Chief Staff Attorney

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and a member in good standing with The Florida Bar
• Admitted or eligible for admission to the bar of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
• Valid Florida drivers license.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education experience and/or certifications may be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience practicing law in a K-12 public school district.
• Experience in education law employment/labor law public finance real estate and/or construction law related to education.
• Florida Bar Board Certification in Education Law or eligible for certification.
• Experience as a practicing attorney in Education Law Labor and/or Employment Law.
• Experience supervising a team of attorneys.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing K-12 public education and the statutory roles of an elected School Board and an elected Superintendent.
• Knowledge of the Sunshine laws.
• Knowledge of school law labor law general law administrative law and established precedents and sources of legal reference.
• Knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of Florida Statutes Rules of Court Rules of Civil Procedure Rules of Appellate Procedures Rules of Judicial Administration Administrative Code Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) proceedings Office of Civil Rights (OCR) proceedings and Federal Judicial Procedures and Rules.
• Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to organize prioritize manage and carry out duties efficiently and within established deadlines.
• Ability to represent the District in complex litigation administrative proceedings and arbitrations.
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build consensus among diverse stakeholders including influencing others toward a common goal.
• Ability to think critically and creatively have a high standard of integrity and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the
• organizational structure.
• Ability to take initiative to plan organize coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and diverse demands are involved.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgement in conducting legal research interpreting and applying laws and preparing legal documents.
• Ability to maintain discretion with sensitive confidential and high stakes matters.

Revised: 01/23/2026

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Provide legal counsel to the Superintendent and district administrators on matters related to the operation of the school system.
• Collaborate with the School Board Attorney to ensure a seamless provision of legal services to the district.
• Represent or provide for the representation of the district in legal proceedings including hearings administrative reviews arbitrations mediations and other proceedings. Prepare and render legal opinions upon request from the Superintendent.
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate legal exposure for the district in partnership with staff.
• Monitor pending legislation and interpret the impact of such legislation on the interest of the district.
• Lead a team of Staff Attorneys and legal staff in the provision of legal services and support related to system operations.
• Secure and coordinate with external legal counsel on litigation and other legal matters in partnership with the School Board Attorney.
• Ensure training for district leadership school administrators and staff on legal matters such as student rights discrimination laws workplace policies and ethical practices.
• In the absence of the School Board Attorney serve as needed as parliamentarian at School Board meetings and act as a legal advisor to the School Board at quasi-judicial hearings.
• Develop and manage an operating budget to ensure program alignment with the budgetary allocation.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Revised: 01/23/2026

Additional Job Information

Salary negotiable 255 days

Required Experience:

Chief