General Counsel

General Counsel Job Description

Job Title: General Counsel FLSA: Exempt

Reports to: Superintendent of Schools Pay Grade: Admin/Prof 14

Dept./School: Legal Department Calendar Days: 226 Donaldson Administration Building

Contract: Probationary/Term Revised: 10.22.2026 The General Counsel provides in-house legal counsel to the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and designated staff and oversees all in-house attorneys and retained counsel as assigned by the Superintendent. Education/Certification: Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited college or university Licensed by the State Board of Law Examiners of Texas as an Attorney and Counselor at Law and shall have been admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Texas Admitted and qualified as an Attorney and Counselor of the United States District Court of the Southern District of Texas

Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations relating to public education Demonstrated legal research and writing skills Thorough knowledge of the legislative process 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 Excellent public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Legal Representation

1. Have overall supervisory authority of all in-house attorneys and retained counsel as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools
2. Advise the Superintendent, staff, and Board on legal matters, including personnel and student issues, the execution of contracts, and board governance matters
3. Draft, review, and revise legal documents
4. Attend board meetings and other administr ative meetings to provide legal counsel
5. Coordinate legal services provided by outside law firms
6. Oversee the district's formal complaint processes for students, employees, and community grievances, complaints, and appeals as required by policy.
7. Represent the district in civil litigation and administrative proceedings, and to enforce the collection of delinquent taxes
8. Provide legal guidance to the Title IX coordinator Qualifications Primary Purpose Major Responsibilities and Duties General Counsel Job Description

Legal Oversight

9. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, administrative regulations, and local board policy and serve as the district's compliance officer
10. Monitor and interpret the impact of proposed or enacted legislation
11. Oversee compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, including requests for student records, and comply with court orders to seal juvenile records
12. Coordinate responses to investigations by the Texas Education Agency, U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other administrative or regulatory agencies
13. Monitor compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act and competitive procurement and purchasing requirements
14. Draft, review, or revise legal documents, resolutions, contracts, agreements, and other legal or quasi-legal papers
15. Provide legal assistance on district elections Policy and Reports/Training
16. Prepare and refine/revise (when necessary) School Board Policy and administrative procedures in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Association of School Boards
17. Assist in the formulation and execution of policies and regulations, and review materials for publication in handbooks
18. Compile, maintain, file, and present all reports, records, and other documents as required
19. Develop and provide training for administrators, campus principals, and other district employees on various legal matters, including employment and labor laws, legislative updates, ethics and conflicts of interest, student discipline, open meetings, and the Public Information Act. Professional Growth and Development
20. Pursue continuous improvement and growth in knowledge of leadership skills and legal issues affecting schools Other Duties
21. Act in a consultative and advisory capacity to the Superintendent of Schools on legal matters, and perform other duties that may be assigned by the Superintendent of Schools Overall supervisory authority of all in-house attorneys and retained counsel The evaluation of the General Counsel is a responsibility resting with the Superintendent of Schools. An evaluation shall be completed in writing at least once a year. Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals Supervisory Responsibilities Evaluation Work Environment General Counsel Job Description

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds) Environment: Frequently work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent district and statewide travel Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities 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.