Counsel; Assistant, Associate, Senior

Under the leadership of the Chief Legal Officer, the Office of Legal Counsel provides cost-effective, high-quality, creative, and proactive legal problem-solving. The Office supports the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners ("Board"), the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), and school system employees in navigating legal requirements, evaluating and managing legal risk, conserving resources, promoting collaborative dispute resolution, reducing avoidable litigation, if possible, and engaging in strategic decision‑making to promote equity and academic excellence for all students.

Counsel are responsible for providing high‑quality legal representation and advice on a wide variety of matters related to education law and school system operations.

Each Counsel is assigned to a position as Assistant Counsel, Associate Counsel, or Senior Counsel depending on their qualifications, expertise, and experience.

• Provide legal advice and counsel on a wide range of matters, including contracts, transactions, procurement, and land use; labor and employment; special education and student civil rights; litigation; and/or legal support for school operations.
• Represent the Board, CEO, and other school system employees in federal/state courts and administrative hearings, including preparing and reviewing briefs, motions, and pleadings; organizing complex discovery and production of documents; preparing for and conducting trials; and closely coordinating and consulting with relevant school system staff.
• Respond to complaints and investigations from government agencies, which may require written responses that include extensive legal analysis of relevant issues.
• Negotiate settlements and resolutions of legal matters.
• Coordinate responses to public information requests and subpoenas.
• Conduct legal research and draft opinions regarding legal questions and issues, interpreting laws, rulings, policies, and addressing current or potential litigation exposure.
• Advise on federal and state legislation affecting the school system.
• Draft and conduct legal review of policies, regulations, contracts, and other documents.
• Anticipate legal issues and provide strategic guidance.
• Stay current on relevant laws, regulations, case law, and best practices in assigned legal practice area(s).
• Provide legal updates and training to staff.
• Support school‑based staff on custody disputes and other legal matters.
• Utilize resources appropriately to complete work in the most efficient manner; proactively communicate the status of work; participate and contribute fully as a team member; and exercise sound judgment and decision‑making skills to resolve sensitive matters.
• Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies; follow federal and state laws, school board policies and the professional standards.

• Lead legal services in designated practice areas.
• Supervise Assistant and Associate Counsel and support staff as assigned by the Chief Legal Officer.
• Manage outside counsel and coordinate legal projects.
• Participate in cross‑functional teams and provide leadership support to the Chief Legal Officer.

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• 1–2 years of legal experience preferred.
• Maryland State Bar membership is highly preferred.
• Interest and a demonstrated degree of experience in one or more of the Office of Legal Counsel's primary legal practice areas (contracts, transactions, procurement, and land use; labor and employment; special education and student civil rights; litigation; and/or legal support for school operations) highly preferred.
• Hiring Range - ($87,963 - $122,815).

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• Maryland State Bar membership is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in one or more of the Office of Legal Counsel's primary legal practice areas (contracts, transactions, procurement, and land use; labor and employment; special education and student civil rights; litigation; and/or legal…