PORTLAND – The Oregon State Bar has launched an investigation into the general counsel for Portland Public Schools to see if he illegally practiced law by serving as the district’s top lawyer while unlicensed in the state.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported district officials said Jim Harris resigned from the position on Monday after less than six months on the job.

District spokesman Dave Northfield said Harris’ resignation was not related to his lack of license. He said Harris is expected to be admitted to the Oregon bar later this month.

Harris did not respond to a request for comment by the newspaper on Tuesday.

Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero said he hired local lawyer Elizabeth Large to serve as the interim general counsel.