Overview
In addition to managing the inherent challenges of overseeing student education within the demanding milieu of public opinion and parental expectations, school boards and school administrators face difficult and complex legal obligations and personnel issues. Day-to-day legal responsibilities alone require a substantial commitment of attention and resources, much less when disputes arise requiring litigation or alternative means of dispute resolution. These public servants benefit from the support of empathetic legal counsel both for day-to-day responsibilities as well as for representation when disputes arise. Modrall Sperling has a team of experienced and effective lawyers who devote a substantial part of their practice to education law, and to supporting the public servants who are committed to educating our youth.
Attorneys
Experience
Our lawyers serve as primary counsel to the Albuquerque Public Schools (one of the largest public school districts in the nation), the Los Lunas Public Schools, and several other school districts in New Mexico. At the post-secondary level, we have represented New Mexico State University, the University of New Mexico, and Western New Mexico University. We also serve as counsel for a number of private schools, including Albuquerque Academy, Sandia Preparatory School, Manzano Day School, Designs for Learning Differences School, and the New Mexico Academy for Sciences and Mathematics.
As general counsel to school boards and administrators, our lawyers have the experience and depth to assist with the full range of responsibilities and all aspects of litigation and dispute resolution. Our experience includes general employment issues and disputes, collective bargaining agreements, workers compensation, public procurement code, school related real estate matters, curriculum issues, public financing and bonds, special education law, personal injury claims, student disciplinary issues, student transportation, and civil rights issues involving both employment practices and student rights. We assist with the development of school policies and procedures, with assuring compliance with state and federal funding and associated mandates, and with trials and appeals both within the relevant agencies as well as in state and federal courts throughout New Mexico and in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.