The Office of Legal Counsel provides cost-effective, high-quality, creative, and proactive legal problem-solving. The office supports the Board of School Commissioners, the CEO, and other district employees to navigate legal requirements, evaluate and manage legal risk, align and conserve resources, promote collaborative dispute resolution and reduce avoidable litigation, if possible, and engage in strategic decision-making to promote equity and academic excellence for all students. It also supports the community by encouraging participation in the Board’s minority and women business enterprise program and supports employees and students with respect to equal opportunity. Its work contributes to the efficient management of administrative functions and ensures compliance with federal, state, local laws and Board policy. 

The Office of Legal Counsel also presides over the Fair Practices & Compliance Department.

200 E. North Avenue
Room 208
Baltimore, MD 21202

Phone:

• Main, 410-396-8542
• Fraud hotline (for reporting illegal or inappropriate activity), 1-800-679-0185

Fax: 410-396-2955 or 410-659-7199

EEO email:  (Equal Employment Opportunity or Title IX inquiries)

Key staff:

 nlsmall@bcps.k12.md.us

• Joshua Civin, Chief Legal Officer (email)
• Rebecca Burney, Special Advisor (email)
• Donna Hawkins, Manager, Staff Investigations (email)
• Sheryl Atkins, Senior Counsel (email)
• Richard Miller, Senior Counsel (email)
• Frank Lucas, Legal Affairs Investigator  (email)
• Monique Priester, MWBE Manager (email)
• Quinnelle Gomez, Director of Fair Practices and Title IX (email)
• Marilyn Riddick, Supervisor of Support Services (email)