General Counsel

About the role

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students! ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely . Job Posting End Date: 06-11-2026 Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site. The General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer for the school system, providing strategic legal advice and counsel to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and senior leadership. This role is responsible for overseeing all legal matters, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and mitigating organizational risk. The General Counsel leads the delivery of high-quality, timely legal services that support the system's educational mission, operational effectiveness, and governance responsibilities.

Requirements

• Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy .
• Education:
• Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited law school.
• Certification/Licensure:
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Maryland.
• Ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law as an attorney in court, administrative proceedings and trials .
• Five (5) years of experience providing full-time or regular legal representation to a Maryland governmental entity.
• Knowledge of the application of the law in employment and school settings.
• Significant experience advising executive leadership and governing bodies .
• Demonstrated experience managing complex legal matters and litigation.
• The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don't meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Experience interpreting and providing guidance on the public school laws in Maryland and the bylaws of the Maryland State Board of Education .
• Organizational experience providing legal advice as an employee of a unit of government, private sector company other than a law firm, or nonprofit entity .
• ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
• The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
• Legal Strategy, Governance & Advisory
• Serves as the principal legal advisor to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and Cabinet on all legal matters impacting the school system.
• Researches , interprets , and provides strategic, proactive guidance on legal risks, implications, and options to support sound decision-making .
• Advises the Board of Education on governance matters, including compliance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act and other public transparency requirements. Attends Board of Education meetings.
• Closely collaborates with the Department of Human Resources and the Department of Employee and Labor Relations to align practices with legal frameworks, ensuring that personnel actions, contract language, and systemic policies minimize litigation and organizational risk.
• Ensures legal sufficiency of Board policies, resolutions, and actions; oversees the Policy Office on the development and revision of policies and procedures .
• Prepares and presents legal briefings and reports to the Board at the direction of the Superintendent .
• Oversees legislative monitoring and supports the system's legislative advocacy efforts .
• Serves as liaison to the Board of Education Ethics Panel.
• Labor, Employment & Student Legal Services
• Provides legal counsel on labor and employment matters, including collective bargaining, contract interpretation, employee discipline, grievances, and arbitration.
• Advises on a wide range of student-related legal matters, including student rights, discipline, and services, including compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
• Provides guidance on civil rights compliance, including Title IX, discrimination matters, and student

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