Legal Counsel
Company: Fort Smith Public Schools
Location: Fort Smith
Posted on: April 1, 2026
|
|
|
Job Description:
POSITION TITLE: Legal Counsel FLSA: Exempt REPORTS TO:
Superintendent CONTRACT DAYS: Days and benefits will be specified
in the employee contract. Contract will be prorated based on the
actual start date. LOCATION: Service Center QUALIFICATIONS Juris
Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Member of the
Arkansas Bar in good standing and authorized to practice law in the
state of Arkansas. Five years of successful experience practicing
law, with a preference for experience in education law, employment
law, and/or related fields. Strong understanding of federal, state,
and local education laws and regulations. Negotiation and
litigation skills. DISTRICT VALUES We will always put student needs
first. We believe relationships matter. We expect accountability.
We operate with transparency. We prioritize student and staff
safety. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Provides legal advice and counsel
to the school board, superintendent, and other administrators on a
wide range of legal issues. Represents administration in due
process hearings, grievance hearings, and School Board
administrative procedures to ensure all laws, policies, and
regulations are followed or coordinated with outside counsel
representing the district in such matters. Provides legal
assistance in the drafting of legal documents, contracts,
resolutions, applications, and all other legal papers upon request.
Handles disputes, including those related to employment, contracts,
special education, student discipline, and other areas. Reviews all
Freedom of Information Act matters and provides hands-on assistance
in the completion of related tasks in a timely manner. Provides
training to school district staff on legal issues and compliance
requirements. Ensures the school district's practices comply with
EEOC regulations concerning equal employment opportunity,
discrimination, and workplace harassment. Ensures compliance with
OCR regulations related to civil rights in education, including
Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, Section 504, and the ADA.
Coordinates with outside counsel, when necessary, for the purpose
of ensuring information and material are available to advise and
defend the district. Advises the district regarding matters of
student discipline involving suspensions, student appeals,
compliance with exceptional student education mandates, and
certified and classified discipline and terminations to ensure all
laws, regulations, and policies are followed. Assists in the
development and review of school district policies, procedures, and
regulations. Maintains prompt and regular attendance and
demonstrates the ability to maintain positive professional working
relationships with others Attends meetings as required. Maintains
emotional control under stress. Possesses the physical stamina and
capacity to carry out district requirements. Serves on committees
as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling,
occasional reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending,
squatting. This position requires onsite, in-person attendance.
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of
work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude
them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical
assignment to the position. If seeing this posting on a job site,
please apply here
https://fortsmithschools.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx if
interested.
Keywords: Fort Smith Public Schools, Springdale , Legal Counsel, Legal , Fort Smith, Arkansas
