SUMMARY DESCRIPTION 

The position of Senior Counsel works under the direction of the Chief General Counsel to assist in managing the legal function of the District. This position serves a liaison between the Chief Counsel and general legal staff. The position works independently, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the primary job elements.

1. Attends regular District meetings, including Board meetings, and community meetings
2. Manages and supervises staff, leading major projects and initiatives, researches legal matters, provides legal advice, drafts legal opinions and other documents, and performs related professional and administrative duties as required.
3. Assists in managing and supervising legal and business operations within the Office of General Counsel, and its affiliated departments and units
4. Manages and supervision of all legal activities of the school district in the General Counsel's absence
5. Partners with senior management and human resources business partners on complex issues to develop and implement solutions, resources, and compliance.
6. Works collaboratively with other managers and management representatives in General Counsel in order to achieve a system-wide result; formulate local targets, goals, and activities that are in synch with and support the broader goals and objectives of the organization.
7. Executes the responsibilities according to lawful and ethical standards; uses personal judgment and initiative to develop effective and constructive solutions to challenges and obstacles.
8. Performs legal research and renders legal opinions on straightforward questions involving issues of current or potential litigation exposure.
9. Assists in providing advice concerning new or revised Board/District policies and procedures.
10. Attends internal and external hearings and administrative proceedings to represent the District's interests as required.
11. Represents the District in state court or other matters as assigned by General Counsel; assists with the administrative and supervisory responsibilities related to litigation matters; and prepares and files briefs for cases, as needed.
12. Attends and assist in facilitating bargaining negotiations.
13. Reviews or negotiates contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, leases and other legal documents.
14. Responds to and resolves inquiries, requests for information and complaints; serves as media spokesperson on cases as assigned.
15. Gathers information to support periodic and special reports documenting activities in areas of responsibility.
16. Attends professional conferences, training, seminars and workshops as necessary to maintain job knowledge and skills.
17. Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and admitted to practice law in the State of Tennessee (or eligible for comity under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7 or related provisions) plus a minimum of six (6) years legal experience as an attorney (Must be in good standing), and a minimum of three (3) years of management experience is preferred. Legal experience representing an urban school district, education advocacy or policy entity, education foundation or education provider strongly preferred.

Degree Equivalency Formula:

Bachelor’s Degree = 4 years plus required years of experience.

Master’s Degree = 2 years plus required years of experience. Where Master’s degrees are required, years for a bachelor’s degree must be included.