Education
Overview
Counsel for Boards and Educators
Education involves a myriad of complex state and federal laws designed to create and maintain quality schools and provide equal access to all individuals. Brooks Pierce attorneys understand the nuances of these complex issues and how to balance the needs of schools and administrators with the desire of parents and teachers. We represent clients in a variety of educational settings, including public and private K-12 schools and higher education institutions as well as educational associations and education-oriented nonprofit organizations as they navigate issues ranging from special education requirements to Title IX regulations to real estate acquisition and employment litigation.
Dependable and efficient counsel. Our attorneys provide general counsel to schools and school boards on a variety of topics, such as:
- Title IX compliance
- Compliance with changing state and federal laws impacting how education is delivered
- Special education requirements
- Student discipline issues
- Employment and tenure
- Real estate and construction projects
- Fundraising (bonds, forfeiture collections, etc.)
- Drafting administrative policies
- Managing athletic programs
Crisis management. Our team has extensive experience in managing crises in education. We help school boards and administrators navigate the decision making process and evaluate all possible outcomes both short-term situations and extended issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investigation. Brooks Pierce attorneys conduct independent investigations of misconduct in public and private education institutions.
Formidable defense. Our seasoned team of litigators has represented educators in state and federal district and appellate courts and can assist in resolving many kinds of disputes:
- Novel issues related to North Carolina state law and constitutional interpretation
- Civil rights violations claims
- Civil torts
- First Amendment
- Employment disputes and discrimination claims
- Construction litigation
Our education attorneys are active members of the North Carolina Council of School Attorneys and the National School Boards Association. Several Brooks Pierce attorneys have also served on boards for public and private higher education institutions.