NEPN/NSBA Code:  BDG

SCHOOL ATTORNEY/LEGAL SERVICES

The Committee recognizes that the increasing complexity of school unit operations frequently requires the procurement of professional legal services.  Therefore, the Committee shall designate an attorney and/or law firm to provide such services on an ongoing basis.  The school attorney(s) shall be admitted to practice law in Maine.  The Committee reserves the right to obtain legal services outside of its designated attorney/law firm as deemed appropriate.

A decision to seek legal advice or assistance on behalf of the school unit shall normally be made by the Superintendent or Committee Chair in accordance with Committee policy and when an obvious need exists.  Such services may also be obtained as a consequence of a formal vote of the Committee. 

Legal services required by the school unit may include, but not be limited to:

A.  Providing general legal advice to the Committee and/or administration;

B.  Assisting with labor negotiations;

C.  Assisting with personnel matters;

D.  Assisting with expulsions and other student disciplinary matters;

E.  Conduct and/or assist with pending or actual litigation involving the school unit; 

F.  Other specialized legal services; and

G.  Attendance at Committee meetings or other activities as appropriate.

Many types of legal services are considered routine and do not require specific Committee approval.  However, when the Superintendent concludes that the potential for significant legal expenditure exists or under other unusual circumstances, they shall inform the Committee at an appropriate point in the process.  The Committee may take action on such matters as appropriate.

Adopted: June 27, 2022