Bullivant Houser Bailey PC's School Law Group has a strong reputation in this specialized area, and a demonstrated ability to resolve claims in a cost-effective and efficient manner. We have defended Oregon and Washington private and public school districts, colleges and other municipal corporations in both state and federal courts and before a wide variety of administrative agencies.

• School District Liability: Defense of due process teacher discharges and student expulsions, negligent failure to provide security or supervision of students, unconstitutional searches of students, First Amendment speech and association claims, Title IX, and student violence. Defense of claims brought under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Employment Claims: Counseling and defense of schools and colleges regarding claims brought by employees alleging wrongful discharge, denial of procedural due process, sexual harassment, breach of contract, liberty interest infringements, violations of state and federal labor statutes, defamation, RICO violations, worker's compensation discrimination, retaliation for union activity and other First Amendment rights, and violations of state and federal statutes prohibiting discrimination based on sex, race, age, religion, physical handicaps and injured worker status.
• Labor Relations: Representation of schools and colleges in union contract negotiations, unfair labor practice complaints, grievances and other contract administration matters. Public Records/Meetings Laws: Counseling to superintendents and Boards regarding public records and meetings laws, public finance and other statutory matters including defense of litigation for violations.
• Civil Rights: Defense of the full range of state and federal civil rights claims including those brought under the Due Process Clause, the First Amendment, the Equal Protection Clause, the "just compensation" clause of the Fifth Amendment, 42 USC Sections 1981-1986 and the Civil Rights Attorney Fee Award Act of 1976, 42 USC §1988.
• Personal Injury: Defense of personal injury claims arising out of school and college activities, school grounds, and transportation services.
• Contracts/Transactions: Real estate, land use, and public contracting laws.
• Other Claims: We continuously seek alternatives to expensive, protracted litigation and encourage arbitration and mediation in appropriate cases. The litigation option, when necessary, is handled by an attorney with extensive experience in school liability issues.