GLENDALE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASS DESCRIPTION

GENERAL COUNSEL

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

Coordinates the District’s legal affairs.  Conducts litigation for the District, and participates in trials related to matters of major importance to the educational program. Serves as a resource person to the Superintendent and the Board of Education regarding all legal matters, administrative policies and procedures related to the District’s educational and administrative programs. The General Counsel is the chief legal officer of the District responsible for administering the legal activities of the District and outside legal firms.  Serves as the District’s primary advisor to lead labor negotiator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

Under the direction of the Superintendent, responsible for coordinating the District’s legal affairs.  General direction is exercised over lower-level support staff personnel.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administers the preparation and conduct of litigation authorized by the Board of Education, including the preparation of pleadings and negotiations between parties, and authorizes settlements within settlement authority.
Represents the District in all certificated and classified disciplinary hearings.
Represents District employees at hearings where criminal or civil charges are sought against employees, when such charges arise out of the performance of the employee’s duties.
Prepares written opinions and conducts independent research concerning legal relationships, duties, obligations, and rights, and the policies, programs, and projects of the Board of Education and Office of the Superintendent of Schools.
Provides legal advice and assistance to the Superintendent of Schools in order that the responsibilities of the office may be legally carried out.
Serves as the District’s primary adviser in matters of labor negotiations and employer-employee relations; advises the Superintendent and the Board Members in Closed Session, including reporting the latest trends and developments in the field and making regular, up-to-date reports on the current status of employer-employee relations within the District. Serves as a resource person to the Superintendent of Schools and division heads regarding changes and administrative policy and the screening, planning, development, appraisal, and interpretation of legally-related phases of new or special projects or programs.  
Anticipates the legal effect of emerging programs and projects, and provides legal support for both educational and administrative programs proposed by the Board of Education and by the Superintendent of Schools.
Supervises the conduct of investigations into charges that legal requirements or Rules of the Board of Education or the Personnel Commission have not been followed in connection with employer-employee relations.
Advises and assists the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools in the drafting of rules, regulations, resolutions, legal forms, and other documents.
Drafts and prepares amendments to proposed and existing legislation, other than matters of concern to the Budget Services and Financial Planning Division.
Analyzes legislative bills which affect the operation of the school system.
Prepares required reports and special reports as requested.
Evaluates the performance of subordinate personnel.
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 the District.
Administrative organization of the Glendale Unified School District. The organization and functions of the various personnel assignments within the District and a thorough understanding of the objectives of collective bargaining units and their methods of operation.
Leadership skills in facilitating group processes, including consensus building and conflict resolution.
The fundamental principles and accepted practices, current trends, literature, and research in the field of employer-employee relations.  

Ability to:
Demonstrate strong leadership skills.
Work effectively with legal and nonlegal staff, outside legal contacts, and the community.
Develop and build consensus and resolve conflicts.
Train staff in legal issues.
Organize work effectively and efficiently.
Demonstrate strong research and writing skills.
Demonstrate computer literacy.
Understand and administer a budget.
Understand broad concepts and integrate legal input into major District policy decisions.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education:
A baccalaureate from a recognized college or university and a Juris Doctor degree or equivalent from an American Bar Association accredited institution.

Experience:
Ten years of experience as a practicing member of the Bar.  Experience in education law is desirable but not required.

License or Certificate:
Authorization to practice law in California by the California Bar Association.
Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license. Ability to be insured and maintain vehicle liability and property damage insurance. Use of an automobile. Other:
Written and oral proficiency in a second language is desirable.Experience working in a diverse environment.       Subject to the reporting requirements of the District’s Conflict of Interest Code.

 Working Conditions:

Environment:
Regularly works in an office environment; occasionally outside; will be required to use personalvehicle in the course of duties; will be required to attend evening meetings and some travel; and may be required to work an irregular schedule. Work environment is generally clean. Noise level is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; seeing to view a computer monitor and read a variety of materials; and hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the phone.  Work Schedule:  
Incumbent will be required to work an irregular schedule that may include working days, nights, weekends and holidays.

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