Labor and Employment Attorney

Kansas City Public Schools

Job Title: Labor and Employment Attorney

Job Title Code: 02188

SALARY GRADE:

Commensurate with Experience

Department: Human Resources

Report To: Executive Director-HR

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date Prepared: August 2023

PURPOSE OF JOB: The Labor and Employment Attorney

provides legal advice and services, and assist with policy development, training, and personnel matters. They represent KCPS in administrative claims, union matters, internal administrative hearings and lawsuits from the on-set of the case through appeals. Staff Attorneys must evaluate legal risks and manage each matter for cost containment and effciency. The ideal candidate should be flexible, show initiative and be able to work both independently and as part of a team. This position requires a good work ethic and the ability to handle multiple tasks and provide attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be willing to accept responsibility, maintain a demanding workload and be comfortable representing a public entity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Assists and coordinates with personnel investigations and provides legal guidance to HR leaders.Provide legal representation for KCPS in the defense, or in some cases prosecution, of litigated matters, including:Legal research and writing, including draft, review and/or revise legal correspondence, memoranda, pleadings, dispositive and non-dispositive motions, jury instructions, post- trial motions and appellate briefs.Discovery, including written discovery requests and responses, document collection, review and production and taking and defending depositions.Settlement, including preparation of mediation statements, participation in mediations and negotiation of settlements when appropriate.Utilize effective case management, legal research and analysis to resolve issues and provide advice on preventive measures.Investigate and prepare responses to administrative agencies, including the EEOC, CPS, MCHR, KCHRD and OCR, including:File management, including monitoring deadlines, responding to requests for additional information and updating key personnel on status.Manage internal investigations and advise HR on employee disciplinary processes and outcomes.Conduct teacher termination proceedings and assist with the non-renewal of employmentParticipate in labor negotiations and the development of collective bargainingParticipate in grievance hearings at all levels including the Second Step Hearing, mediation and/or arbitration.Develop and maintain pro?ciency in assigned areas of law and remain knowledgeable regarding legislation, administrative rulings, trends and their possible impact on theOther duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY

RESPONSIBILITIES:

YesREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Juris Doctorate

3-5 years litigation experience

5+ years of experience in Employment and Labor Law

Admission to Missouri Bar that is current and in good standing, or eligibility to be admitted.

5+ years experience with EEO Compliance

Excellent written and oral skillsPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Prior experience practicing school and employment law

Prior experience representing a public entity, preferably an urban school district

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job requires that the employee be able to: sit; stand; walk; speak; hear; use hands and fingers; reach with hands and fingers; bend; stoop; lift objects of at least ten pounds; and visual ability requires mono and color vision.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Length of work year: 12 months.

Benefits:

Retirement mandatory contribution, and full health, dental, life, and vision programs.