Staff Attorney II

Position Purpose
 
Provides in-house legal counsel and representation for the District in legal matters.
 
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
 
Legal Representation
 

• Reviews and renders legal advice on responses to investigations by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Texas Education Agency, State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other state and federal agencies.
• Attends board meetings and other administrative meetings to provide legal counsel and compliance with the Texas Public Information Act as needed.
• Drafts and reviews legal documents, resolutions, contracts, agreements, and all other legal or quasi-legal papers.
• Provides legal advice on employment practices including the termination, suspension, probation and/or disciplinary action of employees; provides legal advice on grievance matters; assists with investigations in the areas of employee performance, professional misfeasance and/or malfeasance.
• Monitors compliance with the Texas Public Information Act.
• Represents the District in hearings before the Texas Education Agency or other agencies as needed.

 
Legal Oversight
 

• Complies with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, and local board policies.
• Monitors and interprets the impact of proposed or enacted legislation.
• Monitors compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act and competitive procurement and purchasing requirements.
• Provides legal assistance on District elections.

 
Policy & Reporting
 

• Assists in the formulation and execution of policies and regulations, and reviews materials for publication in handbooks.
• Compiles, maintains, files, and presents all reports, records, and other documents as required.

 
Communication
 

• Maintains knowledge of laws, decisions, and other legal information pertaining to school issues; keeps informed of relevant legislation; updates the District regarding any implications.
• Conducts professional development and training, including preparing training materials for staff and board members.

 
Personal Work Relationships
 

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.

 
Other Duties as Assigned
 

• Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance with Board rules, policies and regulations.  All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

 
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
 

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations relating to public education.
• Knowledge of the legislative process.
• Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis.
• Skill in public relations, and interpersonal relations.
• Skill in conveying clear and concise oral and written communication.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Skill in representing the District in negotiations with vendors, contractors, and other entities.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as law, policy, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district.
• Ability to use software to create spreadsheets, databases, and do word processing.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work, and delegate assignments.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

 
Travel Requirements
 

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

 
 
 
Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards
 

• Tools/Equipment Used:  Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture:  Prolonged sitting; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion:  Frequent repetitive hand motions; including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting:  Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment:  Works in an office setting; frequently requires irregular and/or prolonged hours; frequent District and statewide travel.
• Attendance:  Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands:  Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

 
Minimum Required Qualifications
 

• Education:  Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Certification/License:  Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, in good standing.
• Experience:  3 years’ in the practice of law with emphasis on public school district issues.

 
This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.