Attorneys at Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett,
P.C. provide comprehensive legal services to a wide range of educational organizations. We have extensive knowledge and experience in
responding to legal issues facing educators, as well as in identifying emerging opportunities and challenges.
We stay abreast of education-related developments, and emphasize preventive legal strategies to minimize risk.
General
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Provide counsel on parliamentary procedure for public meetings |
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Advise on charter school issues |
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Advise on compliance with the Sunshine Act, Public Official and Employees Ethics Act and Right-To-Know Law |
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Advise on constitutional issues affecting public school students |
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Oversee public bidding process |
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Draft school board policies |
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Advise on federal laws including No Child Left Behind Act, Children’s Internet Protection Act and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act |
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Review and prepare public contracts |
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Counsel on student disciplinary matters and student due process rights |
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Analyze and negotiate contract issues |
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Counsel on environmental compliance and land use matters |
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Advise on all matters of liability and immunity |
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Special Education
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Advise school districts on compliance with state and federal special education law and regulations (IDEA and Section 504) |
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Consult with administrators on school district legal responsibilities regarding Child Find, evaluations, IEP development, placement issues, FAPE and LRE |
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Represent districts in state administrative due process hearings and state level appeals |
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Assist in responding to OCR complaint investigations and state Bureau of Special Education compliance investigations and appeals |
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Represent districts and insurers in federal court actions under IDEA and Section 504 seeking compensatory and punitive damages and attorneys’ fees |
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Advise school districts on discipline of special education students |
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Finance
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Serve as bond and underwriters' counsel |
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Ensure compliance with Local Government Unit Debt Act |
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Document finance
transaction for General Obligation Bonds,
Revenue Bonds, and Tax and Revenue
Anticipation Notes |
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Provide opinions regarding the validity, security and tax exempt status of bonds, notes and leases |
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Assist in
reviewing official statements to ensure compliance with federal securities disclosure laws |
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Monitor arbitrage regulations |
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Advise public bodies on federal tax compliance issues |
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Labor & Employment
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Negotiate collective bargaining agreements |
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Provide guidance on bargaining unit issues, and union-related issues |
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Represent in grievance processing, labor arbitration and all types of matters before the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board |
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Advise and counsel on all aspects of employment law, including the employee provisions of the School Code |
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Represent in EEOC and PHRC discrimination claims, unemployment compensation and OSHA matters and before other administrative agencies |
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Prepare employment-related documents and agreements |
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Train and update management and supervisors on critical workplace issues |
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Develop teacher and staff evaluation process |
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Negotiate and prepare administrative contracts |
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Litigation
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Defend liability, civil rights, discrimination, employee benefit and whistleblower claims |
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Defend and prosecute contract claims |
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Provide representation in alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and mediation |
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Counsel on debarment of public contractors |
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Workers' Compensation
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Defend work injury claims |
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Counsel on loss control
and prevention |
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Bankruptcy
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Obtain relief from stay regarding outstanding taxes and debts |
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Collect outstanding taxes and debts |
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Consult on collection practices |
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