City and County of San Francisco

The 9988 Chief Legal Counsel functions as a Cabinet member and serves at the pleasure of the Superintendent of Schools. The duties and responsibilities of the position include planning, organizing, controlling, and providing direct professional legal counsel and representation for the Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District, staff and the Board of Education on District matters as Chief Legal Counsel; preparing and conducting litigation and administrative law hearings as directed by the Superintendent; supervising and evaluating the performance of assigned legal and paraprofessional personnel; and performing other duties as required.

This single position class is distinguished from other managerial level attorney classes in that the focus of the Chief Legal Counsel, SFUSD is on education laws.

The Chief Legal Counsel directs and supervises the legal, paralegal and clerical staff of the SFUSD Legal Division.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code (class) and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Oversee the preparation and rendering of legal opinions upon request to the Board of Education, the Superintendent and District administrative staff. Provide legal advice in the drafting of legal documents, rules and regulations, resolutions, applications of diverse kinds and other legal or quasi-legal papers upon request.

2. Oversee the preparation of litigation and/or administrative law hearings as directed by the Superintendent, including the preparation of pleadings, trial, appellate briefs, negotiations between parties, conduct of trial and hearings at the level of original jurisdiction or on appeal, and other court or hearing appearances to represent most effectively the interests of the District as such interests are interpreted by the Superintendent and/or Board of Education.

3. Attend and provide legal advice at meetings of the Board of Education and such other meetings as the Superintendent directs.

4. Plan, organize and implement long and short-term programs and activities of the Legal Division.
5. Provide legal assistance in the drafting of State legislation proposed by the District for presentation to the California State Legislature; interpret the impact of legislation on the interests of the District as such legislation is being considered by the State Legislature.

6. Select, train and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; provide for continuing departmental staff training regarding legal issues, process and procedures.

7. Oversee the maintenance of files on policy action of the Board of Education and supervise periodic revision of the rules and regulations of the Board.

8. Provide technical expertise, information and assistance to the Board of Education and the Superintendent; assist in the formulation and development of policies, procedures and programs; advise the Board of Education and the Superintendent of unusual trends or problems and recommend appropriate corrective action.

9. Direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records and files related to assigned activities and personnel.

10. Communicate with other administrators, personnel and outside organizations to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange information.

11. Develop policies and procedures to encourage effective and efficient management controls.

12. Develop and prepare the annual preliminary budget for the legal division; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations.

13. Attend and conduct a variety of meetings as assigned; establish and maintain relations/membership with local, State and federal agencies and associations to remain current on programs and issues that affect District legal services; present reports and initial findings.

14. Perform related duties as assigned.

 Knowledge of:  Applicable federal, state and local legislation, statutes, codes and procedures,  
 including the California Education Code; methods and procedures required to provide legal
 services to an administration and governing body in a large urban public agency; principles and
 practices of administration, supervision and training.

Ability to:  Prepare and render legal opinions upon request to the Board of Education, the Superintendent and District administrative staff; oversee and/or prepare and conduct litigation and administrative law hearings; provide leadership and direction to the District's professional legal activities; train and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; review existing and pending legislation related to procedural guidelines and District policies; maintain current knowledge of applicable provisions of applicable laws, rules and regulations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; plan and organize work effectively; prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports; and direct the maintenance of a variety of reports and files related to assigned activities.

1. Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association accredited institution. AND
2. Six years of experience in the practice of law, including substantial responsible experience as Counsel for a large urban public jurisdiction. Directly related school law experience is highly desirable. AND
3. Active membership in good standing of California State Bar Association.

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.