Senior Counsel, Student Litigation

Job Description

Under general supervision, represents Baltimore County Public Schools in matters regarding administrative appeals of student‑related matters, including student discipline, assignment, magnet school admissions, grades, homeless status, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Provides a variety of professional legal services as directed by the Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel.

• Represents the Baltimore County Public Schools before board-appointed hearing examiners and the local Board of Education in matters concerning homeless education, magnet school admission, student suspension and expulsion, student transfer, and residency.
• Represents Baltimore County Public Schools in special education mediations and due process hearings. Prepares school staff to participate in mediations and hearings.
• Coordinates and conducts in‑service training related to procedural safeguards and team processes.
• Serves as a consultant to schools to ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding students with disabilities and their parents. Assists teachers and administrators in responding to student and parental concerns.
• Responds to complaints regarding special education and student‑related Section 504 issues. Conducts legal research on issues raised in complaints, formulates legal opinions, and provides advice.
• Represents the Superintendent in administrative hearings, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Possession of a juris doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.
• Three years’ professional experience in the practice of law, including experience with legal issues involving students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience with litigation, negotiation, mediation, and administrative hearings.
• Experience with general education law preferred.

• Admission to the Bar of Maryland is required.

• Skill and ability to use a personal computer, including Microsoft Office.
  • Knowledge of legal research tools (Westlaw, Lexis‑Nexis).
  • Knowledge of Maryland administrative law and the appeal process.
  • Knowledge of statutes and regulations related to education law (IDEA and Section 504).
• Skill in the practice of law and in conducting litigation before administrative agencies and courts.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Skill in developing relationships with school administrators, central office personnel, and teachers.
• Ability to prepare and deliver professional development regarding special education law.

The work is generally sedentary and performed in an office environment. Duties require travel to schools and facilities throughout Baltimore County, with limited out‑of‑county and out‑of‑state travel.

Person appointed to this class may be required to work evenings, weekends, and beyond their normally scheduled hours with little or no advanced notice.

Exempt

Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System.

BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans. Other benefits include paid holidays, sick and personal days, bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA.

The Board of Education of Baltimore County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to educational programs or activities. For inquiries regarding the Board’s nondiscrimination policies contact the EEO Officer, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Baltimore County Public Schools, 6901 Charles Street, Building B, Towson, Maryland 21204 (443‑809‑8937).

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS).…