In our capacity as labor counsel to our school district clients, we are responsible for working with each Board and administration to develop collective bargaining proposals, negotiate and administer collective bargaining agreements, and resolve related disputes, grievances and arbitrations. Additionally, we defend and, at times, initiate proceedings before PERB, and handle all other labor-related litigation, including employee discipline matters pursuant to Education Law §3020-a and Civil Service Law §75.
At the outset of the negotiations process, we make it a practice to meet with the Superintendent and designated administrators to determine what, if any, problems have arisen in the particular bargaining unit during the term of the current contract. Based on this preliminary information, we meet with the Board to determine the Board's negotiations priorities, and to discuss final proposals and negotiation strategies. During the course of negotiations, we update our clients on the status of negotiations either with memoranda to the board of education or attendance at board meetings.
A school district's employees are both its greatest asset and its greatest expense. We understand the concerns and constraints faced by our Board clients as they attempt to maximize their district's educational program while exercising fiscal responsibility. We pride ourselves on our record of achieving significant improvements for our clients through collective bargaining without sacrificing excellent employer-employee relationships that, once lost, are extremely difficult to regain.
Friday, October 28, 2022
1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
2022 New York State School Boards Association Convention
Cayuga Court, Lobby Level, Marriott
Jack Feldman will be speaking at the New York State School Boards Association Convention in Syracuse, NY. The topic will be Special Education: The Basics and More and will cover Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the implementation of IDEA and Section 504; continuation of special education services through age 23 and more. Please visit https://convention.nyssba.org for more information.
Friday, April 8, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
2022 Annual School Law Conference
Sponsored by the Education Law Committees of Suffolk and Nassau County Bar Associations
As well as the Suffolk & Nassau Academies of Law
Speakers:
Jacob S. Feldman, Esq., Frazer & Feldman, LLP
Christie Jacobson, Esq., Frazer & Feldman, LLP
Joseph Lilly, Esq., Frazer & Feldman, LLP
Dennis O’Brien, Esq., Frazer & Feldman, LLP
Topics will include: “Deal or No Deal” - Disciplinary Proceedings in Cyberspace; Special Education “Jeopardy!” – Navigating the Perils of Spe-cial Education Ethics One Question at Time; and “Let’s Make a Deal” – Negotiating in the Post Pandemic.
March 30, 2022
Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”) Training Seminar
Christie R. Jacobson held a client training seminar on the New York State Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”) for all school board members, Superintendents of Schools, interested school administrators, Records Access Officers, FOIL Appeals Officers, and district clerks. For more information, please go to the Client Memoranda tab of our website for a recording of the seminar.
February 11, 2022
On-Line Seminar
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
IEP and 504 Plan Legal Workshop
Jack Feldman will be presenting a seminar on the IEP Development Process: Handling Difficult Issues and Key Considerations for Implementing IEPs. The seminar will address IDEA evaluation report essentials; IEP Meetings; creating measurable IEP goals and progress requirements; who should receive a copy of IEPs and what form should it be; and what to do when IEPs aren’t working. For additional information, please visit www.nbi-sems.com.
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Webinar: Social Media Ethics for School Attorneys
When lawyers use social media, what ethical rules apply? And how?
Time: Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Price: $110 per person
Christie R. Jacobson will co-present a seminar on the topic of school attorneys and their law firms are using social media platforms such as LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter to connect with both current and prospective clients. However, as with all other forms of attorney advertising, they must remain mindful of potentially serious ethical implications. For example, Rule 7.1 of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct governs attorney and law firm advertisements, including content published on the Internet and via social media. This webinar will review the rules governing social media ethics and their application to attorneys who practice education law. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.nysasa.org.