(Washington, DC) District of Columbia Attorney General Linda Singer today announced that James J. Sandman, a senior partner at the law firm of Arnold & Porter LLP who served as the firm’s managing partner from 1995 to 2005, has been hired as the new General Counsel for DC Public Schools.

Sandman is the immediate past president of the 85,000-member District of Columbia Bar.

Sandman is an experienced litigator and counselor. He has worked to promote pro bono legal services for the poor, serving as Arnold & Porter’s senior pro bono partner. He formerly served as secretary and a member of the board of the Neighborhood Legal Services Program in Washington. Additionally, Sandman has worked for increased diversity in the legal profession.

Earlier this year, Sandman received the Alumni Award of Merit from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, his alma mater.

Sandman is a member of the boards of the Whitman-Walker Clinic, the Meyer Foundation, the Washington Performing Arts Society, Wilkes University and the International Senior Lawyers Project.

“I am very excited about joining the team that is going to make the District’s public schools the model for all big cities,” Sandman said. “It’s a great opportunity to make a difference, and I’m going to give the schools and our city everything I’ve got.”

“I am genuinely excited to have been able to hire a general counsel of Jim’s experience and caliber for this absolutely critical job,” Attorney General Singer said. “It helps ensure that we have the leadership in place to support the important reforms at DCPS.”

“Sandman’s energy level, experience and commitment is just what DCPS needs to continue making schools work for students and families,” Chancellor Michelle Rhee said.

Sandman is married to Beth Mullin, executive director of Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment (FORCE). They have two children.  The family resides in the District.