Senior General Counsel

ABOUT THE ROLE The Senior General Counsel serves as legal counsel and representative to assigned District managers and staff. This role provides expertise in specialized legal areas, including labor and employment law, advises District staff on legal and policy issues, takes a lead role in adversary proceedings, advises the Superintendent and Board of Directors, and supervises staff within the General Counsel's office. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Act as legal counsel to the District and represent the District in legal proceedings, including litigation and administrative proceedings. - Provide advice and counsel to Human Resources and organizational leaders on employment matters including wage and hour compliance, discrimination claims, FMLA, ADA, internal investigations, discipline, and collective bargaining. - Prepare and provide legal advice on employment-related documents, policies, settlement agreements, and grievance responses. - Oversee outside counsel in employment litigation, labor arbitrations, and unfair labor practice hearings, including settlement negotiations. - Maintain current knowledge of changing federal and local laws and respond to external governmental audits or investigations. - Undertake lead responsibilities in other legal practice areas, including school law and policy issues. - Advise the Board and District staff on policies, procedures, and legal issues, and perform legal research. - Draft and review contracts, policies, and procedures. - Supervise staff within the General Counsel's Office, support colleagues, and contribute to efficient office operations. - Serve on committees and take a lead role in training District staff. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Six years of experience practicing law or working in education or local government. - J.D. or L.L.M. degree, or an equivalent of education and experience. - Knowledge of legal and compliance issues affecting the District, public schools, and local government entities in Washington. - Strong research, oral and written communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills. - Ability to think logically and creatively, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and establish effective working relationships in a multicultural community. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association. - Valid Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility. - Satisfaction of continuing legal education requirements and reporting every three years. - Must pass a Criminal Justice fingerprint and background check. SELECTION PROCESS - The position is open until filled and candidates are evaluated on core competencies including intellectual acumen, time management, written communications, collaboration, getting results, decision quality, integrity, and accountability. HOW TO APPLY - Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible since the position is open until filled. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Type: Full-Time, 1.0 FTE. - Work Location: In-person at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, WA. - Department: Chief Legal Counsel. - Other Factors: Occasional travel may be required; attendance at evening and weekend meetings as needed. - Employer: Seattle Public Schools.