Education Law
Querrey & Harrow, Ltd. serves as counsel in education law matters ranging from the resolution of administrative issues at local schools to the pursuit of major education reforms. Our attorneys have substantial experience serving in leadership and management roles within school districts, in addition to years of practice representing the legal interests of education clients throughout Illinois. This experience provides a unique perspective that enables our attorneys to serve as problem solvers regarding issues impacting our education clients. Our school law attorneys understand the challenges facing education clients, including the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act and the budgetary realities of the current economy. We work proactively to achieve innovative solutions on behalf of our clients. We attempt to resolve disputes by agreement whenever possible; when such resolutions are not possible, however, our attorneys advocate on behalf of our education clients in court and administrative tribunals, bringing to bear our skills as a leading trial/litigation firm in Illinois.
AREAS OF EXPERIENCE
General Counsel for Education Clients:
Advising Clients Regarding Requirements, Interpretation and Application of Federal and State Statutes
Negotiation, Documentation and Interpretation of Collective Bargaining Agreements
Guiding Clients Through Dispute Resolution Processes Created by Collective Bargaining Agreements and Related Law, Including Grievances, Arbitrations and Complaints Before the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board
Counseling Clients Regarding Requirements of Governing Agencies, Such As the Illinois State Board of Education
Serving As Board Appointed Hearing Officers Regarding Student Discipline and Residency Matters
Oversight of Educational and Fiscal Operations Policy Development
Negotiation, Documentation and Review of Contracts Relating to Employment, Personal Services, and Business Operations
Representing Clients in Litigation, Evidentiary Hearings and Administrative Actions
Representing Clients in Labor and Employment Disputes, Including Discrimination Claims Initiated Before the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission and the Illinois Department of Human Rights
Counseling Clients Regarding Student Issues, Including Discipline, Privacy and Records
Advising Clients Regarding Restrictions Relating to the Appropriation and Expenditure of Public Funds
Protecting Education Clients’ Interests in Real Estate Transactions, Including Purchases, Leases and Real Estate Tax Matters
Charter Schools:
Counseling Not-for-Profit Corporations in Development and Submission of Charter Proposals to Local School Districts
Representing Not-for-Profit Corporation in Submitting Successful Appeal of Local School District’s Denial of Charter, Resulting in Grant of Charter by the Illinois State Board of Education
Advocating on behalf of Not-for-Profit Corporation in Litigation Challenging Propriety of Charter Granted by the Illinois State Board of Education
Defending Not-for-Profit Corporation Regarding Stay Sought in Litigation Challenging Propriety of Charter, Successfully Ensuring That Charter School Could Open As Planned
Representing Chartering Entities in Satisfying All Corporate Requirements Pursuant to Illinois Law
Developing Policies Required for Charter Schools, Including Guidelines Regarding Student Issues, Personnel Matters and Business Operations
Negotiation, Documentation and Interpretation of All Contracts Required by Charter Schools, Including Agreements for Food Services, Student Transportation, Employment, Personal Services and Facilities Leasing
