Job Overview

The Staff Attorney functions as a generalist and will perform legal services, as assigned by and under the supervision of senior attorneys, to include, for example: legal research, analysis, and writing; drafting policies, regulations, and procedures; reviewing, coordinating, and advising on matters involving the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); conducting Division-wide trainings related to federal, state, and local laws and policies and regulations, which impact the Division’s operations; responding to subpoenas; and preparing other legal documents. 

Roles and Responsibilities

The following information is intended to describe the overall nature and scope of the work being performed. This is not a comprehensive listing of all responsibilities or tasks; work may differ and other work may be assigned when deemed appropriate.

• Conducts legal research.
• Provides oral and written opinions on legal matters.
• Advises Division personnel on compliance with federal and state statutes, court process, rules, regulations, policy, and practice.
• Provides legal assistance in the drafting of contracts, policies, rules and regulations, resolutions, and all other legal or quasi-legal papers upon request and prepares and/or reviews contracts as requested.
• Reviews, coordinates, and advises on responses to matters involving the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  
• Advises on matters of a legal or technical nature relating to the interpretation of statutes, ordinances, and contracts; monitors and reviews changes in public school law; and advises the School Board and the Superintendent regarding legislative changes and necessary School Board and/or administrative action.
• Serves as legal representative of the School Board, its members, and/or staff in any judicial or administrative proceedings brought by or against the School Board, as appropriate.
• Prepares and renders oral and/or written legal opinions upon request to Division Counsel, the Superintendent, and to the School Board.
• Attends and provides legal advice at regular and special meetings of the School Board and committees thereof as requested.
• Provides litigation support, including preparing litigation holds, and related tasks, coordinating discovery, reviewing pleadings and motions, conducting legal research and analysis, case file management, and supporting pre-trial logistics. 
• Other duties as assigned based on the needs of the Office of Division Counsel, in serving the Loudoun County School Board and Loudoun County Public Schools. 

Qualifications

Below are the minimum qualifications for this job. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also acceptable.

     Education

     Juris Doctor degree

     Experience

     Three years of demonstrated experience in school and/or local government law

     Licenses and Certifications

     License to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia

     Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in school and/or local government law. 
• Knowledge of federal constitutional provisions, statutory law, case law, and regulations.
• Knowledge of Virginia constitutional provisions, statutory law, case law, and regulations.
• Knowledge of local ordinances, policies, and regulations, as applicable to the authority and function of school boards and school divisions.
• Knowledge of public records, to include the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, procurement, to include the Virginia Public Procurement Act, contract, public employment, real estate, administrative, and civil rights laws.
• Knowledge of school board policy and practice. 
• Considerable legal research and writing skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to organize, interpret, and apply legal principles and knowledge to complex legal issues.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials and the public at large. 
• Exercising sound, independent judgment and engaging proactively to issue spot and problem solve.
• Personal and professional integrity.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.

Physical Requirements

The following provides a brief description of physical requirements for this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly talking, expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. The employee must possess normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall and apply certain practices and policies. Frequently sitting and/or remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Reports to: Division Counsel

FLSA Status: Exempt

Months/Days/Hours: 12 months/ 248 days/ 8 hours

Salary Level: Universal 23

Salary Scale: https://www.lcps.org/compensation

Salary Range: $121,888 - $194,237

Remote Work Eligible: Partial

Remote Work Disclosure

Employees who perform the responsibilities of the above position have been identified as having the potential to telework. Telework is defined as completing one's duties and responsibilities at a site other than one's assigned duty location. In order to be eligible for telework privileges, an employee must have demonstrated consistent, positive performance and have the support and approval of their direct supervisor. In addition, these employees must have reliable high-speed internet and a designated workspace that allows them privacy while completing sensitive and confidential work.  Employees who are non-exempt and are teleworking will work their required scheduled hours and gain approval from their supervisor if they work more than 8 hours a day or more than 40 hours in a workweek.  Teleworking privileges can be amended, changed, or revoked based upon the performance of the employee, as well as the needs of Loudoun County Public Schools.