General Counsel

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General Counsel
Duties: Assume responsibility for ensuring that the programs and activities of the District are legally conducted in compliance with applicable laws, statutes, codes, and regulations. Prepare and render legal opinions upon request to the Board of Trustees, Superintendent/President, and District administrative staff. Provide legal advice in the drafting of legal documents, application of rules and regulations, resolutions, applications of diverse types, and other legal or quasi-legal papers upon request. Oversee all legal matters of the District, including delegation of assignments to and management of contracted external legal counsel in matters of construction, construction-related matters (bid process, bid protest, negotiation of agreements with contractors), discrimination claims, tax and finance, tort claims, general litigation, contract compliance, and other complaints filed against the District. Work with the District’s third-party claims adjuster to resolve claims. Provide legal services and advice to the Superintendent/President and the Board of Trustees at open and closed meetings of the Board. Prepare legal opinions for the Superintendent/President and the Board of Trustees, and prepare resolutions on behalf of the Superintendent/President and the Board. Review and direct District investigations regarding EEOC, DFEH, Injury/Illness Incidents, Title IX, Cal OSHA, U.S. DOE, citizen complaints, and other pertinent/related complaints. Work in coordination with chief of police and appropriate administrative offices regarding investigations and responses to Title IX complaints and other conduct issues. Review and provide advice on arbitration and contract administration, including representing the District in arbitration cases. Evaluate and advise on the merits of court cases, regulatory inquiries, and other legal actions filed against or on behalf of the District. Work with the appropriate executives to define strategic positions and/or defenses. Approve settlements of disputes where warranted. Prepare litigation and/or administrative law hearings as directed by the Superintendent/President, including the preparation of pleadings, trial, appellate briefs, negotiations between parties, conduct of trial and hearing at the level of original jurisdiction or on appeal, and other court or hearing appearances to represent most effectively the mission and interests of the District as interpreted by the Superintendent/President or the Board of Trustees. Prepare and conduct litigation and participate in federal, state, and local administrative proceedings as authorized by the Superintendent/President and the Board. Participate in the development of District policies, procedures, and related business documents. Negotiate complex and sensitive contracts, agreements, and settlements on behalf of the District which are consistent with District interests, law, and relevant rules of professional responsibility. Identify, analyze, and respond appropriately to risks which have legal implications that may adversely affect realization of the District’s educational and business objectives. Advise executives and managers regarding the legal aspects of their exposure to identified risks. Assure adequate and appropriate systems and processes are in place to identify compliance violations. Advise executives and managers regarding the legal aspects of their compliance systems, exposure, and decisions. Identify need for and develop educational and training programs and activities for the purpose of keeping the Board, executives, and managers informed of the latest changes in the law and policy and to prevent errors in their application. Plan and conduct orientation and information programs for District administrators, department chairs, and others regarding relevant federal and state laws, including conducting supervisory training regarding legal workplace issues. Serve as legal consultant in human resources matters and provide assistance to the District’s negotiating teams in developing contracts with recognized employee organizations. Direct, manage, and evaluate the work of assigned staff. Regularly attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and Board committees to provide legal analysis and advice on legal and procedural matters. Oversee the selection, retention, management, and evaluation of all outside counsel. Establish, manage, and ensure compliance with the budget for outside legal services. Function as an integral partner within the Superintendent/President’s senior leadership team. Perform related duties as assigned.

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