General Counsel

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY

INCLUDE  

These items are intended only as examples of the various types of job duties to be performed; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.  The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

• Serves as legal counsel to the Superintendent of Schools and administrative and school staff on school system legal matters.
• Serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Council.
• Provides advise on legal matters involving the school system, Board policies, administrative regulations, educational law, federal, state and county laws, including the Individuals with Education Disabilities Act (“IDEA”), Section 504, Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), Title VII and Title IX, and related functions and services of the school system.
• Renders oral and written opinions, memoranda and correspondence to the Superintendent, administrative and school staff for guidance on legal matters/issues.
• Reviews pending legislation as to its impact on the school system and advises the Superintendent and staff accordingly.
• Analyzes legal controversies and recommends disposition, prepares, and conducts litigation; recommends appeals or settlements on the basis of professional evaluation of the nature of the proceedings.
• Discusses case results with the Superintendent and staff to evaluate and improve performance related to future matters.
• Reviews, edits, drafts agreements, leases, contracts, and deeds in which the school system is a party.
• Represents the school system in connection with matters affecting its legal relations with Federal, State and County governments.
• Attends Board of Education meetings and conferences and provides advice on legal implications of actions taken and parliamentary procedure as required.
• Provides advice to school-based personnel on legal issues, including parent-child custody disputes, student discipline, subpoena responses, complaint resolution and other operational matters.
• Prepares and presents personnel and student disciplinary cases at all levels of appeal.
• Prepares and presents cases brought under Section 4-205 of the Education Article.
• Drafts and reviews Board policies and regulations.
• Advises the Superintendent and the Board regarding union contract negotiations. 
• Advises the Board on legal matters as appropriate.

• Serves as liaison to the Board Ethics Panel.

   

• Prepares and responds to Public Information Act requests and serves as Public Information Officer for Public Information Act requests.
• Serves as a member of the Case Management Team.
• Supervises Deputy General Counsel.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

SALARY

• This is a twelve-month position with (20 days of annual leave. Salary range based on GRADE M of the FY 2025-2026 EXECUTIVE Salary Schedule. Starting Salary: $ 194,869– Maximum Earnings Potential $ 222,822.

• Administrators who earn 30 additional credits beyond a Master’s Plus 30 will receive a $3,000 salary differential.

• Administrators who earn a Doctorate shall receive an additional salary differential of $500.

• Full salary schedules can be found at the bottom of the Current Vacancies webpage https://www.hcps.org/departments/humanresources/vacancies.aspx

• HCPS offers an expansive benefits package including individual and family medical, vision, dental, life insurance, retirement savings, pension, paid time off, and more.  

• For a complete list of benefits, please visit the Employment Benefits section of the Human Resources webpage: https://www.hcps.org/departments/HumanResources/Default.aspx 

• For more information on holidays and paid time off, please refer to the Holidays and Leave Provisions sections of the APSASHC Negotiated Agreement: https://www.hcps.org/boe/collectivebargaining.aspx

• FLSA: Exempt

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Juris Doctor from an accredited school of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Maryland.

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in the legal field, handling increasingly complex matters and responsibilities.

• Previous experience as in-house counsel within a Maryland public school district.

• Substantial knowledge and experience in the following subject matters:

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”);

  • Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973;

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”);

  • FERPA;

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act;

  • Title IX of Education Amendment of 1972;

  • Open Meetings Act (“OMA”);

  • Maryland Public Information Act (“MPIA”)

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software programs and eLearning platforms.

• Experience with database systems, reporting and data analytics, preferred. 

• Demonstrated effective leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. 

• Hold and maintain a valid driver's license to carry out the essential functions of the position.

• Excellent planning and organizational skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.

• Able to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the position.

• Demonstrated knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy.

HOW TO APPLY

Employment applications are accepted online only. To access the application, visit the Employment Opportunities section of the HCPS website at www.hcps.org.  If you have questions or require assistance to complete the online employment application, contact the Human Resources Office at 410-588-5238.

DEADLINE

Online employment applications will be accepted for this vacancy until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026. 

The Board of Education of Harford County is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We adhere to the principles of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Board of Education of Harford County prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, or any other protected characteristic in any program or activity it operates. The Board of Education of Harford County encourages applications from all qualified individuals. 

Inquiries or concerns about your rights related to Title IX can be directed to our Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Eric Davis, at 102 South Hickory Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014, 410-588-5202, or  TitleIX@hcps.org. Inquiries related to your rights under Title VI or Title VII can be directed to our Coordinator of Investigations, Ms. Renee McGlothlin, at 410-809-6087 or Renee.McGlothlin@hcps.org. Harford County Public Schools’ non-discrimination policy can be accessed here: NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: (hcps.org) and found on the HCPS website under Board of Education Policies and Procedures. Harford County Public Schools’ non-discrimination statement can be accessed here: NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: (hcps.org) and found on HCPS’ homepage.   

AFFIRMING EQUAL EMPLOYMENT IN PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE