Industries & Practices
Education (Pre-K to 12)
We empower educational institutions with smart, innovative and practical solutions throughout all stages of learning.
Addressing everything from facility needs to student issues to employee relations, we have built valuable partnerships with schools throughout Ohio. In fact, Bricker has the largest and most comprehensive education law practice in the state. We represent a wide range of education clients, including well over 200 public school districts. Despite our size, our services are tailored, and our accessibility and responsiveness is unmatched.
Types of clients we represent:
- K-12 schools (private and public)
- Career/technical schools
- Community schools
- Education service centers
- Information technology centers
Exclusive representation law challenge rejected by...
Successfully defended the Marietta City School District Board of Education in a lawsuit brought by a public school teacher who attempted to expand the reach of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling...
MoreSecured a $42 million court award for three Ohio s...
Secured $42 million judgment, plus interest, for Cleveland, Dayton and Toledo city school districts after the Ohio Department of Education unlawfully deprived the districts of the funding they were...
MoreCOVID-19 management counseling
Helped clients understand their legal obligations under new labor and employment laws passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drafted work-from-home, leave, and reopening policies; advised on ...
MoreSexual harassment investigation
Advised a private school regarding the investigation and termination of a semi-retired teacher after the school discovered harassment complaints occurring at a different school. Assisted school lea...
MoreDefense of public sector employers in unreported l...
Successfully defended public sector employers across Ohio in numerous unreported labor arbitration hearings.
MoreOpen Meetings Act violation defense
Successfully defended a school board against claims that a majority of its members violated the Open Meetings Act through telephone and email discussions.
MoreDeclaratory judgment and breach of contract action...
Successfully brought declaratory judgment and breach of contract actions on behalf of Butler Tech against its former Director of Police Training.
MoreNon-resident tuition recovery
Successfully prosecuted action before the ODE Superintendent of Public Instruction and subsequent court action to recover tuition against non-resident parents.
MoreSuperintendent non-renewal defense
Successfully defended a board's action to non-renew its former superintendent against claims that the board breached his employment contract.
MoreWorkers' compensation death claim defense
Defended a school board against a workers' compensation death claim. The court ruled that decedent's death did not occur in the course of and arising out of her employment with her emp...
MoreAreas of Focus
Education Law
Our cost-effective legal services are designed to support schools’ goals. Specifically, we have experience in collective bargaining, board policy development, discrimination claims, student discipline, special education, district-sponsored community schools, public records/sunshine laws and more.
MorePublic Finance
Whether initiating new programs or solving issues within existing ones, our attorneys assist schools with effective revenue generation strategies. Our experience includes bond and note issuances and tax levies, as well as lease-purchase arrangements, collaborative agreements, foundation programs, protection of assessed valuation and more.
MoreConstruction
We work with district administrators to identify and define the statutory requirements applicable to each project. We help analyze the benefits and risks of the various project delivery models available to school districts and the applicable parameters to selecting project professionals. Our construction attorneys provide guidance with regard to any issues that may arise during design, construction, close-out, claims and post-occupancy.
MoreEmployment & Labor
From providing guidance on compensation to assisting with union negotiations, our employment attorneys collaborate with our education team to build proactive plans and creative solutions to keep employees focused on the classroom and out of the courtroom.
MoreLitigation
Bricker attorneys represent schools, school districts, boards of education and education associations throughout each phase of complex legal issues. Whether the solution is an aggressive motion practice, mediation, arbitration or trial by jury, our goal is to deliver results while preserving resources and protecting relationships.
MoreReal Estate
Our lawyers provide a full range of real estate law services to schools and education clients. From acquisition, eminent domain, annexation, financing and development to investment, leasing and sales, our team assists in all aspects of real estate dealings — and with all the details these transactions entail.
MoreTaxation
Our tax attorneys frequently represent school districts before county boards of revision, the Board of Tax Appeals and the Supreme Court of Ohio in disputes related to the valuation of real property. Also, for more than a decade, our firm had first-hand involvement in DeRolph vs. State, contributing to our deep understanding of school funding.
MoreGovernment Relations
Our lawyer-lobbyists work with schools, school districts and boards of education to develop and execute an effective advocacy plan. Whether lobbying for legislative change or taking an issue to the ballot, we partner with schools to ensure their students’ and employees’ interests are heard.
MorePeople
Jerry O. Allen
Partner
Laura G. Anthony
Partner & Education Law Chair
Amy S. Bartemes
Partner
Brad E. Bennett
Of Counsel
Melissa Martinez Bondy
Partner
Diana S. Brown
Partner
Melissa M. Carleton
Partner & Higher Education Chair
Brodi J. Conover
Partner
Janet K. Cooper
Of Counsel
Kate Vivian Davis
Senior Attorney
Nicole M. Donovsky
Partner
Dane A. Gaschen
Partner
Susan E. Geary
Of Counsel
Warren I. Grody
Senior Attorney
Erin M. Heidrich
Staff Attorney
David J. Lampe
Partner
Christopher L. McCloskey
Partner & Public Sector Industry Group Chair
Beverly A. Meyer
Partner & Political Subdivisions Chair
Austin W. Musser
Partner
Joshua D. Nolan
Partner & Higher Education Chair
Susan L. Oppenheimer
Senior Attorney
Izaak S. Orlansky
Staff Attorney
Karen "Katy" W. Osborn
Of Counsel
Rebecca C. Princehorn
Partner
Casey L. Rieth
Partner
Paul S. Rutter
Partner
Matthew L. Stout
Partner
Kylie E. Stryffeler
Staff Attorney
Jason R. Stuckey
Partner
Catherine M. Swartz
Partner
Benjamin J. Yoder
Partner