Education Law

MBM is uniquely qualified to handle school construction projects, whether they are new construction and/or renovation projects.

MBM’s Construction Law Group has in-depth experience in the entire spectrum of a construction project. In fact, a construction lawyer an attorney on our staff is a Registered Architect and brings a distinctive ability to this area for MBM.

MBM has assisted School Districts with suspending and expelling students in virtually every district we represent.

However, MBM does more than simply aid in the enforcement of the School District’s Code of Student Conduct. MBM has written and revised the policies and guidelines, including Codes of Student Conduct, upon which Districts rely in order to maintain an orderly educational program in a safe and healthy environment. MBM has helped School Districts devise effective policies that are reasonable and enforceable, and that will withstand judicial scrutiny in the event of a challenge by parents or students.

MBM has extensive experience in collective bargaining procedures. MBM’s attorneys have served as chief negotiator.

In those instances where the Administration and/or Board Members act as the negotiating team, MBM provides the necessary guidance in drafting contract language and assists the negotiating team in avoiding common pitfalls in the negotiating process. Our School Law Team has experience in handling difficult labor negotiations. We are equipped and prepared to take an aggressive stance to respond to frivolous grievances and complaints often used as a tactic to exert pressure on a School District during bargaining. Just as important as the collective bargaining process, contract administration of a Collective Bargaining Agreement is critical because, if done effectively, it prevents labor challenges before they begin. MBM works closely with the School District in administering the various agreements by having regular contact with the Superintendent and/or Personnel Director and regularly reviewing the nature of any labor issue that the School District may be experiencing, thereby enabling the School District to avoid that issue in the future and/or to correct the issue during the next round of collective bargaining.

An understanding of the authority and responsibilities of a Board of Directors in today’s society and educational environment mandates an understanding of a broad scope of statutory and case law, as well as the need for common sense and experience in giving sound advice and direction to a Board.

MBM excels in this area, not only because of our knowledge of statutory law requirements and case precedent, but also because of our experience in working with School Boards, implementing School Board policies, giving consistent and sound guidance to School Boards, and having a firm grasp of how to respond timely and efficiently to issues. MBM’s attorneys understand the role of a Solicitor and consciously adhere to that role. MBM takes pride in its ability to establish a rapport with the School Board and the public during a meeting and to handle any problems that may arise.