The School Board may retain legal services with one or more attorneys or law firms to be the Board Attorney(s). The Board Attorney represents the School Board in its capacity as the governing body for the School District. The Board Attorney serves on a retainer or other fee arrangement as determined in advance. The Board Attorney will provide services as described in the agreement for legal services or as memorialized by an engagement letter. The District will only pay for legal services that are provided in accordance with the agreement for legal services, as memorialized by an engagement letter, or that are otherwise authorized by this policy or a majority of the Board.
The Superintendent, his or her designee, and Board President, are each authorized to confer with and/or seek the legal advice of the Board Attorney. The Board may also authorize a specific Board member to confer with the Board Attorney on its behalf.
The Superintendent may authorize the Board Attorney to represent the District in any legal matter until the Board has an opportunity to be informed of and/or consider the matter.
The Board retains the right to consult with or employ other attorneys and to terminate the service of any attorney.
LEGAL REF.: Rule 1.7 (Conflict of Interest: Current Clients) and Rule 1.13 (Organization as Client) of the Ill. Rules of Professional Conduct adopted by the Ill. Supreme Court.
CROSS REF.: 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts)
Updated: April 2021