Industries & Practices

Education (Pre-K to 12)

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

     

    "We are fortunate to work with Bricker & Eckler. They are very responsive and available, and are truly partners with us!"

    Valerie Browning-Thompson, Pickerington Local School District (recently-retired superintendent), as quoted in Best Law Firms, 2018

    "Bricker & Eckler is large enough to provide very specific expertise but small enough to form personal and trusting relationships."

    William Wise, South-Western City School District, as quoted in Best Law Firms, 2018

    "The attorneys at Bricker & Eckler are extremely conscientious, hardworking, and determined to put my interests first. Whatever my issue happens to be, they are the first people I call. I want my school district to be legally compliant, and Bricker & Eckler is always there to make it happen!"

    Doug Ackermann, Lockland City School District, as quoted in Best Law Firms, 2018

    Areas 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. 

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    Public 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.

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    Construction

    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.

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    Employment & 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. 

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    Litigation

    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.

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    Real 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. 

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    Taxation

    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. 

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    Government 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.   

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