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Baltimore County Public Schools · 1 day ago

Sr Counsel, Special Education

Baltimore, MD

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$107K/yr - $162K/yr

3+ years exp

Baltimore County Public Schools is seeking a Senior Counsel specializing in Special Education. The role involves representing the school district in matters related to special education laws, conducting mediations, and providing legal guidance to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

EducationPrimary EducationSecondary Education

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Hiring Manager

Donald Terry Jr., MS. HRM

Responsibilities

Represents Baltimore County Public Schools in special education mediations and due process hearings. Prepares school staff to participate in mediations and hearings

Evaluates cases and negotiates settlement agreements, requests for attorneys’ fees, expert fees, and reimbursements for independent evaluations. Attends Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings to support the team in decision-making

Reviews statutory amendments and regulations, judicial decisions, and federal agency decisions. Keeps current with pertinent legislation, regulations, and case law involving students with disabilities. Provides clarification and procedural updates for special education staff and school administrators

Coordinates and conducts in-service training related to procedural safeguards and team processes. Serves as a consultant to schools to ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding students with disabilities and their parents. Assists teachers and administrators in responding to student and parental concerns

Responds to complaints regarding special education and student related Section 504 issues. Conducts legal research on issues raised in complaints, formulates legal opinions and provides advice

Represents the Superintendent in administrative hearings, as needed

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Juris DoctorateMaryland State BarSpecial Education LawLitigation ExperienceLegal ResearchMediation SkillsNegotiation SkillsProfessional DevelopmentCommunication SkillsRelationship Building

Required

Possession of a juris doctorate degree from an accredited school of law

Three years professional experience in the practice of law which includes experience with legal issues involving students with disabilities

Demonstrated experience with litigation, negotiation, mediation, and administrative hearings

Member of the Maryland State Bar required

Skill and ability to use a personal computer, including spreadsheet, database and word processing programs (Microsoft Office preferred)

Knowledge of legal research (Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis), legal terminology, Maryland administrative law and appeal process, and statutes and regulations

Knowledge of legal principles and practices

Knowledge of education law (IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973)

Knowledge of litigation involving administrative agencies and courts

Knowledge of legal research

Skill in the practice of law

Skill in conducting litigation before administrative agencies and courts

Skill in conducting legal research

Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally

Skill in developing relationships with school administrators, central office personnel, and teachers

Ability to prepare and deliver professional development regarding special education law

Preferred

Experience with general education law preferred

Benefits

BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans, dental plans, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans.

Other benefits include paid holiday’s, sick, personal business, and bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA, sick bank, and board approved leaves.