Describes how a board's lawyer ought to function in litigation proceedings, and the manner in which a board-appointed litigation committee should be directed not only to oversee counsel's action, but also to monitor actual progress of the case. (Author/WM)

Once an accusation of sexual misconduct against a teacher has been made, the district must investigate promptly to protect everyone involved. Investigations must be thorough and objective; results must be reliable to defend against liability. Initial investigations should be conducted by the principal and a neutral party and eventually handed over…

Under the new Handicapped Children's Protection Act (1986), school systems could now be liable for present and past attorney fees associated with successful special education claims resolved in court or at the administrative level. Districts should weigh the cost of agreeing early against those of losing later. (MLH)

One of America's best-known trial lawyers, William Kunstler, has argued passionately for defendants' constitutional rights and taught English and law at various colleges. Kunstler attributes his metamorphosis from Tom Peck bad boy to determined, lifelong student to immersion in books and ideas available in a public library annex eight blocks from…

An administrator offers seven areas of advice for school officials to follow to lessen the chances of litigation and increase the chances of prevailing in court if lawsuits are filed against them. (MD)

Discusses facets of a good working relationship between a school board and its attorney. Items to consider include (1) knowing when to call counsel and who should call; (2) separating legal advice from policy opinions; and (3) routinely reviewing the attorney's service to the board. (MLF)

Suggests that school boards use lawyers both as general counsel for day-to-day advice and as special attorneys to handle litigation. Presents guidelines on attorney hiring and discusses attorney characteristics, meeting attendance, law firm size, fee schedules, communications with the board, and courtroom experience. (RW)

An Illinois school district leased a vacant school building to a local hospital, and was then ruled by the county tax office to have lost the building's tax-exempt status and to owe property taxes. Districts interested in leasing school property are advised to hire an attorney who specializes in real estate. (MLF)

The late 1960's have seen teachers and students gain rights in school that they had not had before. No longer can the administrator and the school board act as their own lawyer. (Author/WM)

Explains the upsurge of litigation in special education based on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Advises school districts to review policies and procedures with local counsel; keep up to date with regard to Section 504; and provide extra training for special education administrators. (MLF)

To ensure fairness and lack of bias in teacher dismissal cases, school boards should be cautious amd keep board members out of investigations, let the superintendent present dismissal cases, and base their decisions on evidence. (MD)

Based on interviews with school board attorneys, this article discourages boards from paying an attorney to attend every meeting and encourages them to call a lawyer for problems regarding civil rights, bidding, finance, or policies that affect employees. (JM)

School attorneys interpret state and federal laws, head off expensive lawsuits, and defend their districts aggressively in court. Offers advice on how to find and keep a good attorney. Contains a sample advertisement for the position. (MLF)

A poll of school attorneys conducted by the National School Boards Association revealed that some school districts are so reluctant to run up legal costs in special education cases that the districts are willing to agree to demands they do not consider educationally sound for children. (MLF)