General Counsel/Staff Attorney

Reports to:       School Board

 

Summary:         The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Zachary Community School Board, Superintendent, and executive leadership, providing strategic legal counsel on all matters affecting the district. This executive-level position ensures legal and regulatory compliance across all operational areas, oversees litigation and risk management, and supports the district in policy development, governance, and crisis response. The General Counsel is also responsible for addressing formal complaints and grievances from employees, students, and stakeholders, ensuring resolution in accordance with applicable laws and district policy.

 

Performance Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Legal Counsel & Representation

• Provide authoritative legal opinions and analysis on existing and proposed legislation, board policies, administrative regulations, and district operations.
• Advise on the legal dimensions of the School System's Educational Plan, ensuring alignment with applicable federal and state education laws.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of contracts, including those related to employment, real estate transactions, construction, leases, and intergovernmental agreements; ensure all agreements comply with legal and regulatory standards.
• Advise the Superintendent, School Board, and executive leadership on matters related to constitutional and procedural due process, public elections, official meetings, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to district leadership, including department heads, principals, and administrators, on policy development, implementation, and enforcement.
• Provide legal counsel on employment-related matters, including wage and hour compliance, workers’ compensation, leave administration (e.g., FMLA, military, medical), and employment contract oversight.
• Attend board meetings, administrative meetings, and workshops as requested by the Superintendent to provide real-time legal guidance and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Assist in the preparation, review, and legal vetting of legislative proposals, administrative procedures, and other official documents generated by the Superintendent or board.
• Represent the district and/or coordinate representation in legislative matters; testify before legislative committees on issues impacting the school system when requested by the Superintendent.
• Serve as the district’s central coordinator for all legal services, including litigation strategy, risk management, administrative hearings, grievance processes, and specialized legal projects.
• Make determinations on when to refer cases or matters to external legal counsel; oversee and manage external legal service providers to ensure cost-effective and high-quality representation.
• Remain current in education and public law by attending relevant seminars, workshops, and continuing legal education; provide in-service training and presentations to staff on legal topics upon request.

Governance & Board Operations

• Advise the School Board and Superintendent on governance matters, ethics, and compliance with the Louisiana Open Meetings Law.
• Attend board meetings and executive sessions to provide legal counsel as required.
• Support in drafting and interpreting board policies and procedures.

Employment & Labor Relations

• Counsel on all employment-related legal matters including investigations, hiring practices, contract disputes, discrimination claims, and terminations.
• Provide legal oversight of grievance and complaint procedures, including those involving harassment, retaliation, and whistleblower claims.
• Represent the district in labor negotiations, disputes, and collective bargaining, if applicable.

Complaints & Grievances

• Lead or advise on the resolution of formal complaints and grievances filed by employees, students, parents, or third parties.
• Ensure all grievance procedures comply with district policies and applicable federal and state laws.
• Monitor trends in complaints to inform policy development and training initiatives.

Student & Family Legal Matters

• Provide guidance on student discipline, rights, privacy (FERPA), residency, and custody matters.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and Title IX, including overseeing investigations and hearings.

Crisis Management & Emergency Response

• Deliver immediate legal guidance during crises, emergencies, or threats.
• Coordinate legal response with law enforcement, emergency responders, and relevant public agencies.

Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state education laws and regulations (e.g., ADA, Title Programs, Civil Rights, ESSA).
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes impacting public education and advise stakeholders accordingly.

Contracts, Procurement & Construction

• Oversee legal aspects of procurement, construction projects, and vendor agreements.
• Ensure contracts meet all state and district procurement policies and risk management protocols.

Risk Management & Insurance

• Identify and mitigate potential legal risks across all district operations.
• Manage legal aspects of insurance claims, policies, and relationships with carriers.

Training & Preventative Legal Support

• Conduct legal training for board members, administrators, and staff on emerging legal issues and best practices.
• Promote a proactive legal culture through education and preventative legal strategies.
• Handle or review real estate transactions, leases, zoning, land use issues, and property management matters.

Public Records & Communications

• Ensure compliance with the Louisiana Public Records Act.
• Respond to subpoenas, FOIA/public records requests, and legal communications.

• Advise on issues related to social media, data privacy, and public messaging.

Other Duties:

Other duties as assigned are related to the functions of the position.

 

Communication Skills:

Effective communication in English, both verbally and in writing, is essential. The role requires the ability to compile and interpret data accurately, summarize information effectively, and prepare comprehensive reports for supervisors. Proficiency in using telecommunication systems to exchange information accurately is also required. The position involves successful communication with students, teachers, parents, school personnel, and the community.

 

Professional Conduct:

Employees are expected to uphold a high standard of professional conduct. Breaches of professional conduct include but are not limited to, neglect of duty, dishonesty, engaging in activities contrary to Zachary Community School District policy, involvement in unlawful activities, or any conduct that seriously prejudices the school system.

 

Technological Abilities:

Proficiency in computer usage, including email for communication, is essential for successful job performance. Additionally, familiarity with job-specific equipment, software, and applications is required.

 

Physical Involvement:

The role involves frequent standing, sitting, walking, reaching, bending, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Candidates must be able to travel to various locations and move freely within work sites. Additionally, sufficient visual acuity is necessary to work with computer monitors and to read and interpret handwritten documents.

 

Education and Experience:

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.  Active membership in good standing with the Louisiana State Bar Association. Minimum of five years of legal practice, with preference for experience in education, public sector, or school law. In-depth knowledge of Louisiana and federal education laws, labor and employment law, special education regulations, and public governance. Demonstrated experience handling complex litigation, investigations, or large-scale organizational risk management. Prior legal service as general counsel, staff attorney, or outside counsel for a public school district or educational institution is highly desirable. Familiarity with Louisiana education statutes, administrative regulations, and public sector legal procedures, including the Louisiana Open Meetings Law and Public Records Law. Strong background in employment law.

 

Note:

This job description summarizes the primary duties and responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities comprehensively. The Zachary Community School Board reserves the right to change this description at its discretion.