Nboe

JobID: 1840

**Position Type**:
Non Instructional - All Titles/Executive Legal Assistant**Date Posted**:
4/16/2024**Location**:
Legal Counsel - 311

**NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION**
**HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES**
**765 BROAD STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102**
**ROGER LÉON, SUPERINTENDENT**

**EXECUTIVE LEGAL ASSISTANT**
**Office of the General Counsel**

(**Pending availability of funds and Board of Education approval**)

**DEFINITION**:To assist and provide a range of legal support and administration to school attorneys and other legal professionals engaged in ensuring district compliance with school law.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college required.
- Certificate in paralegal studies or equivalent experience.
- Five (5) to Ten (10) years of experience in the capacity of a legal assistant to an executive or administrative official in a public or private organization.
- Extensive knowledge of school legal principles and practices. Extensive knowledge of legal research techniques.
- Superb computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint).
- Criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position.

Note: Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute additional experience as indicated on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.
BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as confidential assistant to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel.
- Assist in managing operations of the Office of General Counsel, including:

- Proactively manage administrative support
- Manage office functions, equipment, and supplies
- Assist in budget preparation and monitoring
- Provide direction and assistance as needed to the Department coordinator/clerk
- Assist in monitoring and coordinating services of outside counsel, including:

- Prepare and maintain professional services contracts
- Assign matters to outside counsel as directed
- Respond to inquiries and requests from outside counsel; act as liaison between outside counsel and district staff in investigations, discovery, witness, coordination, scheduling, etc.
- Monitor outside counsel fees and costs; attend to invoices and accounts payable
- Perform legal and factual research.
- Identify relevant judicial decisions, statutes, legal articles, codes and other pertinent material related to public school operations.
- Organize and analyze information, cross-check and validate information.
- Assist attorneys in monitoring calendars; meeting deadlines; documenting actions; confirming case status.
- Perform records research and assist in the maintenance, management and legal destruction of District records in accordance with New Jersey State Records Retention Schedules.
- Review and monitor new and updated education laws and regulations, important commissioner and court decisions and prepare District policy revisions and updates as necessary for attorney review.
- Draft legal documents including pleadings, appeals, negotiated agreements and legal memoranda.
- Help maintain student and personnel records as required to ensure appropriate compliance with the confidentiality rights of students and personnel.
- Prepare correspondence.
- Check and edit legal forms and documents for accuracy.
- Build and maintain databases and files.
- Organize and track case files.
- Respond to inquiries and requests of the Superintendent and district administrators.
- Assist in preparation of materials for training and professional development programs.
- Upon request, assume responsibility for district functions, such as:

- Custodian of Public Records
- Section 504 Coordinator
- Assistant Board Secretary
- Upon request, attend meetings of the Board of Education and Board committees.
- Participate in district initiatives and complete special projects at the direction of the Superintendent and/or General Counsel.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

**KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES**
- Excellent problem-solving abilities, including the ability to identify challenges and actively work to find solutions.
- Basic legal research skills.
- Trustworthiness and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.
- Personal and professional integrity.
- Solid knowledge and understanding of operational best practices.
- Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

**REPORTS TO**: General Counsel**
SALARY, EMPLOYMENT PERIOD AND UNION AFFILIATION
- Salary: Compensation is competitive and based on experience. The expected salary range for this p