Product Description

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. MCLE’s 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 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.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30 - 9:35 am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Eileen 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
  

Special Program Materials:

• School Law in Massachusetts
• Massachusetts School Law Sourcebook & Citator

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their 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.

Cochairs

Faculty