In our capacity as labor counsel to our school district clients, we are responsible for working with each Board and administration to develop collective bargaining proposals, negotiate and administer collective bargaining agreements, and resolve related disputes, grievances and arbitrations. Additionally, we defend and, at times, initiate proceedings before PERB, and handle all other labor-related litigation, including employee discipline matters pursuant to Education Law §3020-a and Civil Service Law §75.

At the outset of the negotiations process, we make it a practice to meet with the Superintendent and designated administrators to determine what, if any, problems have arisen in the particular bargaining unit during the term of the current contract. Based on this preliminary information, we meet with the Board to determine the Board's negotiations priorities, and to discuss final proposals and negotiation strategies. During the course of negotiations, we update our clients on the status of negotiations either with memoranda to the board of education or attendance at board meetings.

A school district's employees are both its greatest asset and its greatest expense. We understand the concerns and constraints faced by our Board clients as they attempt to maximize their district's educational program while exercising fiscal responsibility. We pride ourselves on our record of achieving significant improvements for our clients through collective bargaining without sacrificing excellent employer-employee relationships that, once lost, are extremely difficult to regain.