Tailored solutions for Independent K-12 Schools

Do you need education law support?

Our attorneys work alongside private K-12 educational institution clients to provide customized solutions for your legal challenges. With our extensive experience and trusted guidance addressing various challenges within independent school systems, your school will have the support it needs during unprecedented times. 

What we offer:

We provide legal support to private independent K-12 schools, pre-schools, and childcare facilities

• Prevention and Compliance
• Faculty Training
• Enrollment contracts
• Handbook policy development
• Student Disabilities, Title III 
• Section 504 Compliance
• Public Accommodations Actions
• Defending Legal Actions
• Education Litigation, Investigations & Administrative Appeals
• Regulatory Response and Crisis Management
• Student Discipline 
• Title IX Investigations 
• Crisis Management and Response
• Corporate Law and Governance
• Intellectual Property
• Labor and Employment
• Mergers, Acquisitions & Other Transactions
• Real Estate and Land Use 
• Construction Litigation

We will provide you with the assistance you need as your advocate and experienced advisor to help you navigate the legal issues that impact your educational community.

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What is education law?

Education law refers to legal assistance and guidance associated with cases concerning education and educational institutions. This area of law deals with a wide range of issues that pertain to students, teachers, schools, colleges, and universities. Education law can come from various support sources, including lawyers, legal organizations, and advocacy groups.

How can we help your school?

Our lawyers and firm possess extensive and diverse capabilities developed from working with independent schools across Florida. Our Education group unites lawyers from various disciplines from ZKS LAW. Our legal team collaborates effectively to provide optimal and efficient representation for our clients with specialized technical expertise and relevant industry experience to guide your School across all its business needs. 

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Track record and results

Representation experience by our team of attorneys

• Provided independent school with modernized enrollment contracts, employment contracts and corporate governance documents for Board of Directors.
• Defended independent school through a 5-day jury trial in breach of contract and Title III action following the expulsion of a student for making a threat against the school, resulting in a full defense verdict for the school.
• Handled numerous internal investigations into allegations of workplace discrimination and allegations of cyberbullying.
• Conducts annual training for faculty on abuse reporting, risk management, and compliance with state and federal laws for schools across Florida. 
• Provides client schools with custom educational programs for students and parents on Social Media dangers and how social media can negatively impact student enrollment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is education law support important?

Independent schools are businesses with distinct issues.  Our team of attorneys understands the issues unique to private education and provides the legal support you need to navigate the school’s business while remaining true to your core values as an institution.

How can Education Lawyers support our HR needs?

Our experienced team of employment lawyers can advise your HR professional on hiring, background checks/screening, terminations, separation agreements, medical leaves, wage and hour, proper exempt/non-exempt classification of employees, faculty contracts, employee discipline, and compliance with all state and federal employment laws. We represent clients in state and federal court and before federal agencies like EEOC and OSHA. 

Can you help us review and update our school policies and procedures?

We assist schools in all employee and student relations aspects, including reviewing and revising employee/student policies/handbooks, drafting and reviewing contracts, advising on benefits and related issues, and defending schools in related litigation and administrative matters.  Our knowledge of “best practices” from the industry can help you position your school to prevent the most common types of claims. 

Is your firm experienced in dealing with crisis management?

We handle high-profile, in-the-media investigations into accusations of current or historical misconduct or allegations of harassment/discrimination. Our attorneys work with your in-house or outside PR professionals to handle community communication, media requests, and to maintain relationships with key stakeholders during times of crisis. Our confidential advice helps schools navigate the most challenging times.