ul>Performs legal services under the direction of the Chief Counsel and General Counsel;
Advises and provides representation to the Special Services Department and as otherwise assigned;
Assists the RRPS Records Custodian in all aspects of responding to IPRA requests, including gathering records, redacting, legal review, and responding to requestors;
Ensures that the District operates within all laws, rules and regulations;
Advises the Superintendent and Board of Education (Board) on all legal matters relating to the operations of the District as assigned;
Assist with the evaluation and findings and in the development of strategies and arguments in preparation for cases for the purpose of defending lawsuits filed against the District;
Coordinates and provides in-service training on legal matters for the purpose of keeping administrators informed of the latest changes in the laws and to prevent errors in the application of the law, including professional development training regarding special education and Section 504 topics;
Reviews, edits, and creates District documents for the purpose of conveying information to both internal and external entities in a legally compliant manner;
Maintains and catalogues legal documents and contracts for the purpose of ensuring accurate reference materials;
Maintains excellent relations with students, principals, teachers, parents and staff;
Provides legal assistance to district staff when they are required to appear in court or administrative matters;
Assist District in the development and updating of policies and procedures in addition to recommending changes to policies and procedures for the purpose of ensuring compliance with Federal and State laws and Department of Education regulations;
Represent administration and staff in grievance hearings, OCR complaints, termination proceedings and School Board administrative procedures to ensure all laws, policies and regulations are followed or coordinated with outside counsel representing the District in such matters;
Interpret laws, statutes, legal opinions, and case impact;
Assists with Land Purchases;
Provides advice in employment, labor and civil rights matters, including but not limited to:
Employee benefits.
- Certificate, license, or other legal credentials required: License to practice law in New Mexico;
- Degree(s) required and area of major study: Juris Doctorate degree required;
- Six (6) years' experience in a law firm or in-house counsel environment;
- Significant experience practicing Special Education law, including with IDEA, Section 504 and State and federal administrative requirements;
- Knowledge of the laws and administrative code for the State of New Mexico;
- Administrative and managerial experience preferred;
- Proven skills of persuasion and negotiation;
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written;
- Flexibility, organization, decision-making and problem-solving skills;
- Interpersonal skills with diverse populations in-person and on the telephone;
- Ability to meet deadlines, work on multiple projects and coordinate the work of others;
- Knowledge of word processing, database and spreadsheet software;
- Organized work habits and project management skills;
- Strong skills at working both alone and in teams, providing legal advice and support to staff; and.