General Counsel

General Counsel at Palo Alto Unified School District

Application Deadline

Until Filled

Date Posted

8/20/2026

Contact

Marilyn Munoz

Number of Openings

1

Salary

Pay Range: $272,541.00 - $320,760.00 Annually

Length of Work Year

Positive Work Year of 224 Days

Employment Type

Full Time

Location

District Office

Department

Legal Department

Benefits

• 100% District-paid (employee only) / Family Benefits voluntary

Job Summary

Job Summary

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school;
• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California;
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible legal experience, including significant experience advising public agencies, educational institutions, or governmental organizations;
• Experience representing California school districts;
• Experience in education law, labor and employment law, public contracting, governance, litigation, and administrative law. OVERVIEW: Under the direction of the Superintendent, manage, oversee, coordinate, and provide professional legal counsel and representation for the District, the Governing Board, and assigned auxiliary organizations. Consistent with Board Bylaw 9124, serve as legal advisor to the Board of Education, maintaining Board access to counsel through the Board President or by majority vote of the Board. Conduct complex legal research and analysis, prepare legal documents, and render formal legal opinions concerning District legal powers, functions, jurisdiction, procedures, and related legal matters. RESPONSIBILITIES (include, but not limited to, the following):
• Serve as chief legal advisor to the Board of Education, Superintendent, and District administration on governance, policy, and legal matters;
• Advise on Brown Act, Public Records Act, Education Code, employment and labor law, special education, civil rights/Title IX, student matters, contracts, privacy, and other laws affecting public education;
• Attend Board meetings and provide legal counsel on governance, policies, regulations, agenda items, and open and closed session matters;