(Washington, DC) – D. Scott Barash, former general counsel for the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) with more than 25 years legal experience in the public and private sectors, has been named general counsel of District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), Chancellor Kaya Henderson announced today.

“Scott is a seasoned attorney with a solid background in local and federal government.  He brings the skills we need to advise us of the legal implications of our work and keep our legal team operating smoothly,” Chancellor Henderson said. “Mr. Barash will be an excellent addition to our leadership team and we will benefit greatly as a school district from his experience and legal guidance.”

Barash, who was hired after an extensive search and interview process, will report directly to Chancellor Henderson. In this role, Barash will lead the DCPS Office of the General Counsel, provide legal advice and counsel to DC Public Schools, respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and represent DCPS in administrative proceedings including special education due process hearings.

Barash joins DCPS from the University of the District of Columbia where he oversaw a broad range of litigation including commercial and employment matters, such as labor relations and employment matters. Prior to his tenure at UDC, Barash was Chief Executive Officer of Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a not-for-profit corporation that administers grants to programs providing affordable telecommunications and Internet services. Barash gained extensive legal experience as a partner at Jenner & Block, an international law firm headquartered in Chicago and served at the U.S. Department of Justice as a civil litigation attorney.

Barash earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University and a juris doctor degree from the University of Chicago Law School. He resides in the District with his wife Gayle Wald, a Professor of English at George Washington University.