The New Jersey School Boards Association is seeking a legal counsel to join its Member Services and Strategic Partnerships Division.
The full-time Monday to Friday position offers a hybrid schedule: The successful candidate will be required to work some days in the office at the Association’s Trenton headquarters.
About the Role
Provide training and information to school board members, board attorneys, and school administrators; provide direct representation for the Association and advocate for the interests of school districts before courts and administrative agencies.
Responsibilities
- Provide legal information to school board attorneys, school administrators, school board members and Association staff as requested.
- Develop and deliver oral presentations on legal topics at events such as statewide conferences, countywide and local district meetings.
- Summarize decisions issued by the federal and state courts, commissioner of education and other administrative agencies for presentations and publications.
- Analyze pending legislation and regulations affecting local school districts.
- Render legal advice and assistance to the Association on all governance and corporate matters as directed by the general counsel.
- Draft proposed legislation and administrative regulations to implement Association policies and goals.
- Prepare amicus review memoranda and prepare amicus briefs as assigned by the general counsel; orally argue Association positions in federal and state trial and appellate courts and administrative bodies.
- Represent the Association in direct litigation under supervision of the general counsel.
- Analyze, research, and prepare background materials for Association action on resolutions before the Resolution Subcommittee, board of directors and the Delegate Assembly.
- Serve as liaison to Association committees as assigned.
- Provide ongoing review and input regarding the content of the legal department’s webpage.
- Serve as the Attorney of the Day and generally provide school law information in response to both internal and external inquiries.
- Represents the Association as amicus in legal matters having a statewide impact on public schools in New Jersey.
- Write articles on legal topics for NJSBA publications, including, but not limited to, School Board Notes, School Leader, Basic School Law.
- Provide negotiations support and assistance to school districts on an as-needed basis (will include serving as a negotiator as needed).
- Reviews district labor contracts: Write contract and salary guide analyses for districts.
- Consults with Government Relations and other NJSBA departments on various legal topics as needed.
- Review proposed NJSBA policies, training materials and related documents to ensure legal compliance.
- Present at NJSBA programs such as the Law Forums and various Labor Relations Workshops.
- Attend professional development events to stay apprised of the latest developments in school law.
- Present at and attends PAA meetings.
- Delegate Assembly – review proposed resolutions and motions on the floor.
- Available to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Juris Doctor degree required.
- Must be a member in good standing of the New Jersey Bar.
- Admission to practice before the New Jersey federal District Court and the courts of New Jersey required.
- Minimum three years practicing public education law or related field; knowledge of school governance preferred.
- Knowledge of virtual platforms like Zoom, Swoogo, Google meet, etc.
- Experience with online research resources, such as Westlaw and/or Lexis-Nexis.
- Proficient in office technology.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Self-initiated, motivated, well organized, proven ability to prioritize and complete tasks efficiently. Demonstrated ability to work well with people, coordinate and facilitate projects and communicate effectively.
Ability to foster and facilitate collaborations creatively; excellent communication skills, particularly the ability to make complicated legal information understandable. Possession of a valid current New Jersey driver’s license. Ability to serve in a confidential capacity. Written – specifically, legal, and analytical writing; knowledge of court rules and general litigation practice; computer/technical skills like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft suite, also needs to be able to adapt to the use of new programs; math/numerical skills to understand costs of labor contracts and discuss salary guides; public speaking; management skills – program management; creative ideas for new programming; verbal communication; legal research; litigation and legal practice; training; policy.
Physical Requirements
Prolonged period of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to drive and carry items up to 20 lbs.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and two letters of reference to jobs@njsba.org by June 7. View the job listing online.
NJSBA complies with the “New Jersey First Act.” The Act requires all NJSBA employees hired on or after Sept. 1, 2011, to currently reside in New Jersey or relocate within one year of their hire date.