Education and School Law / School District Litigation
Webster Szanyi LLP has significant experience in education law and the related fields of labor law and litigation.
Our attorneys are often asked to represent school districts and school officials in litigated cases in both state and federal courts. Our attorneys have significant trial experience and, detailed elsewhere on this website, are routinely hired by large, multinational corporations for their trial skills. Often our fees are paid directly by the school districts’ liability insurance carriers with whom we have worked cooperatively for many years. In fact, Webster Szanyi LLP is approved counsel for New York State’s largest school district reciprocal insurance company and, in this capacity, is often retained to represent school districts and school officials throughout New York State. The issues we have successfully litigated on behalf of school districts have included age discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, gender discrimination, due process claims of students subject to discipline, bullying, defamation, breach of contract, due process rights of student-athletes, first amendment right to free speech by students, libel, slander, tort (negligence and personal injury), intentional tort, and other matters. Our approach to litigation is always guided by our school clients’ needs and objectives. When required, we are aggressive and unyielding. On the other hand, when the situation requires a more conciliatory approach, litigation can be handled in a reasonable and cooperative manner.
Webster Szanyi attorneys also provide general counsel to school districts on a day-to-day basis with respect to a variety of matters. We have served as Chief Negotiator in labor negotiations between the school district and different bargaining units. Our attorneys handle employee grievance proceedings from beginning to end. We represent school districts before the Equal Opportunity Commission, Division of Human Rights, Public Employment Relations Board and, as mentioned above, in federal and state courts. Our attorneys regularly advise districts on student discipline (as well as participate in Superintendent’s Hearings), student residency and homelessness, district policies and regulations, and on issues concerning employee relations.
We also present seminars and training sessions to district staff, administration, and/or the Board of Education on topics such as bullying, sexual harassment, the Freedom of Information Law, and the Open Meetings Law. Our attorneys are often asked to review employment application forms, personnel processes and policies and attendant regulations to ensure compliance with applicable laws, including discrimination laws, illegal hiring practices, ERISA, COBRA, and fringe benefit issues.
For further information on the Education and School law practice of Webster Szanyi LLP, contact Susan M. McClaren (smcclaren@websterszanyi.com) or Ryan G. Smith (rsmith@websterszanyi.com).
