Fort Smith Public Schools in the hunt for an in-house attorney
The Fort Smith Public School District is looking for an attorney. The district posted a job listing on its website in July for an attorney – with a salary of $100,000 – to become its in-house lawyer. The district has in recent years used a Rogers-based law firm for legal services.
“The school district is hiring 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. 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 a number of years.
“Having an in-house attorney will allow efficient and effective legal responses to these legal needs,” the office stated. “Current legal needs and the frequency and complexity of legal issues were considered in the discussion. It was determined that having a dedicated in-house attorney would be the most effective solution for our district,” the communications office said.
The district said 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. An on-staff attorney will lessen that reliance on external legal services, they said.
The position will be expected to provide immediate access to legal expertise, allowing for quicker decision-making and more informed guidance on legal matters. It also will enhance and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, thereby protecting the district from potential legal risks. The district said the hired counsel will improve support services and train staff on legal issues, fostering a more knowledgeable and compliant workforce.
“This move is expected to help create a safer, more legally sound, and more efficient school district,” the communications office said.
The job description states that those applying for the position have a juris doctorate from an accredited law school and be a member of the Arkansas Bar in good standing and authorized to practice law in the state of 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.