The School Board may enter into agreements for 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 shall not represent another client if the representation involves a concurrent conflict of interest, unless permitted by the Ill. Rules of Professional Conduct adopted by the Ill. Supreme Court. The Board Attorney will provide services as described in the agreement for legal services.  The District will only pay for legal services that are provided in accordance with the agreement for legal services or 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 authorize a specific member to confer with legal counsel 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 consider the matter.

The Board retains the right to consult or employ other attorneys and to terminate the service of any attorney.

CROSS REF.:  4:60 (Purchases and Contracts)

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.

ADOPTED:  November 22, 2004

REVISED:  December 13, 2010
                   December 14, 2015

Reviewed:  April 2020