20 / 21 FY GENERAL COUNSEL

GENERAL COUNSEL

DEPARTMENT: Legal	SALARY SCHEDULE: Administrative
LOCATION: CEE	WORK YEAR: 12 Months

The Phoenix Union High School District is proud to serve a diverse population of 28,000 students and 4,000 employees in Arizonas capital city. With a portfolio of comprehensive schools, small specialty schools, support schools, micro schools, magnet programs, and extensive Career & Technical Education (CTE) offerings, PXUs schools of opportunity welcome, love, and inspire all students to go places and do things that matter. SUMMARY: The General Counsel is expected to represent, advise and assist the Districts executive leadership on a daily basis, but shall recognize that the position of General Counsel exists to represent the organization. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Manages all legal matters on behalf of the District, including but not limited to the following:

• Personnel matters, including federal and state law compliance, investigations, document preparation, discipline and hearings
• Federal, State, and local tribunal matters, including Office for Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity
• Legal compliance of District Policies, Regulations and corresponding Exhibits
• Intergovernmental Agreements and other contracts
• Legal advice and counsel to the Superintendent and Governing Board
• Student matters, including disciplinary proceedings, due process, including investigation, hearings, and appeals, as well as Exceptional Student Services matters

1. Coordinates responses to requests for public records, student records, and employee records.
2. Attends meetings and coordinates with insurance carriers to address liability concerns, provide coordinated services, and/or receive information.
3. Assists the District executive leadership regarding matters affecting:

• Cost containment and reporting procedures that are designed to limit the Districts financial risks and expenses in cases involving litigation or State and Federal agency investigations;
• Maintenance of a safe work environment and maximization of employee productivity
• Implementation of remedial programs and recommending alternative courses of action to reduce incidents of accidents and claims.

1. Provides general legal advice on school operation matters.
2. Interprets policy and employment contracts, reviews the legalities of proposed disciplinary actions and represents the District at pre-termination hearings, grievances and arbitration. Represents district administration in teacher non-renewal proceedings and other employment matters.
3. Reviews proposed actions by the Governing Board, and advises the Superintendent of the legal implications of those actions. Reviews Board agenda items for legality.
4. Researches city, county, state and federal laws and court decisions, and apprises the District of the impact and legality of proposed actions.
5. Reviews existing policies, statutes, court cases and other legal documents, interprets how they apply to PXU, prepares changes or initiates proposed policy and submits for review and action.
6. Evaluates recent court decisions, determines if they deviate from standard practice and advises the District of their impact.
7. Conducts a program of preventative law through program reviews, in-service training and individual counseling sessions.
8. Represents the District in administrative hearings that involve students and/or District staff.
9. May represent the District in ACRD and EEOC complaint proceedings. Assists in the investigation of OCR allegations and negotiates settlements focusing on legal analysis of the issues.
10. May represent the District, Governing Board and/or individual members of the Board or District staff in any given piece of litigation.
11. Reviews financial and bidding practices and procedures to ensure compliance with existing legislation and District policy. Advises the District in bid protests.
12. Researches legislation, court cases and District policies, prepares legal opinions and recommends action to District executive leadership.
13. Represents the District in quasi-judicial, judicial and/or outside litigation. Sits as advisor at open and executive meetings of the Governing Board. Advises and represents the District in Special Education matters.
14. Supports the relationship between the Phoenix Union High School District and the public by demonstrating courteous and professional behavior when interacting with students, parents, visitors, and school staff; maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and school information; follows Governing Board Policies; performs all other law-related duties as required or assigned.

The above essential functions are intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Arizona
• A minimum of three years successful experience practicing law

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines

• Working knowledge of Arizona statutes and other laws that apply to public school districts
• Experience in the areas of municipal law, and/or employment and civil rights laws preferred

License and Certification Requirements:

• A valid Arizona State Drivers License is required.

IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent communication skills, including writing and speaking skills
• Strong ability to a analyze legal issues presented for legal consideration
• Sound judgment
• Commitment to create and sustain a thriving learning and working environment for students and staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to use initiative within organizational policies, procedures and guidelines.
• English/Spanish, bilingual preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in a standard office environment.
WHY WORK AT PXU The Phoenix Union High School District is one of the states largest employers. Our 4,000 education professionals are committed to providing an excellent learning environment for our students while enjoying an inspiring work environment.