Assistant Legal Counsel I - Exempt RB# 26-029

BOARD OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
ROOM 720 CITY HALL
BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202

ASSISTANT LEGAL COUNSEL I - EXEMPT

$105,000- $112,000

Legal Department – 713 City Hall, Buffalo, NY

This is an entry-level professional position in the fields of state and federal education law, including special education, labor and employment law, municipal law and general corporate law practice for the Buffalo City School District. The incumbent serves as a surrogate to the Legal Counsel and when required, will represent the School District in Federal and State court in administrative proceedings.

Duties also include developing and interpreting School District policy. S/he works under general supervision of the Legal Counsel and will be required to assume direct and independent responsibility for legal matters. The Assistant Legal Counsel may supervise assigned personnel.

• Counsels with and advises departments, schools, principals and other School District officials and personnel on matters of law affecting the School District and its various departments and offices, and may on rare occasions be directed by the Legal Counsel to give such advice to the members of the Board of Education or Superintendent;
• Defends and represents the School District and its officers and employees eligible for defense services in various courts and before State or Federal administrative agencies such as the Commissioner of Education, the State Division of Human Rights, the Public Employment Relations Board, the United States Department of Education, and at arbitrations and mediations;
• Evaluates and resolves questions regarding special education issues, residency of students and tuition obligations, student emancipation, immunization requirements, custody and guardianship of students in separation, divorce and foster care situations, alternative education issues (including charter schools and home schooling), student discipline and the Code of Conduct, and athletic or extracurricular eligibility;
• Prepares drafts and researches, edits and upon review of a senior attorney, submits legal documents and briefs to various State and Federal courts;
• At the direction of the Legal Counsel, may attend Board of Education meetings, committee meetings, departmental and other internal or external meetings in which the School District personnel participate, or on behalf of such officials, giving legal assistance when required;
• Interviews and prepares witnesses, including expert witnesses for depositions, hearings, arbitrations, mediations and trials;
• Assists in providing training for School District administrators and teachers on the legal implications of various aspects of general and special education and student discipline;
• Prepares allegations and conducts prosecution for long‑term suspension hearings in accordance with statutory due process requirements for students;
• Assists in preparation and/or review of Board of Education resolutions;
• Assists in drafting of School District’s policies, rules and administrative regulations in education related areas;
• Performs legal work necessary for the purchase/sale of real property;
• Represents the School District at due process hearings regarding students with disabilities;
• Drafts, negotiates and prepares contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, deeds, easements, leases and any other legal documents and forms on behalf of the School District and its departments and schools, examines and approves specifications in connection with such agreements, when applicable;
• Consuls with and advises the School District’s…