Deputy General Counsel

Assists the General Counsel in providing leadership and oversight over the operations and budget of the General Counsel's office; acts as legal counsel and representative for the District, applying expertise in specialized areas of the law; acts as liaison with District departments, as assigned; and provides legal advice to the Board, the Superintendent and senior District administrators. 40% Oversees the operations of the Legal Department as directed by the General Counsel. Acts as Legal Department liaison to other District departments. Supervises support staff. Oversees Legal Department budget and HR processes. 25% Provides legal advice to Superintendent, Board and District administrators. Takes lead responsibilities on a range of legal practice areas. 10% Represents the District in legal proceedings, including lawsuits, arbitrations, and mediations. Retains and oversees outside counsel. 15% Oversees District litigation, including directing investigations; preparing witnesses for deposition or trial testimony; communicating with opposing counsel; and preparing District staff for litigation, hearings and administrative appeals. 10% Provides training to District managers and staff on a wide range of legal issues. OTHER FUNCTIONS: Participates as a member of the District's management team. Attends Board meetings as assigned. Coordinates with outside governmental entities, including the State Auditor's Office, the City of Seattle, and King County. DISTRICT-WIDE CORE COMPETENCIES: Managing Vision and Purpose Communicates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose; makes the vision sharable by everyone; can inspire and motivate entire units or organizations. Develops a clear sense of purpose and mission that captures the imagination of others. Shares vision in a way that influences others as demonstrated by their words and actions. Anticipates and identifies long-term, future organizational needs and opportunities. Accountability Takes responsibility and action as if the risks (financial or otherwise) are his or her own. Holds individuals and team accountable for their actions and results. Initiates action even if outcome is uncertain and is willing to accept the consequences of failure. Aligns own activities and priorities to meet broader organizational needs. Demonstrates courage and confidence in his or her own ability. Planning Accurately determines the length and difficulty of tasks and projects; sets clear, realistic and measurable goals; sets priorities and time parameters to accomplish tasks and projects; anticipates roadblocks and develops contingencies to redirect tasks so momentum is not lost. Allocates and coordinates time effectively and efficiently to avoid conflicts. Anticipates potential problems and develops plans to address them. Develops an appropriate work plan to achieve results. Monitors progress, responds to problems and measures performance. Getting Results (Action Oriented) Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and getting work done. Focuses on achieving the goal even in the face of obstacles. Assumes responsibility for starting and finishing work with minimal supervision. Strives for new levels of performance. Collaboration Develops cooperation and teamwork while participating in a group, working toward solutions which generally benefit all involved parties. Is seen as a team player who encourages efficient and effective collaborations. Works skillfully in difficult situations with both internal and external groups. Represents his/her own interests while being open-minded to other groups. Builds respectful and productive relationships internally and externally. Decision Quality & Problem Solving Uses analysis, wisdom, experience and logical methods to make good decisions and solve difficult problems with effective solutions; appropriately incorporates multiple inputs to establish shared ownership and effective action. Weighs the consequences of options before making a decision. Applies appropriate criteria to situations for the purpose of making decisions. Displays self-confidence in own judgment. Focuses in the facts and solutions instead of opinions and problems. Integrity Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; presents truthful information in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn't misrepresent him/herself for personal gain. Deals with people and situations in an honest and forthright manner. Represents information and data accurately and completely. Represents the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others. Takes ownership if a mistake is their own and does not blame others. RELEVANT COMPETENCIES: Strategic Agility & Innovation Management Anticipates future consequences and trends accurately; brings creative ideas to market; recognizes strategic opportunities for change; creates competitive and breakthrough strategies. Sees ahead clearly and accurately anticipates how potential ideas may play out. Thinks holistically by combining ideas in unique ways or making connection between different ideas. Examines and evaluates potential solutions to determine where the greatest gain can be achieved. Creates new ways of thinking to address complex issues. Managerial Courage Tactfully dispenses direct and actionable feedback; is open and direct with others without being intimidating; deals head-on with people problems and prickly situations. Let's people know where they stand and faces up to people problems quickly, directly and respectfully. Responds constructively to challenging situations or people even under stress. Does not hold back on anything that needs be said or done in a productive and constructive way. Dealing with Ambiguity Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty. Responds quickly to change and comfortably considers new approaches. Operates well in situations when consequences of actions and decisions are unclear. Switches strategies or approach if current ones are not working. Conflict Management Successfully mediates conflict between individuals and groups; can hammer out tough agreements and settle disputes equitably; can find common ground and obtain cooperation with minimum noise. Deals effectively with others in tough situations. Expresses disagreements in a way that does not disparage or attach others. Demonstrates the ability to expand areas of agreement and narrow areas of disagreement. Recognizes differences in opinion, brings them into the open and looks for win-win solutions. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of legal and compliance issues affecting Washington public schools and other local government entities. Ability to navigate and resolve complex bureaucratic challenges. Logical and creative thinker with problem-solving skills. Ability to analyze, research and investigate a wide range of legal and compliance issues with varying levels of complexity. Excellent oral and written communications skills. Understanding of confidentiality obligations. Ability to advise management and staff. OTHER FACTORS: Occasional travel may be required. Attend evening and weekend meetings as needed. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Eight (8) years of experience practicing law or working in education or local government, including five (5) years practicing law in a specialized area or specialized areas relevant to public school districts; J.D. or L.L.B. degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work will be considered. DESIRED CERTIFICATION & LICENSES: Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association. Valid Washington State driver's license, or evidence of equivalent mobility, is desired. CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING Satisfaction of continuing legal education requirements/reporting every three years. CLEARANCES: Criminal Justice fingerprint and background check. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-03-12