MAINE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION GENERAL COUNSEL General Description of Position Function and Purpose: Administers Legal Services Plan and insurance protection for 25,000 member state affiliate of the National Education Association. Provides legal counsel to MEA management, elected leaders, and professional staff on employment law and labor relations; manages legal services budget; screens and approves requests for legal representation according to Association policies. Position Description Requirements and Responsibilities: Represents teachers, other educators, and local association affiliates before arbitrators, administrative agencies, and courts in employment-related disputes with educational employers and state agencies; Retains outside counsel to perform specialized legal tasks, including employment-related criminal defense; disability retirement appeals; unemployment compensation; professional certification; workers compensation; and civil rights actions. Assists the Government Relations Department in drafting legislation; provides consultation on pending legislation; and offers expert testimony before legislative committees. Supervises paralegal assistant in preparing applications for disability retirement and related retirement inquiries. Assists the Director of Field Services in providing training to association leaders and staff in resolving labor disputes and observing the duty of fair representation. Advises the Executive Director and Board of Directors of legal developments affecting the welfare of the organization and Association policies. Works in a cooperative manner with other members of the MEA staff, MEA management, MEA Board of Directors, and the elected local leadership of the Association. Promotes a positive image of the MEA and the benefits of MEA membership to local association leaders, members, and potential members at all times. Participates in special assignments and projects designed to further the goals and objectives of the MEA. Minimum Qualifications: • • • • Juris Doctor Degree from accredited Law School and ability to secure admission to the Bar of the State of Maine. Strong communication skills with the desire to serve as an employee advocate and to demonstrate professional commitment to the advancement of American workers. Working knowledge of labor relations and education issues, and understanding of the dynamics of organizing and recruiting members into labor organizations. Must have ability to travel and work various hours including evenings and occasional weekends Desired Qualifications: • • Ten years of trial practice and legal writing experience in the field of public or private sector labor negotiations, union organizing, or employment rights litigation. Substantial experience and knowledge of the functions and administration of labor unions. Please send letter of interest, resume, and three references to [email protected] by June 15, 2015.