General Counsel

General Counsel Providing legal advice, consultation and opinions to the Superintendent and Governing Board of the Texas School for the Deaf, a State of Texas Agency that functions similarly to an independent school district providing Deaf education services. The role serves as a liaison between the office of the Attorney General and the Superintendent and the Board, covering school law, special education, business, and human resources. Essential Functions Provides legal advice, opinions and consultation to the President of the TSD Governing Board. Serves as a liaison between the TSD Governing Board and the Office of the Attorney General. Provides legal advice, opinions and consultation to the Superintendent regarding all state and federal legal requirements related to school functions. Performs special projects as assigned. Participates in the development and review of Board policies under the direction of the Superintendent. Provides legal advice and consultation to administrators and supervisors on specific departmental activities. Provides advice on investigations related to agency issues. Attends ARD/IEP meetings when the circumstances warrant legal representation. Provides training to agency employees on legal issues and general school law. Coordinates and advises supervisors and administrators regarding responses to employee grievances. Advises Human Resources and the Superintendent on employee disciplinary actions. Completes other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Five years of experience in legal work related to school law and state agency law or regulations. Graduation from an accredited law school with a LL.B. or J.D. degree. Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Working knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and similar laws; employment and civil rights laws; and/or general school laws. Proficiency in American Sign Language at Survival level as required by the Signed Language Proficiency Interview; if lower, required to improve to the assigned level. Desirable Qualifications Documented experience in special education litigation. Working knowledge of the Deaf community and Deaf Education principles. Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings of agency laws, regulations, and statutes. Previous experience preparing legal documents, conducting research, interpreting and applying laws, summarizing findings, preparing cases for trial, and conducting hearings. Ability to communicate effectively with administrators, supervisors, staff, and the general public. Previous experience using computers, standard office equipment, and MS Office. Sign communication skills above required proficiency level for the position. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities / Attributes Core legal areas: Comprehensive understanding of relevant corporate, employment, and contract law. Compliance and governance: Expertise in regulatory issues, compliance protocols, and corporate governance. Legal operations: Proficiency in legal research, case preparation, and document drafting. Business acumen: Understanding of the organization’s industry, operations, and broader economic environment. Strategic thinking: Ability to see the big picture, identify risks, and align legal strategy with business goals. Financial literacy: Understanding of budgeting and forecasting. Risk management: Experience in anticipating legal risks and developing proactive solutions. Team leadership: Proven ability to manage and lead a diverse legal team. Decision-making: Strong judgment and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. Strategic direction: Capacity to provide direction, manage change, and inspire others. Oral and written communication: Excellent skills for presenting to executives, writing detailed documents, and negotiating. Negotiation: Ability to negotiate effectively with external parties and internal stakeholders. Interpersonal skills: High emotional intelligence and ability to build credibility and trust. Analytical skills: Capacity to analyze complex information, research arguments, and interpret technical documents. Ethics and integrity: High professional ethics and integrity. Attention to detail: Meticulousness when reviewing complex legal documents. Adaptability: Ability to adapt to change and work under pressure while managing multiple projects. Calm temperament: Maintaining composure in crisis situations. Supervisor General Counsel III Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Legal Industry Primary and Secondary Education #J-18808-Ljbffr