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Legal Services Policy

Purpose

To establish clear roles, responsibilities, and processes for the engagement, oversight, and communication of legal counsel in support of Colorado Early Colleges’ governance, operations, and fiduciary responsibilities.

Scope

This policy applies to all legal services provided to Colorado Early Colleges (CEC), including those related to governance, operations, employment, student matters, compliance, contracts, litigation, and regulatory issues.

Roles and Responsibilities

A. Board of Directors

  • Approves this policy and monitors implementation.
  • Retains the authority to engage legal counsel for board-specific matters (e.g., board governance, CEC Building Corp).
  • Receives updates on significant legal matters through the CEO in closed session as needed.

 

B. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

  • Coordinates all legal service engagements in support of board-approved policies and operational needs.
  • Determines when legal guidance is necessary and selects counsel in accordance with budget authority.
  • Manages all contracts and communication with legal solution providers.
  • May recommend specialized counsel (e.g., for employment law, Title IX, student matters) as needed.

 

C. Legal Solution Providers

  • Serve in an advisory capacity only and are not authorized to act independently on organizational matters.
  • Provide legal advice when requested by the CEO or board under the parameters of this policy with agreed-upon CEC, CSI, and/or CDE deadlines.
  • Shall not initiate legal communication or decisions without coordination with the CEO.

Legal Communication and Assignment Protocols

  • All legal requests must be routed through the CEO or designated representative.
  • A Legal Communication Framework shall outline points of contact, escalation processes, and documentation practices.
  • A Legal Assignment Tracker will be maintained to document requests, providers, expenses, and outcomes.
  • Legal costs must align with board-approved budget thresholds and be reported annually.

Cost Management and Transparency

  • The CEO will ensure legal service use is prudent, purposeful, and consistent with public fiscal responsibility.
  • Legal expenditures beyond the approved annual budget require Finance Committee or full Board review.
  • The Board will receive an annual summary of legal engagements, expenses, and resolution outcomes.

Policy Review and Revision

This policy shall be reviewed every two years or upon recommendation of the CEO or Board Chair. Amendments require Board approval.

Questions?

CEC encourages staff, students, parents, and all members of the CEC community to become familiar with our policies and procedures. For questions or comments regarding our policies and procedures, please contact:

Melissa Talan, MBA
Executive Office Administrator

Message Melissa Talan

SECTION: School Board Governance and Operations
Legal Services Policy
Approved: 09/2025