School law is a comprehensive and constantly evolving field. Keeping up with the flood of new developments presents a greater challenge than ever for busy practitioners. The 24th Annual School Law Conference 2024 examines the latest transformations and trends in school-related laws, regulations, policies, and practices. Experienced attorneys and other school-related professionals distill the most significant updates of the preceding year into a single day of practical information and lively discussion.
The Conference offers a comprehensive review of developments in the law through court cases, BSEA decisions, legislation, and regulatory changes. Hear seasoned attorneys offer up-to-date advice on cutting-edge topics. You can participate online or enjoy the opportunity for networking in person. Whether you represent school districts, school employees, or parents and students, the Conference is a necessity for your practice.
The Conference offers a comprehensive review of developments in the law through court cases, BSEA decisions, legislation, and regulatory changes. Hear seasoned attorneys offer up-to-date advice on cutting-edge topics. You can participate online or enjoy the opportunity for networking in person. Whether you represent school districts, school employees, or parents and students, the Conference is a necessity for your practice.
Course Content
9:30 - 9:35 am - Welcome and IntroductionEileen M. Hagerty, Esq.,
Kotin, Crabtree & Strong LLP, Newton
Catherine L. Lyons, Esq.,
Lyons Law Group, Rockland
9:35 - 11:05 am - Keynote Presentation: On the Frontlines: Handling Hot-Button Issues in Schools
Catherine L. Lyons, Esq.,
Lyons Law Group, Rockland
Jorge S. Allen,
Wellesley Public Schools, Wellesley Hills
Rita Casper,
Andover Public Schools, Andover
John J. Davis, Esq.,
Pierce, Davis & Perritano LLP, Boston
Barbara Fecteau,
Massachusetts School Library Association, Wayland
Lillian E. Wong, Esq.,
Wong & Boscarine LLC, Topsfield
11:05 - 11:15 am - Break
11:15 - 12:15 pm - Getting to Yes (and Then Writing It Up): Negotiating and Drafting Settlement Agreements in Special Education Cases
Eileen M. Hagerty, Esq.,
Kotin, Crabtree & Strong LLP, Newton
Myrto Flessas, Esq.,
Bureau of Special Education Appeals, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Malden
Michael J. Joyce, Esq.,
Nuttall, MacAvoy & Joyce, PC, Marshfield
Michelle A. Moor, Esq.,
Moor and Gregg LLC, Middleton
Mary Ellen P. Sowyrda, Esq.,
Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane LLP, Quincy
12:15 - 1:15 pm - Lunch (on your own)
1:15 - 2:45 pm - Education Law Update 2024: The Latest from the BSEA, Courts, Legislature, DESE, and USDOE
Eileen M. Hagerty, Esq.,
Kotin, Crabtree & Strong LLP, Newton
Reece Erlichman, Esq.,
Bureau of Special Education Appeals, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Malden
Nancy N. Nevils, Esq.,
Stoneman, Chandler & Miller LLP, Boston
2:45 - 2:55 pm - Break
2:55 - 3:50 pm - “Hot Topics” in School Law for 2024
Meeting the needs of newcomer students English language learnersNew Title IX regulations AI and academic integrity Alternatives to exclusionary discipline Restraint and seclusionEducation in houses of correction FERPA and the release of student information
Catherine L. Lyons, Esq.,
Lyons Law Group, Rockland
Laura E. Gillis, Esq.,
Gillis Law LLC, Topsfield
Kelsey M. Porcello, Esq.,
Nuttall, MacAvoy & Joyce, PC, Marshfield
Diana I. Santiago, Esq.,
Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Boston
Timothy A. Sindelar, Esq.,
Committee for Public Counsel Services, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Roxbury
Paige L. Tobin, Esq.,
Murphy, Lamere & Murphy, PC, Braintree
3:50 - 4:00 pm - 'Ask the Experts' Q&A Session and Key Takeaways
Please Note
This webcast is delivered completely online, underscoring the convenience and appeal.
There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only.
They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.
Speaker(s)
CochairsEileen M. Hagerty, Esq.
Kotin, Crabtree & Strong LLP, Newton
Catherine L. Lyons, Esq.
Lyons Law Group, Rockland
Faculty
Jorge S. Allen
Wellesley Public Schools, Wellesley Hills
Rita Casper
Andover Public Schools, Andover
John J. Davis, Esq.
Pierce, Davis & Perritano LLP, Boston
Reece Erlichman, Esq.
Bureau of Special Education Appeals, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Malden
Barbara Fecteau
Massachusetts School Library Association, Wayland
Myrto Flessas, Esq.
Bureau of Special Education Appeals, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Malden
Laura E. Gillis, Esq.
Gillis Law LLC, Topsfield
Michael J. Joyce, Esq.
Nuttall, MacAvoy & Joyce, PC, Marshfield
Michelle A. Moor, Esq.
Moor and Gregg LLC, Middleton
Nancy N. Nevils, Esq.
Stoneman, Chandler & Miller LLP, Boston
Kelsey M. Porcello, Esq.
Nuttall, MacAvoy & Joyce, PC, Marshfield
Diana I. Santiago, Esq.
Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Boston
Timothy A. Sindelar, Esq.
Committee for Public Counsel Services, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Roxbury
Mary Ellen P. Sowyrda, Esq.
Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane LLP, Quincy
Paige L. Tobin, Esq.
Murphy, Lamere & Murphy, PC, Braintree
Lillian E. Wong, Esq.
Wong & Boscarine LLC, Topsfield
