MCPS Official Job Description
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION:Serves as the in-house legal counsel for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and its School Board; oversees strategic litigation and negotiation initiatives to minimize district risk; manages the interpretation of legislation resulting in impact on current policy and/or regulation; oversees contract and/or settlement agreement negotiations.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:Membership in, or eligibility for, the Maryland Bar. Bar membership must be in good standing.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Knowledge of public-school operations and applicable education law, special education law, public policy, and case law impacting school districts. Knowledge of local government and education law subspecialties, including employee/student civil rights; federal, state, and local non-discrimination statutes; employment law; FERPA; FOIA; data privacy; student discipline; tort liability, and insurance coverage. Thorough knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations and of Individualized Education Program (IEP) procedures. Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Thorough knowledge of state and federal public school laws, Board of Education policies and MCPS regulations. Ability to strategically plan, recommend, and execute policies and programs. Ability to develop effective and collaborative working relationships with the School Board, Superintendent's staff, school-based administrators, central office staff, outside counsel, community agencies, and governmental leaders. Ability to explain and interpret laws, regulations, policies, and rules to individuals and groups to gain compliance, cooperation, and understanding. Proficiency in the use of technology and data compilation for research, analysis, and reporting. Ability to manage the fiscal and human resources necessary to achieve the goals of the department. Ability to supervise and evaluate the work of others. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Ten (10) years of experience in public or private practice, with litigation expertise in one or more of the following areas: the Constitution, student rights, education, employment, civil rights, real estate, local government, procurement, contract, or tort law. Experience in contract negotiations and labor relations. Advanced degree(s) beyond the minimum degree requirement in a relevant field may be considered for some experience. Two (2) years of experience providing legal counsel to a Superintendent and School Board preferred.
