Education

Today’s educational institutions have come a long way from the one-room schoolhouses of the past. The legal and risk management environment they face is diverse, international in scope and frequently crosses into traditional commercial realms. At Paul Frank + Collins, our Education Practice draws on the experience of a full service firm to provide a comprehensive solution and a proactive partnership. For example, we frequently involved our corporate finance, intellectual property, commercial real estate and immigration practices to provide our education clients with the answers they need.

We understand the unique issues facing academic institutions. We work diligently with our clients to produce practical, preventative solutions to complicated or sensitive problems. When those problems outpace existing law or precedent, we help them navigate using core principles and practical guidance.

The Team regularly provides counseling services to educational clients regarding state and federal statutory obligations towards employees and students on the following issues and processes:

EDUCATION LAW
Special education procedure and law           
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)       
Civil rights/equity laws (Title IX and Title VI)
Family Rights and Privacy Act           
English as a second language
General liability/risk management           
General governance, including by-law revisions
Approval standards, including NEASC

EMPLOYMENT LAW FOR EDUCATORS
Employment policies, procedures and forms       
Hiring and termination
Union grievance and arbitration processes       
Employee benefits
Occupational Safety and Health           
Workers’ Compensation
Record checks and drug screening           
Licensure
EEO and Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504

LITIGATION ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS SERVICES
PF+C is successful representing clients in contested cases and administrative proceedings before the many boards and agencies of state and local government throughout Vermont with cases ranging from disciplinary matters for licensed professionals, environment and land use issues, discrimination charges, workers’ compensation claims, wage and hour proceedings, occupational safety and health enforcement and ERISA matters.

Education Law Attorneys:

Peter M. Collins
Mark G. Hall
Stephanie J. Mapes
Sonya L. Sibold