Educational Law

Educating future generations is one of the most critical functions of civil society. Educational institutions face increasingly complex demographic, financial, technological and regulatory challenges. Given the fast pace at which these developments occur – and the legal demands they create – it is crucial for educational organizations to respond effectively on a variety of fronts.

Our Education Practice group is a multidisciplinary practice, with experience in our municipal, labor and employment, corporate, financing, commercial real estate, zoning and land use, environmental, construction and litigation attorneys to bring you comprehensive solutions.

What We Do:

Student Matters

The student body is the most important part of running a school. We regularly advise on student matters, including enrollment, special education, student conduct and safety, bullying, handbooks, student misconduct, family and educational rights and privacy (FERPA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), mandated reporting, discrimination and harassment and reporting.

Civil Rights

We know the student body and keeping education accessible to everyone is critical. We advise clients in:

  • Accessibility and accommodations for students with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504, including ensuring web accessibility and developing policies and procedures for providing accommodations
  • Developing policies and procedures for compliance with antidiscrimination laws, including Section 504 and state laws
  • Attend and advise on manifestation hearings
Governance

When it comes to general governance, we counsel schools on matters, including governance and board policy development, bylaws and conflict of interest policies, crisis management and response, and ombudsman programs.

Operations

Our attorneys also assist in matters, including financing and investments, contract and procurement, state and federal taxation and endowments, construction, environmental compliance and risk management, real estate, cybersecurity and data breaches, housing matters, and intellectual property.

Personnel

Our attorneys are experienced in assisting in handling personnel issues including:

  • Disciplinary matters for administration, employees, teachers, and students
  • Developing plans and policies for administration be prepared for any event
  • Experienced in handling evaluations, discrimination and harassment issues, Family Medical Leave and other regulatory guidance
General Counsel

Our attorneys serve as trusted advisers to college and university presidents and senior administrators and often serve on boards for both public and private institutions.  We understand the enormous scrutiny under which schools operate. We provide individualized solutions in collaboration with our other practice areas including:

  • Municipal Law
  • Labor & Employment
  • Pension and Employee Benefits
  • Construction Law
  • Litigation
  • Business, Corporate & Securities
  • Commercial Real Estate
  • Cyber Security
  • Financial Services
  • Zoning and Land Use
  • Workers Compensation and Disability Benefits

ATTORNEYS

Hinman, Howard & Kattell provides municipalities with quality, responsive and efficient service. We use the team approach to allow for multiple tasks to be handled simultaneously.

Hinman, Howard & Kattell is skilled at employing creative legal strategies that ensure all municipal matters are carried out in accordance with the law.