Job Summary

Assists the General Counsel in the coordination and administration of the District's legal affairs, with primary responsibility for matters involving special education and student services. Provides legal advice, representation, training, and guidance to District administrators and staff to ensure compliance with federal and state laws governing students with disabilities. Represents the District in administrative hearings and legal proceedings related to special education, and supports the development, implementation, and review of District policies, procedures, and programs impacting students with disabilities.

Job Description / Essential Elements:

GLENDALE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASS DESCRIPTION

ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL (SPECIAL EDUCATION)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

Assists the General Counsel in the coordination and administration of the district's legal affairs, with primary responsibility for matters involving special education and student services. Provides legal advice, representation, training, and guidance to District administrators and staff to ensure compliance with federal and state laws governing students with disabilities. Represents the District in administrative hearings and legal proceedings related to special education, and supports the development, implementation, and review of District policies, procedures, and programs impacting students with disabilities.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

Under the direction of the General Counsel, assists in carrying out the legal affairs of the district, with a primary focus on special education matters. May provide direction to support staff and coordinate work with outside legal counsel.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists the General Counsel in administering the preparation and conduct of administrative litigation, including matters involving special education, student rights, student records, and compliance. Represents the District in special education due process hearings, mediations, resolution sessions, and related proceedings before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) and other agencies.

Provides legal advice and assistance to District administrators, including Special Education and Student Services leadership, regarding compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Advises on the development, review, and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), eligibility determinations, placement decisions, manifestation determinations, and discipline involving students with disabilities. Attends IEP meetings upon request to represent the district.

Responds to and manages complaints and investigations filed with agencies such as the California Department of Education (CDE) and the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Prepares written legal opinions and conducts research regarding legal relationships, duties, obligations, and rights affecting special education programs and services, and student issues.

Composes and/or edits prior written notice letters (PWNs).

Assists in drafting and reviewing Board policies, administrative regulations, contracts, agreements, and legal documents related to special education and student services.

Under general guidance from the General Counsel, coordinates with outside legal counsel on assigned matters, including reviewing pleadings, assisting in discovery, developing legal strategies, and monitoring legal expenditures.

Provides training to administrators, certificated staff, and classified staff regarding legal requirements and best practices related to special education and student rights.

Anticipates the legal impact of emerging programs, legislation, and case law affecting special education and advises the General Counsel and District leadership accordingly.

Assists in the investigation of complaints or allegations involving legal compliance in special education programs and student issues.

Prepares reports and provides updates to the General Counsel, Superintendent, and Board of Education as needed.

Performs related duties as assigned.

CLASS QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Provisions of the Education Code, Government Code, and other laws, rules, and regulations related to the legal activities of a public school district.

Federal and state laws governing special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and applicable California Education Code provisions.

Procedures related to special education due process hearings, mediation, compliance complaints, and administrative investigations.

Administrative organization of the Glendale Unified School District.

Principles and practices of legal research, writing, and litigation.

Principles of public relations and effective communication.

Ability to:

Provide sound legal advice and guidance to administrators and staff.

Represent the District effectively in administrative hearings and legal proceedings.

Interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, and legal precedents.

Work effectively with legal and non-legal staff, outside counsel, and the community.

Develop and build consensus and resolve conflicts, including sensitive matters involving students and families.

Train staff on legal requirements and risk mitigation strategies.

Organize work effectively and manage multiple priorities.

Demonstrate strong research, analytical, and writing skills.

Communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

Develop and maintain effective working relationships and build trust with stakeholders.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Minimum requirements:

Education:

A baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association accredited institution or an institution accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California.

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience as a practicing member of the Bar. Strong preference for candidates with prior experience in education law and/or special education matters.

License and Certificate:

Authorization to practice law in California by the California State Bar.

Possession of a valid State of California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability.

Other:

Experience working in a diverse environment is desirable.

Written and oral proficiency in a second language is desirable.

Subject to the reporting requirements of the District's Conflict of Interest Code.

Working Conditions:

Environment:

Office environment; occasional travel to attend hearings, meetings, and trainings; may require evening meetings and irregular hours.

Physical Demands:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer; sitting or standing for extended periods; seeing to read documents; hearing and speaking to exchange information.

Work Schedule:

May require an irregular schedule, including evenings and occasional weekends.

Requirements / Qualifications

Comments and Other Information