MEA General Counsel - Maine Education Association

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:
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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:
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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.