Founded as a school and public sector labor and employment law firm, Girvin & Ferlazzo and its attorneys have been representing school districts for over 20 years and is one of the largest and most experienced school law firms in New York State, currently representing over 70 school districts throughout the state.  Very few law firms have the ability to bring its clients such a broad base of experience and knowledge in school and education law.  Our attorneys offer specific knowledge and experience in all areas related to school districts and can handle any and all matters affecting schools today, including:

• Student Disciplinary Proceedings
• Special Education
• Tax Certiorari
• Real Estate and Property
• Board of Education Issues
• Labor Relations, including Taylor Law Issues
• Collective Bargaining
• Grievance Processing
• Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Claims
• Litigation Issues before State, Federal Courts and Administrative Agencies
• Construction Contracts
• Competitive Bidding

As general labor counsel to school districts, we frequently review, revise and prepare board policies and resolutions on all aspects of school district management, often assisting in the negotiation, revision and preparation of contracts and vendor agreements.  We regularly provide legal opinions to our clients on the application and interpretation of the statutes, rules, regulations and contracts which affect school districts today, taking a pro-active approach to avoid unnecessary grievances and litigation.

Our successful track record in managing the grievance/arbitration process on behalf of our clients is buttressed by our ability to often resolve issues prior to arbitration.  We offer guidance on procedures and contract agreements that enable our clients to achieve the structural, staff and/or educational changes they wish to implement without challenge.  However, when arbitration or litigation is necessary, we have an outstanding record of success in representing our school district and education clients.  Our attorneys appear before courts of all levels, hearing officers, arbitrators, and administrative tribunals, successfully litigating for and defending board members, administrators and school districts on all education and administrative related issues, including disciplinary hearings, contract issues, workers compensation, management rights, First Amendment rights and other constitutional claims.

Through day-to-day involvement, our attorneys ensure that all of our school district clients are in compliance with the many complex laws and regulations governing special education.  For example, we have developed a special education Preventative Law Retainer with forms, providing clients with day-to-day advice on proactive measures ensuring that regulations are followed, necessary documents are processed and proper notification procedures are in place.

Finally, school districts need to know the importance of establishing and maintaining a regular schedule of preventive counseling measures to avoid litigation.  We provide practical answers to questions that new laws and policies create, and through special training sessions, workshops and policy reviews, we ensure that our clients understand how these laws affect their schools and that their operating procedures are in compliance with these new laws, rules and regulations.