Educating future generations is one of the most critical functions of civil society, and, given these stakes, problems often arise that distract from this important purpose.  Our education law practice group—the largest in Tennessee—has members in each of Lewis Thomason’s offices, putting our firm in the distinguished position of being one of the largest Tennessee law firms to handle education issues.

For over 30 years, Lewis Thomason attorneys have represented numerous private and governmental entities, including municipalities and schools, in matters affecting day-to-day operations like education-student, personnel, employment, and real estate issues.  Several of our attorneys are also members of the National Association of College and University Attorneys and the Council of School Attorneys of the National School Boards Associations.

We represent more than 70 boards of public education, multiple private universities, and an association representing the premier private schools in Tennessee, and we have also represented individual educators.  Our firm provides legal counsel to both public and private schools and school systems and representation on educational funding.

Our litigation attorneys routinely handle cases involving employment of licensed and classified employees, employee contract disputes, employee and student rights and discipline, special education and disability accommodations as defined by federal law, free speech and expression and academic freedom of both students and employees, sexual harassment, civil rights and discrimination, desegregation, tort liability, and school finance, construction, and taxation.

With the knowledge we have developed in our extensive education law litigation practice, we also provide legal guidance to our clients and advise them on best practices to avoid litigation in the future.  Our attorneys have developed training materials for attorneys, university officials, public school superintendents, and public and private school technology directors on the changing trends and attendant considerations in the operation of a school.

In addition to advising and litigating on day-to-day operations, Lewis Thomason has an extensive government relations practice in the education sphere.  We draft legislation and lobby the Tennessee General Assembly on education issues, draft and revise school board policies and administrative rules and regulations, defend those policies before committees of the Tennessee House and Senate, and develop and present school board and school employee training seminars throughout the state.

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