Fort Smith Public School officials have yet to decide on an in-house lawyer
One more attorney has applied to be the Fort Smith Public School’s in-house legal counsel. Six attorneys applied for the position as of Oct. 14, with one withdrawing their application, leaving five active applicants. Since that time, Greneda Johnson also applied for the position.
Allan Marshall, chief communications and engagement officer for FSPS, said district officials are still evaluating the choices.
“At this time, there is no update on the status of the new Legal Counsel as FSPS is still evaluating the different candidates. It will remain open until filled, ensuring we find the best fit for our organization. We remain optimistic about finding a strong candidate for the position,” Marshall said.
The district posted a job listing on its website July 19 for an attorney “to ensure daily access to dedicated legal expertise to address the complex and evolving legal matters affecting the schools,” the district’s communications office said. Those matters include areas such as special education, compliance with state and federal regulations, labor and employment issues, student rights, and more.
“Having an in-house attorney will allow efficient and effective legal responses to these legal needs,” the office stated.
The position’s salary is listed at $100,000 annually. Applicants are Casey Copeland, Joshua Bugeja, Michael Rabey, Timothy Baker, Taylor Dugan and Greneda Johnson.
Johnson is director of community engagement at the University Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, a position she has held since July 2023. Prior to that, she was the director of diversity, equity and belonging at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Copeland, a resident of Prairie Grove, is employed with the Office of Chief Counsel with the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
Bugeja of Fort Smith is an attorney and owner of Bugeja Law Firm in Fort Smith.
Rabey lives in Van Buren. He is a deputy prosecuting attorney with the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office.
Baker also is a deputy prosecuting attorney with the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office and lives in Van Buren.
The district decided it was time to hire an in-house attorney rather than continue using Marshall Ney of Ney Law Firm in Rogers whom the district has contracted for many years. The district believes hiring an in-house attorney could be a cost-saving move. Relying solely on external legal advice can be expensive, especially for ongoing or complex legal matters, the communications office stated.
“Having an attorney fully integrated into the district’s team will help proactively address legal issues and potentially avoid costly legal disputes,” the office stated. “This move is expected to help create a safer, more legally sound, and more efficient school district.”
The job description states that applicants have a juris doctor from an accredited law school and be a member of the Arkansas Bar in good standing and authorized to practice law in Arkansas. The district is looking for someone with five years experience practicing law, with a preference for experience in education law, employment law and related fields, a strong understanding of federal, state, and local education laws and regulations, and negotiation and litigation skills.