The Office of the General Counsel for Portland Public Schools has an opening for a Senior Legal Counsel for Labor and Employment.
December 2015
Are you an attorney with a background in labor or employment law who enjoys the "people" part of the practice of law? Are you interested in contributing to public education and helping employees work together to create the environment needed for effective student learning? Are you committed to participating in the elimination of systemic racism in order to support success for all staff and students?
The Office of General Counsel of Portland Public Schools is recruiting a Senior Legal Counsel for Labor and Employment. The attorney who fills this position should have at least seven years of experience as a practicing attorney, with five years in labor and employment law, or a law degree and combination of professional and work experience of five years (including clerkships, internships, volunteer activities, human resources background, risk management, case management and presentation, supervision and leadership, or other relevant experience and training). Experience in the public sector is a plus. A commitment to equity work is a requirement.
The labor and employment work this position will perform is widely varied, including advising human resources professionals, risk management, and front-line supervisors and school and district administrators on a daily basis on the full scope of labor and employment law topics including collective bargaining, personnel investigations, dismissal and discipline, wage and hour, and workplace inclusion; coordinating cases in all forms of litigation and alternative dispute resolution including employee hearings, labor arbitration and mediation; investigating, researching and responding to discrimination complaints through to resolution; discovery and document review including responding to public records requests; working with outside legal counsel; drafting and editing workplace policies; and developing and presenting training for a wide variety of adult employee audiences. This is one full-time position, with competitive salary and excellent benefits.
The Office of General Counsel supports the professional growth of its attorneys including financial support for Oregon State Bar dues, membership(s) in sections of the Oregon State Bar, national Council of School Attorneys, Oregon School Boards Association and other professional networks, continuing legal education programs, and other cross functional educational opportunities The work week is generally 40-50 hours per week, depending on operational needs with flexibility in the scheduling of those hours. Work hours will include irregular hours, and occasional evening and weekend meetings and district functions. Salary will depend on experience but this position is within a salary range of $101,500 to $132,000.
Portland Public Schools ("PPS"), founded in 1851, is an urban school district in Portland, Oregon. With more than 48,500 students in over 80 schools, as well as alternative schools, charter schools and specialized programs for students with special needs, it is the largest school district in the Pacific Northwest. PPS students participate in diverse programs and learning opportunities that are supported by teachers and other school staff, families, community members, non-profit organizations, local businesses and higher education institutions. At PPS, our goal is that by the end of elementary, middle and high school every student by name is meeting or exceeding academic standards and is fully prepared to make productive life decisions. The mission of the Office of the General Counsel is to provide exemplary, timely legal advice that promotes district goals, accelerates equity, preserves relationships and allows staff and students to focus on teaching and learning.
Please see this link for the full job description: https://employment.pps.k12.or.us/ats/job_board_form?op=view&JOB_ID=2100013361&REPRESENTATIVE_COMPANY_ID=00002736&COMPANY_ID=00002736
