School is supposed to be a place of support, guidance, and idealism. Too often, schools fall far short of these basic goals, belying their own virtuous mottoes, foundational principles, guiding policies, and the law. When that happens, worse still many schools try to deprive their students or employees of the right to effectively challenge such injustices, even going so far as to try to force false confessions, deprive the right to legal counsel, create hostile learning and working environments, or worse, cover up egregious civil wrongs or criminal actions that occur on school property.
Schools themselves can become the victims of offensive actions at the hands of students, employees, or other schools or governmental entities. A school is a business much like any other, and as such requires legal protection and advice to ensure proper compliance with the law and defense against spurious allegations and other legal wrongs.
I offer aggressive and creative Education Law representation in disputed matters for students, teachers, and private schools from K-12 schools to colleges to graduate university programs, as well as alternative schools and trade schools.
I handle legal disputes related to School and Teacher Misconduct, Title IX matters, Suspensions, Expulsions, Plagiarism, Bullying, School Campus Injuries and related Civil and Criminal Defense matters, Academic Freedom and Civil Rights issues, School Discrimination, Special Education, Teacher Employment Contracts, and General Counsel representation for Private Schools.
I have a unique first-hand understanding of such matters. Prior to my years of professional experience as an Education Law Attorney, I served my community as a teacher at the Middle School, High School, and University levels. I was one of 1,000 California Governor’s Teaching Fellowship recipients selected for my dedication to teaching “at-risk” youth in Continuation High Schools and under-served cities.
I am a passionate litigator when necessary as well as a dedicated negotiator focused on bringing opposing parties to the table to avoid costly and protracted courtroom battles.