Paralegal

The Akron Board of Education announces an opening for Paralegal, Job Code TBD, TS 522. Salary Range: TBD. Collective Bargaining Unit – None. Status-Non-Exempt. This is a SERS position. The Paralegal reports to the General Counsel.

Application must be made electronically through http://www.applitrack.com/akron/onlineapp/. In addition to completing the online application, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and a current copy of any licenses held.

The Superintendent reserves the right to keep the position open until suitable applicants are found or to cancel and repost the position with changes as may be deemed appropriate.

Position Summary:

Provide paralegal and administrative support under the direction and supervision of the General Counsel as assigned. The position is responsible for conducting legal and factual research, preparing and organizing legal documents, maintain confidential case files, track deadlines and coordinate legal services and matters with other departmental functions.

Responsibilities

• Provide paralegal and administrative support to District legal counsel and other attorneys that may represent the District.
• Conduct legal and factual research related to education law, public-sector employment, labor relations, student matters, due process, matters, contracts and other areas as may be assigned.
• Assist with preparation of legal memoranda, correspondence, exhibits under the direction of the District counsel.
• Review, organize, and summarize legal documents, correspondence, records and other materials as directed.
• Assist with the gathering, preparation of materials for outside counsel as requested.
• Monitor litigation and other legal matters in order to create and maintain accurate records of status, deadlines, and required actions.
• Assist with electronic filing with outside agencies and other governmental entities as required.
• Take meeting notes and minutes as directed. Schedule meetings, hearings, etc. as directed.
• Assist with organization and documentation for special education matters, administrative proceedings, due process matters and other student -related legal proceedings.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality when handling records that may contain personally identifiable, privileged, confidential or otherwise protected information. Ensure that District policies and guidelines are adhered to related to confidentiality and dissemination of information.
• Assist District counsel with preparation of Board of Education meetings and related legal matters including Board resolutions, legal notices, etc., as requested.
• Organize and maintain all legal documents and actions.
• Assist with processing and tracking public records requests in coordination with District personnel and legal counsel. Maintain records request logs and monitor response timelines.
• Assist with preparation, review, organization and maintenance of service contracts/agreements and other legal documents.
• Track contract expiration dates, renewal dates, required notices and other contractual deadlines.
• Assist with special projects, audits, investigations, and other compliance initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by District legal counsel.
• May be required to travel, both within the school district and outside of the school district.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Business Administration, or related field. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Paralegal certificate from an accredited program preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working as a paralegal, legal assistant.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with attorney-client privilege, attorney work-product protections, FERPA, public records laws, personnel confidentiality requirements, and other applicable legal obligations.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace/Adaptive and flexible to accommodate changing environments

Preferred

• Prior experience working as a paralegal or a legal assistant in a public school district.
• Knowledge of Ohio education law and public-sector employment law.
• Familiarity with Ohio public records and open meetings requirements.

Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Frequent prolonged and irregular hours.
• Subject to frequent interruptions, noises, odors, temperatures throughout the work day.
• Required to work at computer for extended periods, review paper and electronic documents, communicate effectively by telephone and in-person, attend meetings.
• Sits, stands, and moves intermittently throughout the work day. May lift and move files, records, etc.

Note: This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

If you require any special services (such as interpreter, braille or large print, or wheelchair accessible accommodations) covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Public Law 101-336, Section 102, please call the Department of Human Resources at 330-761-2949. If you are using a TTY/TTD, please call the Ohio Relay Service, 1-800-750-0750.

Akron Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes").