We serve as general or special counsel to boards of education, helping trustees and administrators navigate the complex legal responsibilities of public school governance. Our services include:

• Advising on board powers, duties, and procedures

• Legal interpretation of Education Law and district policies

• Conflict of interest and ethics guidance

• Board meeting procedures and Open Meetings Law compliance

• School officer and employee appointment issues

• Superintendent contract negotiation and evaluation support

Effective school policies are the foundation of legal compliance and good governance. We help districts craft, review, and update policies to reflect changes in law, guidance from the NYS Education Department (NYSED), and evolving best practices. We assist with:

• Drafting and revising policies across all domains (students, personnel, finance, operations)

• Ensuring alignment with federal and state mandates (e.g., Title IX, DASA, FERPA)

• Preparing handbooks and administrative regulations

• Advising on policy implementation and enforcement

• We support school districts in upholding student rights while maintaining safe and orderly learning environments. Our attorneys provide guidance that balances compassion, legal compliance, and the educational mission. We advise on:

•  Residency, enrollment, and attendance disputes

• Student discipline and suspension hearings (short- and long-term)

• First Amendment rights, dress code, and off-campus conduct

• Homeless student rights under McKinney-Vento

• Student records access and confidentiality under FERPA

• Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) compliance and investigations

Compliance with New York’s transparency laws is essential for public trust and legal integrity. We counsel boards and administrators on their obligations under the Open Meetings Law (OML) and the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). We provide support for:

• Drafting and reviewing FOIL responses

• Redaction of protected or confidential information

• Conducting lawful executive sessions

• Responding to appeals of denied records

• OML and FOIL training for board members and staff

Public education is heavily regulated. We help school districts understand and respond to guidance, regulations, and inquiries from state and federal agencies. We regularly assist with:

• Submissions to the State Education Department

• NYSED audits, corrective action plans, and investigations

• Compliance with Commissioner's Regulations Parts 100, 200, 155, and more

• Response to complaints filed with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR)

• Mandated reporting, immunization requirements, and health protocols

When urgent legal issues arise—such as student threats, staff misconduct, data breaches, or facility emergencies—our team is available to provide immediate and decisive legal guidance. We help districts respond to:

• Emergency removals or student threats of violence

• Staff misconduct and mandated reporting requirements

• FERPA breaches and cyber incidents

• Community protests or legal demands involving student issues

• Media inquiries and public records pressures