; develops staff skills and training plans, and conducts performance evaluations.
• Prepares and presents training for District staff on records management and other compliance issues.
• Monitors trends in education law, regulations and legislative issues, and recommends operational, procedural and policy improvements.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and A Government Entity staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent's goals and priorities in compliance with the law and all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and A Government Entity information.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minnesota criminal and civil statutes, rules, case law, administrative orders, policies and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations governing public education.
• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting public education.
• Legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools.
• Techniques for case management, and the development and presentation of legal strategies.
• Principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.
• Duties, powers, authorities and limitations of a General Counsel.
• Principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.
• Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including cost accounting, budgeting, purchasing, contract management, customer service and employee supervision.
• Techniques and practices for efficient and cost effective management of resources.

Skill in:

• Analyzing complex administrative and operational data and issues, interpreting laws and regulations, evaluating alternatives, and developing strategies for effective resolution of issues.
• Assuming executive level responsibilities and making appropriate decisions.
• Litigating cases in legal hearings and courtroom settings.
• Effectively assessing, interpreting and applying complex criminal and civil laws to information, evidence and other data compiled.
• Investigating, analyzing and resolving complex and sensitive issues and complaints.
• Exercising judgment and discretion, negotiating agreements, and mediating difficult situations.
• Researching, collecting, analyzing, and preparing data and generating reports.
• Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, community leaders, government agency representatives, and the public.
• Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements
A valid Minnesota State Driver's License may be required.

Possess and keep current a valid license by the Minnesota State Board of Law Examiners to practice law, and remain active with all license requirements.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

---