Assistant General Counsel (Special Education) (2372)

Assists the General Counsel in the coordination and administration of the District’s legal affairs, with primary responsibility for matters involving special education and student services. Provides legal advice, representation, training, and guidance to District administrators and staff to ensure compliance with federal and state laws governing students with disabilities. Represents the District in administrative hearings and legal proceedings related to special education, and supports the development, implementation, and review of District policies, procedures, and programs impacting students with disabilities.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED
Under the direction of the General Counsel, assists in carrying out the legal affairs of the District, with a primary focus on special education matters. May provide direction to support staff and coordinate work with outside legal counsel.

Note: A more complete list of requirements, duties, and responsibilities for this classification can be found at www.gusd.net: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/gusd/classspecs.

Assists the General Counsel in administering the preparation and conduct of administrative litigation, including matters involving special education, student rights, student records, and compliance. Represents the District in special education due process hearings, mediations, resolution sessions, and related proceedings before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) and other agencies.

Provides legal advice and assistance to District administrators, including Special Education and Student Services leadership, regarding compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Advises on the development, review, and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), eligibility determinations, placement decisions, manifestation determinations, and discipline involving students with disabilities. Attends IEP meetings upon request to represent the District.

Responds to and manages complaints and investigations filed with agencies such as the California Department of Education (CDE) and the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Prepares written legal opinions and conducts research regarding legal relationships, duties, obligations, and rights affecting special education programs and services, and student issues.

Composes and/or edits prior written notice letters (PWNs). 

Assists in drafting and reviewing Board policies, administrative regulations, contracts, agreements, and legal documents related to special education and student services.

Under general guidance from the General Counsel, coordinates with outside legal counsel on assigned matters, including reviewing pleadings, assisting in discovery, developing legal strategies, and monitoring legal expenditures.

Provides training to administrators, certificated staff, and classified staff regarding legal requirements and best practices related to special education and student rights.

Anticipates the legal impact of emerging programs, legislation, and case law affecting special education and advises the General Counsel and District leadership accordingly.

Assists in the investigation of complaints or allegations involving legal compliance in special education programs and student issues.

Prepares reports and provides updates to the General Counsel, Superintendent, and Board of Education as needed.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum requirements:

Education:
A baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association accredited institution or an institution accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California.

Experience:
Three (3) years of experience as a practicing member of the Bar. Strong preference for candidates with prior experience in education law and/or special education matters.

License and Certificate:
Authorization to practice law in California by the California State Bar.

Possession of a valid State of California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability.

Applications must be filed on the GUSD website at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/gusd.
Applications must include the following attachments:
A letter of interest.
A resume of training and qualifications.
Names, emails, and phone numbers of five current references, including your most recent supervisor.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Kyle Bruich, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources,
Director, Classified Personnel
(818) 241-3111, Ext. 1259.

Tentative timeline:
Application deadline: 6/08/2026
Completion of paper screening: 6/11/2026
Planned candidate Interviews: 6/16/2026
Planned final interviews: 6/22/2026
Appointment by the Board: 7/14/2026
Tentative start date: 7/20/2026

A review of applicants' experience and qualifications will be conducted. Based on that evaluation, a limited number of top-qualifying applicants whose qualifications best meet the current needs of the District will be invited to participate in the next step of the examination process.
After an offer of employment, a candidate must submit evidence of freedom from tuberculosis, fingerprint clearance with the Department of Justice, and a pre-employment physical exam (district-paid). The onboarding process includes legally mandated training(s) and reference checks. In addition, pursuant to Senate Bill 848 (SB 848), the District is required to conduct reference checks that include inquiry into whether the applicant has ever been the subject of a credible complaint, investigation, or disciplinary action related to child abuse, sexual misconduct, or sexual harassment.
Statement of Non-discrimination (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973): The Board of Education is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs, activities and services shall be free from unlawful discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, and/or bullying based on actual or perceived sex, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation, sexual preference, ancestry, ethnic group identification, gender, gender expression, gender identity, physical or mental disability, marital or parental status, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or sexual harassment in any district service, program and/or activity that receives or benefits from state financial assistance. The Board shall promote programs which ensure that unlawful discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. The District will take steps to assure that the lack of English will not be a barrier to admission and participation in district programs. A copy of the District's Uniform Complaint Policy is available by calling (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1457. Complaints alleging noncompliance with this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the following personnel:
Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Kelly King, 223 N. Jackson St., (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1209, titleix@gusd.net
Section 504 Coordinator: Dr. Narineh Khemichian, 223 North Jackson St., (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1500, nkhemichian@gusd.net  
Title II/ADA: Dr. Kelly King, 223 N. Jackson St., (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1209, kking@gusd.net