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Deputy General Counsel

Waukegan Community Unit District 60 See More Job Openings by This Employer

New York, NY

May 20, 2025 Attorney

Job Description

Position Type:
Administration Level 2

Date Posted:
5/20/2025

Location:
Lincoln Center Administrative Offices

Closing Date:
05/30/2025

Who We Are:
Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 serves nearly 14,000 students in preschool through grade 12 and is located halfway between Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Michigan. Our District has one early learning center, 15 elementary schools, five middle schools and a high school program divided between two 9 – 12^th grade campuses. The District encompasses portions of Waukegan, Beach Park and Park City.

Why We Do This Work:
The Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 has set an ambitious agenda for change, guided by the belief that all children, regardless of circumstances, can achieve at high levels and academic gaps can and will be eliminated with the support of teachers who deliver engaging, relevant, and academically rigorous instruction that excites students and instills a love of learning in them.

What We Need:
The Deputy General Counsel (DGC) serves under the general oversight of the General Counsel (GC) and acts in the GCs absence with the authority of the GC in fulfilling the responsibilities of the Office of General Counsel (OGC). The DGC serves in this position consistent with the attorney-client relationship. Under the general oversight of the GC, the DGC is responsible for overseeing, planning, organizing and directing the legal and investigative staff and legal work of and providing legal advice, counsel and representation to the Board and client representatives of the Waukegan Public School District No. 60 (District 60) as necessary to fulfill their duties and responsibilities to District 60. The DGC oversees the internal operations of OGC including the representation of the institutional interests consistent with the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. The DGC is also responsible for overseeing the budget and personnel of OGC in accordance with the parameters established by the Superintendent and the District 60 Board.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. In addition to the requirements listed below, regular attendance is an essential function of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

The DGC serves under the general oversight of the GC and acts in the GC's absence with the authority of the GC. The DGC may similarly also oversee other programs as assigned separate from OGC.
The DGC serves as a member of District 60's Management Team and establishes and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues within District 60 and professional relationships with external constituencies.
The DGC oversees all matters pertaining to the legal representation of District 60 as an entity in matters involving state and federal law.
The DGC oversees the development and implementation of policies, procedures, strategic plans, systems and related initiatives consistent with the attorney-client relationship and operational standards of District 60. The DGC assists in the drafting, negotiation and finalization of documents pertaining to contractual and legal obligations of the District.
The DGC oversees the formulation and implementation of short-term and long-term goals and plans to improve the efficiency and efficacy of the legal representation the District receives.
The DGC oversees and initiates as appropriate, inter-office projects, programs and activities. The DGC supervises OGC staff and investigators engaged to perform workplace investigations equal employment opportunity and Title IX. The DGC provides assistance, counsel and supervision in the preparation of required investigator reports.
The DGC provides legal advice and representation to the Board of Education and the Administration of the District..
The DGC timely responds to inquiries from Board Members, administration, Cabinet members and departmental leaders and other constituencies regarding the legal positions of the District, consistent with the limitations of the attorney-client relationship.
The DGC assists in the preparation and administration of the budget and oversees the management of the library, technological resources and personnel of OGC within institutional parameters.
The DGC promotes the integrity, objectivity, and efficiency of the Office of General Counsel.
The DGC assists with the oversight of the outside counsel retained by the District to provide legal representation.
The DGC maintains appropriate confidentiality in connection with the legal work of OGC and oversees contractors, consultants, experts and others in addressing the legal needs of District. The DGC assists in the resolution of claims and litigation, including the negotiation of settlement agreements.
The DGC provides training on relevant legal topics to staff.
The DGC assumes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education / Training:

The DGC will possess a license to practice law in the State of Illinois.
The DGC will have demonstrable proof of the active practice of law in the areas of school law, labor employment and special education for a period not less than ten years

Knowlege and Skills:

Established proficiency in legal practice in the areas of administrative law, school law, judicial proceedings, arbitration and mediation, including the preparation and drafting of briefs, position statements, memoranda of law and pleadings;
Experience in governmental practice, mentoring, training, school operations, policy development and implementation.
Ability to represent District 60 as its counsel in state and federal court and federal and state administrative bodies.
Familiarity with office and staff management, budgetingadministration and supervision.
Demonstrated experience with complex problem identification, analysis and resolution.
Capability with computerized data and word processing systems including Internet and website usage and legal search systems.
Principles of centralized information and data-based record keeping systems.
Effective writing and verbal presentations including public speaking and media communication.
Experience in student issues pertaining to student discipline, FERPA, ISSRA, IDEA, FAPE, Section 504 and special education generally, including presentations at due process hearings.
Knowledge of OMA, FOIA, and other federal and state laws pertaining to public entities in Illinois.
Demonstrated familiarity with collective bargaining principles and practices, insurance claims, wage and hour questions, grievance management and labor relations issues under the IELRA.
Capabilities in legislative and public policy research and analysis and governmental relations.
Advanced principles of effective institutional communication in dealing with differing constituencies.
Knowledgeable regarding principles governing the professional conduct of attorneys.

Essential Elements / Ability To:

Receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communication.
Communicate clearly and effectively in person,by telephone,by computer and in writing.
Travel by air and automobile.
Review and analyze complex written documents.
Obtain and present material in oral and/or written form.
Speak publicly to large groups of people.
Perform under stress and adopt effective courses of action.
Effectively interact with others in fluid and fast-paced office environment
Effectively address conflict.
Retrieve, lift and carry files and documents weighing up to ten {10} pounds with reasonable accommodation.

Minimun Qualifications:

Active membership in good standing in the State Bar of Illinois.
A demonstrated verifiable reputation for integrity and no history of disciplinary offenses as an attorney or in any other capacity.
A minimum of ten {10) years progressively responsible active experience in the practice of law, including experience in public entity or institutional representation.
A minimum of five (5} years senior management/supervisory experience in administering personnel and budget requirements.

Working Conditions: Moderate in-district travel as well as intermittent in-state and out-of-state travel. Intermittent prolonged and irregular hours of work.

Salary: Dependent upon experience and qualifications

Classification: 12-month administrative position

Additional Information: This job description describes duties and responsibilities which are representative of the nature and level of work assigned to the position. The identified duties and responsibilities are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the school district and employee and is subject to change by the school district as the needs of the school district and requirements of the job change.

Application Deadline: Candidates must submit an online application by the closing date.

Only online applications will be considered.
Apply: www.wps60.org

Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 offers employment opportunities without regard to age, gender, race, gender identity, color, national origin,
religion, marital or military/veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parental status, genetics, disability or other protected category.

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