School Law

MWH Law Group’s School Law practice provides comprehensive legal support to school districts and public entities. Our team advises on a wide range of matters, including employment and labor relations, student and parent issues, civil rights and constitutional claims, governance, finance and transactions, and public records compliance. We help clients navigate complex legal challenges, manage risk, and implement effective policies and procedures.

In addition to litigation and administrative representation, we offer trainings and presentations on governance, policy, compliance, and risk management. By leveraging multidisciplinary expertise in labor and employment, governance, finance, and transactions, we help clients implement strategies that protect their interests and support student and staff success.

Scope of Services

• Employment & Labor Relations
  • Employee discipline, discrimination and harassment
  • Labor negotiations and workplace investigations
• Student & Parent Matters
  • Discipline, suspensions and expulsions
  • Parent/student disputes
• Civil Rights & Constitutional Matters
  • Section 1983 claims and civil rights matters
  • Title IV, Title IX, equal protection issues
• Policy & Governance
  • Drafting and revision
  • Board/staff training and governance guidance
• Finance & Transactions
  • Bond offerings and financings
  • District financial and transactional support
• Open Records & Public Records Compliance
  • Open Records Law and public meeting compliance
  • Records dispute resolution

Representative Matters

• Oversaw outside counsel’s representation of a large Wisconsin school district in Title IX matters.
• Represented a large school district in a lawsuit alleging violations of the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• Conducted numerous internal investigations of personnel and student matters for Wisconsin school districts.
• Successfully defended a major Wisconsin school district against claims of discrimination and open records violation claims brought by parties represented by WILL.
• Delivered training to school board members and executive administrators on Wisconsin public records and open meetings laws.
• Supervised bond and disclosure counsel for multi-million dollar district financing projects.
• Oversaw expulsion hearings and ensured district compliance with student discipline procedures.
• Addressed NAACP complaints related to after-school programs for students with disabilities.
• Advised clients on compliance, risk management, and policy development for school operations.
• Drafted and revised district policies on staff conduct, student interactions, and governance.
• Advised districts on public records and open meeting compliance.