2:00 – 3:15
Symbols, Speech, and Schools: Advising Districts on Free Expression Rights
From online posts to classroom displays, school attorneys are fielding more questions about school-related expression by students, employees, and the public. The presenters will examine key First Amendment principles and their application to symbols, imagery, and messages that appear on campus or circulate through digital platforms. Attendees will sharpen their First Amendment knowledge and take away insights on advising districts regarding policy development, content neutral enforcement, and strategies for responding to controversial or disruptive expression while respecting legal boundaries.

3:15 – 3:30
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3:30 – 4:45
Balancing Employee Accommodations and Student Rights in Public Schools
School districts are fielding increasingly complex employee accommodation requests involving religion, pregnancy, and disability (including mental health conditions). This session addresses how school attorneys can assess the legal sufficiency of requests, then support school leaders through the interactive process, while considering student safety, staffing needs, and program continuity. Topics include requests for reduced student interaction, quieter workspaces, additional breaks, and similar modifications. Attendees will gain strategies for advising clients in a way that maintains compliance while preserving effective school operations.

2:00 – 3:15

Staff Concerns and Students with Disabilities: How to Advise Districts Facing Multiple Legal Issues

Meeting the needs of students with disabilities requires staff support on multiple levels. When questions arise as to the legal sufficiency of services provides to students with disabilities, including discipline cases, often at the center are staff responses, communication practices, and adherence to district procedures. This session examines the legal standards at play as school attorneys advise on complex scenarios involving behavior and discipline of students with disabilities, and the operational issues that often complicate them. The session highlights real world examples to illustrate how attorney guidance can improve both fairness and defensibility.

3:15 – 3:30

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3:30 – 4:45

Overlapping Obligations: Advising Districts on Title IX Matters Involving Students with Disabilities

This session explores how school attorneys can help districts manage Title IX cases that involve students with disabilities, including those with behavioral, emotional, or communication related needs. Presenters will outline the legal requirements that govern Title IX processes and the disability protections that must be considered at every step. Topics include staff training, documentation, supportive measures, manifestation concerns, and maintaining procedural integrity. Attendees will gain a clear framework for advising district leaders through these complex, high stakes situations.

2:00 – 3:15

Advising Through the Culture Wars: Legal Guidance for Districts on Sensitive and Evolving Issues

School attorneys are often asked to help district leaders navigate politically charged topics that can divide communities and place intense pressure on boards and administrators. This session examines how attorneys can provide clear legal guidance and balanced risk assessment on issues such as gender identity, free exercise rights, race conscious programs, and immigration, while recognizing that tomorrow’s controversies may look different. A panel of seasoned veterans will share stories from the field, practical strategies for maintaining trust and credibility, and insights on supporting clients in challenging and rapidly shifting environments.

3:15 – 3:30

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3:30 – 4:45

Immigration Enforcement and Public Schools

School attorneys are increasingly called on to guide districts through sensitive immigration related matters. In this session, the presenters will provide an overview of immigration law affecting public K-12 schools and address challenging questions school districts are asking right now. Attendees will gain insights advising districts regarding state and federal requests for student or family information, assessing funding risks tied to immigration compliance, and understanding the stability of Plyler v. Doe. 

2:00 – 3:15

From Click-Wrap to Classroom Practice: Legal Guidance on Emerging AI Tools in Schools

AI tools present new opportunities for instruction, but also new compliance questions for districts. This session explains how to evaluate AI platforms used by staff and students, review terms of service, manage AI-generated content such as bot-created notes, and respond to concerns about chat bot companions. Participants will learn how to help districts craft an AI policy, develop safeguards for data and student interactions, and ensure appropriate parental consent where required. The session includes a practical policy checklist for day-to-day legal questions.

3:15 – 3:30

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3:30 – 4:45

Working Smarter with AI: Ethics and Practical Guidance for School Attorneys

This session explores how AI can support the work of school attorneys without compromising client confidentiality or breaching ethical duties. Presenters will review common use cases for AI in legal practice, identify red flags in AI tools, and outline best practices for safeguarding sensitive information. The session also covers attorney supervision obligations, accuracy concerns, and methods for documenting AI-assisted work. Participants will gain a clear framework for integrating AI into their practice in an ethical and compliant manner.