Schools And Educational Organizations We Serve
Attorneys in the firm represent nonprofit and independent schools, academies, and education focused nonprofits. Work covers formation, corporate governance, enrollment and student issues, employment, contracts, and other transactional needs that support long term stability for boards and school leadership.
School And Education Legal Needs
Education clients rely on clear guidance for corporate structure, policies, and daily operations. Common matters include:
- Formation of nonprofit and independent schools and related entities
- Articles of incorporation, bylaws, and board committee charters
- Applications for federal and state tax exemption
- Annual corporate maintenance and required filings
- Board policies for conflicts of interest, financial oversight, and record keeping
- Student and family handbooks for admissions, conduct, and discipline
- Employee handbooks and HR policies for faculty and staff
- Background checks and screening practices for staff and volunteers
- Policies for harassment, discrimination, and accommodation of disabilities
- Enrollment contracts and tuition policies
- Vendor agreements for curriculum, technology, transportation, and food service
- Risk management for field trips, athletics, and extracurricular programs
Governance, Compliance, And Student Issues
Boards and heads of school face regulatory expectations along with community pressure from parents, donors, and staff. Legal work supports clear roles, consistent procedures, and documented decision making in areas such as:
- Board training on fiduciary duties and meeting procedures
- Alignment between governing documents and current practice
- Oversight of head of school evaluation, succession, and compensation
- Responses to student or parent complaints
- Misconduct allegations involving teachers, coaches, clergy, or volunteers
- Investigations of harassment or discrimination claims
- Process for suspensions, expulsions, and readmission requests
- Coordination with counsel, insurers, and outside investigators during serious incidents
Transactional Support For Schools And Educational Organizations
Education work often involves transactions that affect programs, staffing, and facilities. The firm provides transactional support for:
- Leases and purchases for campuses, satellite locations, and shared facilities
- Construction and renovation projects, including architect and contractor agreements
- Service contracts for technology platforms, student information systems, and learning tools
- Partnership agreements with churches, community groups, or other schools
- Grant agreements and government funding arrangements
- Severance agreements and transition plans for senior leaders
- Restructuring of programs when grades are added, closed, or merged
- Creation of supporting organizations, foundations, or related nonprofits
Transactional school counsel focuses on clear documents, realistic timelines, and structures that support academic goals, regulatory expectations, and community trust.
Why Schools Work With Our Firm
School and education clients look for legal counsel with experience in nonprofit and faith based education along with strong transactional skill. Advantages of working with the firm include:
- Concentration on nonprofit, school, and ministry clients
- Experience with start up schools and long established institutions
- Attention to relationships among boards, heads of school, faculty, and parents
- Plain language explanations for use in board meetings and staff trainings
- Availability to serve as outside general counsel for recurring legal needs
Request A Consultation
For formation projects, handbook and policy updates, investigations, significant contracts, or campus related transactions, use the contact form on this page or call the office to request a consultation with a school law attorney. A focused conversation often leads to a clear plan that supports both educational mission and legal responsibilities.