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 25th Annual School Law Conference 2025 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.The latest on issues affecting schools, educators, students, and parents
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. PROGRAM LUNCH SPONSOR
In-person attendees enjoy complimentary lunch provided by McLane Middleton.
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 LLC, Rockland
9:35 - 10:50 am - Keynote Presentation: Parents’ Rights in Public Schools: What Do Parents Have the Right to Know, Say, and Do
Catherine L. Lyons, Esq.,
Lyons Law Group LLC, Rockland
Derek F. Folan,
Canton Public Schools, Canton
Justin R. Gomes, Esq.,
Stoneman, Chandler & Miller LLP, Boston
Pamela S. Milman, Esq.,
Education Consulting, Advocacy & Legal Services LLC, Saugus
Felicia S. Vasudevan, Esq.,
Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane LLP, Quincy
10:50 - 11:00 am - Break
11:00 - 12:00 pm - Education Law Update 2025: The Latest from the BSEA, the Courts, the 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
12:30 - 1:30 pm - Lunch (In-Person Attendees Enjoy Lunch Provided by McLane Middleton)
1:30 - 2:30 pm - School Discipline: Top Ten Dos and Don’ts for Student and School Advocacy
Eileen M. Hagerty, Esq.,
Kotin, Crabtree & Strong LLP, Newton
Lisa M. Lana, Esq.,
Youth Advocacy Division, Committee for Public Counsel Services, Malden
Matthew W. MacAvoy, Esq.,
Nuttall, MacAvoy & Joyce, PC, Marshfield
Caitlin L. Mulrooney, Esq.,
Murphy, Lamere & Murphy, PC, Braintree
Timothy A. Sindelar, Esq.,
The EdLaw Project, Youth Advocacy Foundation, Roxbury
2:30 - 2:40 pm - Break
2:40 - 3:45 pm - “Hot Topics” for 2025, including controversies over technology (artificial intelligence, TikTok attacks, student cell phone use in schools); post-secondary transition planning; and rights of LGBTQ+ students
Catherine L. Lyons, Esq.,
Lyons Law Group LLC, Rockland
Elizabeth Cabral-Townson, Esq.,
Lyons Law Group LLC, Rockland
Laura E. Gillis, Esq.,
Gillis Law LLC, Topsfield
Pamela S. Milman, Esq.,
Education Consulting, Advocacy & Legal Services LLC, Saugus
Timothy A. Sindelar, Esq.,
The EdLaw Project, Youth Advocacy Foundation, Roxbury
Paige L. Tobin, Esq.,
Murphy, Lamere & Murphy, PC, Braintree
3:45 - 4:00 pm - "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways
Panel
Speakers
CochairsEileen M. Hagerty, Esq.,
Kotin, Crabtree & Strong LLP, Newton
Catherine L. Lyons, Esq.,
Lyons Law Group LLC, Rockland
Faculty
Elizabeth Cabral-Townson, Esq.,
Lyons Law Group LLC, Rockland
Reece Erlichman, Esq.,
Bureau of Special Education Appeals, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Malden
Derek F. Folan,
Canton Public Schools, Canton
Laura E. Gillis, Esq.,
Gillis Law LLC, Topsfield
Justin R. Gomes, Esq.,
Stoneman, Chandler & Miller LLP, Boston
Lisa M. Lana, Esq.,
Youth Advocacy Division, Committee for Public Counsel Services, Malden
Matthew W. MacAvoy, Esq.,
Nuttall, MacAvoy & Joyce, PC, Marshfield
Pamela S. Milman, Esq.,
Education Consulting, Advocacy & Legal Services LLC, Saugus
Caitlin L. Mulrooney, Esq.,
Murphy, Lamere & Murphy, PC, Braintree
Nancy N. Nevils, Esq.,
Stoneman, Chandler & Miller LLP, Boston
Timothy A. Sindelar, Esq.,
The EdLaw Project, Youth Advocacy Foundation, Roxbury
Paige L. Tobin, Esq.,
Murphy, Lamere & Murphy, PC, Braintree
Felicia S. Vasudevan, Esq.,
Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane LLP, Quincy
