Overview
Assistant Legal Counsel II – Exempt RB Jobs in Buffalo, USA at Buffalo Public Schools
Position: Assistant Legal Counsel II – Exempt RB #25-567
Position
Assistant Legal Counsel II – EXEMPT
Salary
By contractual agreement
Location
Legal Department, Room 713 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202
Responsibilities
This intermediate position involves state and federal education law, special education, labor and employment law, municipal law, and general corporate law practice for the Buffalo City School District. The incumbent serves as a surrogate to the Legal Counsel and is responsible for representing the School District in federal and state court, in administrative proceedings, and for developing and interpreting School District policy.
Supervision of other attorneys may be assigned as part of this class, depending on projects or subject‑matter areas. The attorney works under general supervision of the Legal Counsel and will assume direct and independent responsibility for legal matters.
Typical Work Activities
- Counsels with and advises departments, schools, principals, and other School District officials and personnel on matters of law and policy development; may also give advice to the Board of Education or Superintendent as directed.
- Defends and represents the School District and eligible employees in various courts and before state or federal administrative agencies such as the Commissioner of Education, State Division of Human Rights, Public Employment Relations Board, United States Department of Education, arbitration, and mediations.
- Evaluates and resolves questions regarding special education issues, residency of students, tuition obligations, student emancipation, immunization requirements, custody and guardianship in separation, divorce and foster care situations, alternative education issues, student discipline and the Code of Conduct, and athletic or extracurricular eligibility.
- Prepares drafts, researches, edits, and submits legal documents and briefs to various state and federal courts.
- Attends Board of Education meetings, committee meetings, departmental and other internal or external meetings on behalf of the School District, providing legal assistance when required.
- Interviews and prepares attorneys and witnesses, including experts, for depositions, hearings, arbitrations, mediations, and trials.
- Provides training to School District administrators and teachers on legal implications of general and special education and student discipline.
- Prepares allegations and conducts prosecutions for long‑term suspension hearings in accordance with statutory due process.
- Handles all aspects of the District’s arbitration practice.
- Assists in preparing and reviewing Board of Education resolutions.
- Assists in drafting School District policies, rules, and administrative regulations in education‑related areas.
- Drafts, negotiates, and prepares contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, deeds, easements, leases, and other legal documents; examines and approves specifications related to such agreements when applicable.
- Performs legal work necessary for purchase or sale of real property.
- Counsels with facilities and purchasing departments on contracts for public bid and professional services agreements.
- Represents the District at due process hearings regarding students with disabilities.
- Interprets questions and provides advice concerning confidentiality and disclosure of student records or access to district records under FERPA or the Freedom of Information Law.
- Assists in mediation of ad hoc disputes with community members, groups, or agencies.
- Performs legal work related to collective bargaining, employee grievances, or other labor relations matters.
- Prepares and conducts training sessions for district personnel and volunteers.
- Conducts legal research as required for duties performed.
- Performs other legal work and related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation from a recognized law school.
- Three years of full‑time experience as a practicing attorney, including oral and written arbitration; legal defense work; legal research; legal writing.
- Admission to the New York State Bar in good standing, maintained during employment.
- Admission to the United States District Court bar, maintained during employment.
Special Requirements
- Fulfill biannual New York…
Title: Assistant Legal Counsel II – Exempt RB
Company: Buffalo Public Schools
Location: Buffalo, USA
Category:
