Our education law practice group represents both public and private schools in a variety of legal matters. Drawing on the Firm’s more than 100 years' experience, Lewis, Rice & Fingersh is a full-service law firm providing the highest quality legal representation to education clients. Our attorneys offer a broad range of knowledge and experience in representing and advising public and private schools in all aspects of school operations.
The education law practice group focuses on developing a proactive approach to serving the needs of our clients. To this end, our attorneys strive to help prevent and minimize legal expenses and liability by focusing on regular, systematic training designed to continually inform clients of changes in the laws affecting educational institutions and employers. Helping our clients incorporate current best practices into their policies, procedures and regulations is a top priority of our Firm.
Our attorneys are also well equipped to defend clients in a variety of contexts. We defend public and private employers in both federal and state courts and represent their interests in various administrative proceedings. With extensive experience in litigating employment discrimination claims including class action, we handle matters based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, pregnancy and harassment. Our litigation experience includes actions against employers under the Family Medical Leave Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Lewis, Rice & Fingersh never forgets the purpose of an educational institution is to provide students with a quality education preparing them for productive futures. To assist educators in achieving these important goals, our attorneys offer a full range of legal services including, but not limited to:
- Regular legislative updates at the local, state and federal level
- Preparation and review of board policies and procedures including student and personnel handbooks
- In-service training for administrators and staff
- Special education including IDEA and Section 504
- General employment and personnel matters
- Labor relations including elections and negotiations
- Civil rights of students and staff related to speech, religious expression and discrimination
- Student discipline and tenure teacher dismissal regarding due process and board hearings
- School finance including bonds and property tax
- School construction related to property acquisition and bid procedures
- Public elections
- Litigation concerning employment, construction, student civil rights and vendor disputes
The education law practice group is committed to assisting clients create an environment where staff can focus on securing brighter futures for the students they serve.