Assistant General Counsel (Special Education) (2379)

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.

Responsibilities

• Administers the preparation and conduct of administrative litigation related to 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 when requested 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.
• Composes and/or edits prior written notice letters (PWNs).
• Assists in drafting and reviewing Board policies, administrative regulations, contracts, agreements, and other legal documents related to special education and student services.
• 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 investigating 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.

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, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with any such characteristics. 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 lack of English will not be a barrier to admission and participation in district programs.