School & College Legal Services of California (SCLS) is seeking a General Counsel to lead its legal team and oversee the delivery of legal services to public school districts, community colleges, and educational institutions across California. This position reports directly to the Joint Powers Board and requires a high level of independent judgment, legal expertise, and strategic foresight. The General Counsel’s main responsibilities are leading this high-performing legal team and supporting them in providing direct legal guidance to public school districts, community colleges and other educational institutions across Northern California; supervising attorneys and professional staff; managing the day-to-day operations of a hybrid law office; and, setting agency-wide goals. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong executive functioning, interpersonal communication, and leadership skills, and will be adept at fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven office culture. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a public law firm through oversight of key organizational functions—including human resources, budget planning, policy development, and client engagement—while also maintaining deep involvement in education law to advance educational excellence and equity.
The General Counsel will be a solution-oriented and highly organized legal professional with expertise in the management of a law office as well as a solid foundation in public law and policy. This individual must be well-equipped to navigate the complex legal landscape of public education and thrive in a progressive, forward-thinking environment. The ideal candidate will have significant experience advising on a wide range of legal matters, including governance, labor and employment, regulatory compliance, and policy development. This role requires strategic insight and tactical acumen to proactively address SCLS’s evolving legal needs, identify potential risks for the organization, and provide timely, research-based legal guidance. The ability to analyze complex issues, communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders, and develop actionable, policy-informed recommendations is critical. Candidates must also demonstrate exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative, diplomatic approach—especially in sensitive or high-pressure situations. Emotional intelligence, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service will be key to success in this role.
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items may not be considered for a position with SCLS:
◆ Résumé, which must show the last five years of work history.
◆ Letter of Interest
◆ Writing Sample
» The writing sample should show the applicant’s strength in writing, and should be no more than 10 pages in length.
