Staff Attorney (NY HELPS)

LOCATION: Central Administration – 900 Watervliet-Shaker Road

BASIC FUNCTION: The Staff Attorney (BOCES) works under the supervision of the BOCES School Attorney and the Legal Counsel (BOCES). The employee is responsible for providing legal services and labor relations services for both Capital Region BOCES and its participating school districts. The Staff Attorney (BOCES) represents the administration of Capital Region BOCES and/or the participating school districts in a variety of legal and labor relations areas and it is incumbent upon the employee to afford the most appropriate and researched legal responses in all matters. Does related work as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as hearing officer in student and employee disciplinary matters.

• Conducts legal research and analysis to support supervising attorneys.

• Prepares legal documents presented for their action.

• Prepares applications, petitions and affidavits in connection with various hearings and proceedings, as required.

• Assists with the representation of Capital Region BOCES and client school districts before regulatory and legislative bodies, as assigned.

• Advises Capital Region BOCES and client school districts in areas of municipal and education law.

• Assists with the representation of Capital Region BOCES and client school districts in matters of litigation in courts of law.

• Reviews contracts as presented.

• Participates in bargaining unit negotiations on behalf of Capital Region BOCES and/or participating school districts, as assigned.

• Continuously monitors multiple sources of information to remain abreast of legal developments affecting school districts.

• Performs other related duties as required.

• Working knowledge of basic education law and legal procedure concepts.

• Ability to present logical and clear arguments of law both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to organize materials for hearings and trials.

• Ability to comprehend and carry out complex and difficult assignments in a timely manner.

• Ability to analyze information gathered for the purposes of developing recommendations and/or making decisions.

• Ability to get along and work well with others.

• Ethical conduct in the practice of law in the State of New York.

• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Job Qualifications

A. Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Candidates must be admitted to practice before the bar of the State of New York within two (2) years of hire for continued employment.

The selected applicant will be subject to a fingerprint supported criminal history background check in accordance with SAVE Legislation effective July 1, 2001.

Candidates will not have to take an exam for this title . This is a NY HELP (Hiring Emergency Limited Placement) Program designated title. NY HELP is a temporary program designed to help local government employers address current staffing issues. Traditionally, the titles filled under the NY HELP Program required job candidates to compete in a competitive exam to be considered for employment. For the duration of the program, this title will be classified as non-competitive and categorized as a HELP Program position. At the close of the program, this position will revert to competitive class status. Employees occupying positions filled through the HELP Program will be granted competitive class status without the need to participate in a competitive exam.

Civil Service Title: Staff Attorney

Job Number: 2027-113