Legal Counsel

The Legal Counsel serves as legal advisor for Milwaukee Public Schools and a key member of the executive leadership team. Engages in the specialty practice of educational and governmental law, providing strategic legal counsel and oversight on a wide range of matters, including employment relations, labor and employment law, contract and procurement law, grievance and interest arbitration, and defense litigation. The Legal Counsel safeguards the district¿s legal interests, ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and supports the Board of Directors, Superintendent, and senior leadership in advancing the mission of MPS.

Salary Range: $149,994 ¿ 194,918

• If you are unable to electronically attach these documents, you must notify human resources that you are sending hard copies at lamothkp@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.

• Graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Wisconsin at time of hire.
• Five to seven years of senior-level legal experience, with an additional 5 years of practicing law, in the specialty areas of state and federal labor and employment law, grievance and interest arbitration and employment discrimination defense and/or education law.
• Must have experience in contract negotiation and drafting, written legal analysis and opinions and litigation arising from the specialty areas.

• Serves as legal counsel for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) in all legal matters.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of changes to state and federal employment law, including coordinating with other district staff to ensure dissemination of legal requirements and best practices.
• Assists administrative staff with and coordinates legal processes concerning employee investigation and discipline.
• Advises supervisors, principals and leaders on the creation of reprimand and suspension letters and

notices and recommendations of employee disciplinary action.

• Handles written discovery and motions presented in state and federal courts. Represents MPS in court and before administrative agencies.
• Evaluates case value and makes settlement recommendations. Negotiates on behalf of MPS in settlement discussions.
• Reviews changes to law and regulations and advises leadership about any impact to the district.
• Prepares case memoranda and represents MPS in mediation and arbitration.
• Counsels client departments and trains MPS employees on the enforcement and meaning of local ordinances, laws and MPS policies and procedures. Interprets laws, rules and regulations for MPS staff.
• Conducts litigation to include intense and complex discovery, takes and defends depositions, drafts pleadings and motions and tries cases in state and federal court.
• Handles all appeals in court.
• Prepares opinions, resolutions and ordinances.
• Drafts and reviews legal documents related to MPS business and operations.
• Advises departments, staff, the board and other stakeholders on legal issues.
• Provides supervision, mentorship and training to other attorneys.
• Completes other duties as assigned.
• Actively supports the MPS Strategic Plan.

The Milwaukee Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, activities, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of a person's sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, every applicant for a position with Milwaukee Public Schools will be subject to the open records law. Any applicant not wishing to have his/her identity released, must submit a written statement to that effect to the Office of Human Resources. The identities of all "final candidates" may be released. Milwaukee Public Schools reserves the right to interview the best qualified candidates.