General Counsel

Job Summary

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the School Board and Superintendent and provides strategic, proactive legal guidance on all matters impacting the operation of the District. This position is responsible for ensuring legal compliance, managing litigation, overseeing legal services, and protecting the legal interests of Duval County Public Schools.

Essential Functions

1. Provides legal advice to the School Board, Superintendent, and district staff on all legal matters affecting the operation of the school district; interprets and applies federal and state laws, administrative rules, and School Board policies; prepares and renders legal opinions as requested.

2. Represents, or provides for the representation of, the School Board, Superintendent, and District in all litigation, administrative proceedings, arbitrations, mediations, and other legal matters; coordinates and oversees legal strategies to protect the interests of the District; and monitors the work of the Office of General Counsel while providing regular reports to the School Board regarding litigation and other legal matters handled on its behalf.
3. Drafts and/or review Board policies, contracts, agreements, resolutions, and other legal documents; recommends revisions to policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws and Department of Education regulations.

4. Attends School Board meetings, workshops, and hearings; serves as parliamentarian and provides real-time legal counsel to support Board governance, decision-making, and compliance with Sunshine Laws and public records requirements.

5. Coordinates and monitors work performed by outside counsel; reviews and approves legal services and associated expenditures; prepares scope of services and oversees contracts for outside legal representation.

6. Develops and implements legal training and provides preventative legal guidance to District leadership and staff; promotes risk mitigation strategies and compliance across all departments.
7. Develops and manages the legal services budget; monitors expenditures and provides reports to the School Board regarding litigation, legal services, and financial impact to the District.

8. Responds to legal inquiries from District staff, parents, community members, and external stakeholders as appropriate; maintains effective working relationships with internal and external partners.

9. Performs other duties as assigned consistent with the goals and objects of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required.

Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible legal experience required. Experience in education law, governmental law, or administrative law preferred. Significant experience in litigation and legal advisory services. Experience in a public school district preferred.

Certifications & Licenses: Member in good standing with The Florida Bar required.

Florida Bar Board Certification in Education Law, Labor & Employment Law, or Administrative Law preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs)

• Thorough knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to public education.
• Knowledge of administrative law, procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of labor and employment law, including collective bargaining and personnel matters.
• Knowledge of Government in the Sunshine laws including public meetings and public records requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of interpreting, drafting, and negotiating contracts, agreements, and legal documents.
• Strong management skills for coordinating and overseeing outside counsel in litigation, administrative proceedings, and arbitration.
• Strong executive-level business communication skills.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong legal research, writing, and case preparation skills.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to interpret and explain complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences.
• Ability to develop, recommend, monitor, and evaluate district policies, practices, and procedures related to legal services.
• Ability to align legal strategies with district goals, priorities, and risk management needs.
• Ability to manage multiple legal matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain a high level of professional integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with School Board members, district leadership, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all employee groups and external partners.