38^th Annual

School Law Conference

Austin Feb 9-10, 2023 AT&T Conference Center
Conference Concluded

Live Webcast Feb 9-10, 2023
Conference Concluded

Buy

Related products: eConference Materials

RECEPTION SPONSORS
Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, P.C.
Brackett & Ellis, P.C.
Eichelbaum, Wardell, Hansen, Powell & Muñoz, P.C.
Escamilla & Poneck, LLP
Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt and Kutchin
J. Cruz & Associates, LLC
Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P.
Thompson & Horton LLP
Walsh Gallegos Treviño Kyle & Robinson, P.C.

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Overview

UT Law CLE’s 38th Annual School Law Conference is the definitive program for school administrators, school board members, education professionals, and the legal counsel who represent them. Presentations offer in-depth, practical discussion of the legal and regulatory issues affecting schools and school districts, and provide a must-have set of materials and resources.

Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

Day 1 February 9, 2023
Day 2 February 10, 2023

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Morning, Feb. 9, 2023
Presiding Officer:
Andrea Slater Gulley, Walsh Gallegos Treviño Russo & Kyle, P.C. - Amarillo, TX
7:30 am
Austin Only

Registration Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:20 am

Welcoming Remarks
8:30 am

0.75 hr

Commissioner Decisions Update

Hear an update on Commissioner of Education decisions from the past year.

Mark P. Tilley, Texas Association of School Boards - Austin, TX
9:15 am

0.75 hr

Continuing Challenges: COVID-19 and the IDEA

While the pandemic has affected all students and school staff, the impact on students with disabilities and the staff who educate them continues to significantly complicate the educational environment. This presentation addresses special education students and the staffing issues affecting all public schools.

Janet Little Horton, Thompson & Horton LLP - Houston, TX
Portia Talley, Texas State Teachers Association - Austin, TX
10:00 am

0.50 hr

Title IX: Here We Go Again

A discussion on proposed updates to the Title IX regulations and a shifting definition of “discrimination based on sex” in the educational environment, and how the proposed updates will impact school operations.

Allen M. Keller, Schulman, Lopez Hoffer & Adelstein, LLP - San Antonio, TX
10:30 am

15-Minute Break
10:45 am

0.50 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Information Sharing Between School Districts and Law Enforcement for School and Community Safety: A Two-Way Street

Post-incident reviews of school violence tragedies making the national news often find “dots were not connected” because information in the hands of school officials about a troubled or potentially dangerous student did not make it to law enforcement, or vice versa. This session examines relatively new and likely underutilized provisions of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Texas Family Code that facilitate information sharing for student safety, relevant provisions of FERPA, as well as a lawyer’s obligation to disclose otherwise confidential information in certain circumstances under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.

Joseph L. Parks, Law Office of Joseph L. Parks, PLLC - Plano, TX
11:15 am

0.50 hr

Statewide Intake and Mandatory Reporting

A preview of upcoming changes to the Statewide Intake Abuse and Neglect Reporting Guide for Professionals.

Stephen Black, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services - Austin, TX
Amanda Frangu, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services - Austin, TX
11:45 am

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Student Suicide: Mental Health and Legal Response

The speakers address the timely and important topic of a district’s legal obligations when a student makes an outcry of self-harm or displays suicidal ideations, as well as best practices for the district's response to and recovery from a student's suicide. Learn how to navigate the nuanced and often conflicting guidance regarding student privacy and mental health.

Ricardo "Rick" Benavides III, J Cruz & Associates, LLC - Laredo, TX
Heather R. Rutland, Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, PC - Austin, TX
12:30 pm
Austin Only

Pick Up Lunch (in Austin)

Included in registration.
Thursday Afternoon, Feb. 9, 2023
Presiding Officer:
Andrea Slater Gulley, Walsh Gallegos Treviño Russo & Kyle, P.C. - Amarillo, TX
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
1:00 pm

0.50 hr

The Bible Tells Me So?

Do school employees have a religious (or even free speech) right to refuse to refer to a transgender student by the name or pronoun that is consistent with the student’s gender identity? The presentation provides an overview of what the courts are telling us about that issue, and how those cases might be incorporated into practice.

Karla Schultz, Walsh Gallegos Treviño Kyle & Robinson, P.C. - Albuquerque, NM
1:30 pm

15-Minute Break
1:45 pm

0.75 hr

Bow Your Head and Play: A Discussion on Kennedy v. Bremerton

Two old coaches square off over employee religious expression in light of the recent Supreme Court decision. Join us for an in depth look into the First Amendment and how it relates to a public school employee’s right to pray at school.

Mike Leasor, Leasor Crass, P.C. - Mansfield, TX
Michael A. Vorsino, UEA - Fort Worth, TX
2:30 pm

0.75 hr

Public Employee and Private Citizen

What can employees do during an election, at a school board meeting, or away from school? And what can districts do to engage employees in getting the vote out and controlling disruptive speech?

Moderator:
Skylar Gallop, Raise Your Hand Texas - Amarillo, TX
Panelists:
Brandon Y. Brim, Brim, Robinett & Brim, P.C. - Austin, TX
Sarah Flournoy, Brackett & Ellis, P.C. - Fort Worth, TX
3:15 pm

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Title IX Investigations: Getting it Right

The “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of a Title IX Investigation from the initial complaint through the final investigative report.

Scott A. Cummings, Adams, Lynch & Loftin, P.C. - Grapevine, TX
Richard E. Hill, Adams, Lynch & Loftin, P.C. - Grapevine, TX
4:00 pm

Adjourn
Austin Only

Networking Reception (in Austin from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Join us for drinks and hors d'oeuvres with program faculty and attendees.

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Friday Morning, Feb. 10, 2023
Presiding Officer:
Giana Ortiz, The Ortiz Law Firm - Arlington, TX
7:30 am
Austin Only

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:30 am

0.50 hr

Donated Property: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

With the plethora of fundraising platforms available and the ease of receiving donations, districts and teachers are able to raise funds and request donations with a few clicks on the computer. The speaker examines the legal implications and issues raised in the crowdsourcing arena.

Sarah W. Langlois, Spalding | Nichols | Lamp | Langlois - Houston, TX
9:00 am

0.50 hr

Can’t Touch This: How Statutory Immunity Protection Passed in 2003 Shields Educators Who Use Force Against Students

Sweeping tort reform in Texas in 2003 and the ultimate passage of Texas Education Code §22.0512 significantly increased immunity protection of Texas educators who use force to deal with students. This presentation describes situations in which this statutory immunity has shielded educators from the consequences of using such force.

Melissa Kates, Grand Prairie ISD - Grand Prairie, TX
9:30 am

0.50 hr

Culture Wars in the School District: Censure

A look at the availability of, and limitations on, censure as a tool of governance in the schools.

Jonathan G. Brush, Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P. - Houston, TX
10:00 am

0.50 hr

Culture Wars in the School District: Employees

Whether it's about books, CRT, religion, sexual identity policies, or other controversial issues, principals, librarians, teachers and other school employees can be easy targets for the culture wars. What defenses do they have when grievances are aired out on social and mainstream media, or before the school board? What will be the school employee’s response when they find themselves in a battle they did not choose?

Kevin F. Lungwitz, The Lungwitz Law Firm, P.C. - Austin, TX
10:30 am

15-Minute Break
10:45 am

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Hot Button Boards: Representing School Districts Addressing Controversial Political Issues

School boards are increasingly addressing hot-button political topics such as critical race theory, transgender student rights, and library book disputes. Trustees often disagree with one another on these issues, and may even disagree with key district administrators. This presentation examines the attorney’s role in these situations, including when to consider hiring independent counsel, how to address conflicting views on litigation strategy, and how to answer the question: Who is the client?

Lucas Henry, Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, P.C. - McKinney, TX
11:30 am

0.50 hr

War of the Words: Public Comment at Open Meetings

An overview of current law, a few practical considerations, and real-life reflections on the mandatory agenda item behind the Stifle-Your-Laugh School Board Challenge.

John M. Hardy, Hardy Cook & Hardy - Tyler, TX
12:00 pm

0.50 hr

Workers’ Comp 101: The Basics of the Workers’ Compensation in Texas

An overview of the Workers’ Compensation System outlining the responsibilities of insurance carriers, employers, and self-insureds in the administration of work injuries in Texas.

Dan Price, Shanley Price, LLP - Austin, TX
12:30 pm
Austin Only

Pick Up Lunch (in Austin)

Included in registration.
Friday Afternoon, Feb. 10, 2023
Presiding Officer:
Giana Ortiz, The Ortiz Law Firm - Arlington, TX
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
1:00 pm

0.50 hr

Employee Mental Health: What Response is Required

In the aftermath of COVID and with increased visibility of mental health issues, districts must consider a more holistic plan for addressing the concerns related to employee well-being. This session combines a discussion of the legal requirements of dealing with employee mental health challenges along with best practices in prevention and intervention.

Amy Grosso, Round Rock ISD - Round Rock, TX
Cindy Hill, Round Rock ISD - Round Rock, TX
1:30 pm

15-Minute Break
1:45 pm

0.75 hr

Teacher Morale: How Far is Too Far?

Explore the issues of teacher resignations, contract abandonment recent rule changes, unexcused absences/remote work and related ADA issues, and divisive issues that are causing staff morale problems in a post-COVID world.

Valerie Ann Carrillo, Escamilla & Poneck, LLP - San Antonio/Dallas, TX
Cynthia Rincón, Fort Worth ISD - Fort Worth, TX
2:30 pm

0.75 hr ethics

State Bar Grievances

This presentation includes an overview of the grievance system in Texas, an overview of common reasons for grievances, and guidance on how to avoid grievances.

Kennon L. Wooten, Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP - Austin, TX
3:15 pm

Adjourn

Day 1 February 9, 2023
Day 2 February 10, 2023

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Ricardo "Rick" Benavides III

J Cruz & Associates, LLC
Laredo, TX

Stephen Black

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Austin, TX

Brandon Y. Brim

Brim, Robinett & Brim, P.C.
Austin, TX

Jonathan G. Brush

Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P.
Houston, TX

Valerie Ann Carrillo

Escamilla & Poneck, LLP
San Antonio/Dallas, TX

Scott A. Cummings

Adams, Lynch & Loftin, P.C.
Grapevine, TX

Sarah Flournoy

Brackett & Ellis, P.C.
Fort Worth, TX

Amanda Frangu

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Austin, TX

Skylar Gallop

Raise Your Hand Texas
Amarillo, TX

Amy Grosso

Round Rock ISD
Round Rock, TX

John M. Hardy

Hardy Cook & Hardy
Tyler, TX

Lucas Henry

Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, P.C.
McKinney, TX

Cindy Hill

Round Rock ISD
Round Rock, TX

Richard E. Hill

Adams, Lynch & Loftin, P.C.
Grapevine, TX

Janet Little Horton

Thompson & Horton LLP
Houston, TX

Melissa Kates

Grand Prairie ISD
Grand Prairie, TX

Allen M. Keller

Schulman, Lopez Hoffer & Adelstein, LLP
San Antonio, TX

Sarah W. Langlois

Spalding | Nichols | Lamp | Langlois
Houston, TX

Mike Leasor

Leasor Crass, P.C.
Mansfield, TX

Kevin F. Lungwitz

The Lungwitz Law Firm, P.C.
Austin, TX

Joseph L. Parks

Law Office of Joseph L. Parks, PLLC
Plano, TX

Dan Price

Shanley Price, LLP
Austin, TX

Cynthia Rincón

Fort Worth ISD
Fort Worth, TX

Heather R. Rutland

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, PC
Austin, TX

Karla Schultz

Walsh Gallegos Treviño Kyle & Robinson, P.C.
Albuquerque, NM

Portia Talley

Texas State Teachers Association
Austin, TX

Mark P. Tilley

Texas Association of School Boards
Austin, TX

Michael A. Vorsino

UEA
Fort Worth, TX

Kennon L. Wooten

Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP
Austin, TX

Planning Committee

Andrea Slater Gulley—Co-Chair

Walsh Gallegos Treviño Russo & Kyle, P.C.
Amarillo, TX

Giana Ortiz—Co-Chair

The Ortiz Law Firm
Arlington, TX

Rebecca S. Bradley

Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, P.C.
McKinney, TX

Brandon Y. Brim

Brim, Robinett & Brim, P.C.
Austin, TX

Valerie Ann Carrillo

Escamilla & Poneck, LLP
San Antonio/Dallas, TX

Juan J. Cruz

J. Cruz & Associates, LLC
Laredo, TX

Bryan P. Dahlberg

Schulman, Lopez Hoffer & Adelstein, LLP
San Antonio, TX

Debbie Moritz Esterak

Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P.
Austin, TX

Judson Clayton Gibson

Association of Texas Professional Educators
Austin, TX

Christopher B. Gilbert

Thompson & Horton LLP
Houston, TX

Wayne D. Haglund

Haglund Law Firm, P.C.
Lufkin, TX

Cory S. Hartsfield

Cory Hartsfield PC
Grapevine, TX

Richard E. Hill

Adams, Lynch & Loftin, P.C.
Grapevine, TX

Christie L. Hobbs

Northwest ISD
Fort Worth, TX

Elneita Hutchins-Taylor

Houston Independent School District
Houston, TX

Kevin F. Lungwitz

The Lungwitz Law Firm, P.C.
Austin, TX

Mia M. Martin

Richardson, TX

Leticia D. McGowan

Richardson ISD
Richardson, TX

Amanda Moore

Texas State Teachers Association
Austin, TX

Thomas E. Myers

Brackett & Ellis, P.C.
Fort Worth, TX

Laura O'Leary

Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt and Kutchin
Dallas, TX

Cory Rush

Karczewski Bradshaw Spalding
Houston, TX

Heather R. Rutland

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, PC
Austin, TX

S. Anthony Safi

Mounce, Green, Myers, Safi, Paxson & Galatzan, P.C.
El Paso, TX

Marney Collins Sims

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
Houston, TX

Leslie R. Story

Texas Association of School Boards
Austin, TX

Paige Williams

Texas Classroom Teachers Association
Austin, TX

MCLE Credit

Texas – 12.25 hrs | 1.75 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Administrative Law, Civil Appellate Law, Civil Trial Law, Labor and Employment Law

You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number provided on your certificate of attendance.

California – 12.25 hrs | 1.75 hrs Ethics

You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Oklahoma – 14.50 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, then you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the conference.

Pennsylvania – 12.00 hrs | 1.50 hrs Ethics

UT Law CLE is an approved provider of Pennsylvania credit, sponsor #236. You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. Attorney attendance will be reported to Pennsylvania within 2 weeks after credit is claimed and submit. Attorneys are not able to report this credit on their own, and UT Law CLE pays all associated fees for the credit hours. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Other States – 12.25 hrs | 1.75 hrs Ethics

Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State

If you wish to satisfy MCLE or other professional education requirements in another state for a program offered by the University of Texas School of Law, please check with the state bar or other licensing authority in that state to ensure it will qualify for self-reporting your credits.

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records and to provided to other licensing authorities as needed.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other Credit

TX Accounting CPE – 14.50 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live conferences are presumptively approved by The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

At the conference, you are welcome to sign in on the Accounting CPE Record of Attendance form at the registration desk, but we are now reporting all credit online. You will receive a Texas Accounting Certificate of Completion in Your Briefcase. Self-report your CPE credit directly to TSBPA. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

TX School Board Member (TEA) – 12.25 hrs

UT Law CLE is a Registered Provider of TEA Board Member training under provider number 2022-3-2-RP-6149. You may use your hours from the School Law Conference to self-report your credit for TEA Board Member training. More information is located at the TEA website and the training site here:

https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/school-boards/school-board-member-training

http://www.tea.state.tx.us

MCLE Credit

Texas – 12.25 hrs | 1.75 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Administrative Law, Civil Appellate Law, Civil Trial Law, Labor and Employment Law

You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you upon claiming credit. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number provided on your certificate of attendance.

California – 12.25 hrs | 1.75 hrs Ethics

To claim California MCLE credit, California credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Oklahoma – 14.50 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics

To claim Oklahoma MCLE credit, Oklahoma credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #169) live webcast presentations meet the requirements and are presumptively approved by the Oklahoma Bar Association for MCLE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Upon claiming credit, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the webcast.

Pennsylvania – 12.00 hrs | 1.50 hrs Ethics

To claim Pennsylvania MCLE credit, Pennsylvania credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

UT Law CLE is an approved provider of Pennsylvania credit, sponsor #236. Attorney attendance will be reported to Pennsylvania within 2 weeks after credit is claimed and submitted. Attorneys are not able to report this credit on their own, and UT Law CLE pays all associated fees for the credit hours. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other States – 12.25 hrs | 1.75 hrs Ethics

Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State

To claim Other States MCLE credit, Other States credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records and to provide to other licensing authorities as needed.

This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other Credit

TX Accounting CPE – 14.50 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live webcast presentations meet the requirements and are presumptively approved by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

This accreditation requires attendance verification. In compliance with the rules, UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

To claim Texas Accounting CPE credit, the Texas Accounting CPE credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. Upon claiming credit, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you. Self-report your CPE credit directly to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

TX School Board Member (TEA) – 12.25 hrs

Key Dates

Austin – Feb 9-10, 2023 – AT&T Conference Center

Conference Concluded

Live Webcast – Feb 9-10, 2023

Conference Concluded

Buy

Austin
Live Webcast

Individual
Last day for $550.00 Regular pricing: Feb 1, 2023

$600.00 for registrations received after this time

School District Employee
Last day for $475.00 Regular pricing: Feb 1, 2023

$525.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $495.00 Regular pricing: Feb 1, 2023

$545.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $440.00 Regular pricing: Feb 1, 2023

$490.00 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): Feb 3, 2023

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: Feb 6, 2023

Individual
Last day for $550.00 Regular pricing: Feb 1, 2023

$600.00 for registrations received after this time

School District Employee
Last day for $475.00 Regular pricing: Feb 1, 2023

$525.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $495.00 Regular pricing: Feb 1, 2023

$545.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $440.00 Regular pricing: Feb 1, 2023

$490.00 for registrations received after this time

Venue

AT&T Conference Center

The University of Texas at Austin
1900 University Avenue
Austin, TX
877.744.8822 (reservations)
Map

Accommodations

The room block at the AT&T Conference Center has been exhausted.

Nearby accommodations include:

Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol District

Hampton Inn and Suites Austin at The University/Capitol

The DoubleTree Austin - University Area

Or visit: http://events.hotelsforhope.com/v6/?siteid=34298&CID=LONGHORN to search for a hotel

Parking Information

Daily self-parking will be validated for the AT&T Conference Center's attached garage, Rowling Hall Garage, or surrounding UT garages. Please note Dobie is not a UT garage and parking cannot be validated. Separate fees apply for valet and overnight parking.

Additional Information

The conference will take place in Zlotnik Ballroom in Rowling Hall, the new addition of the AT&T Conference Center. If you self-park in the AT&T Conference Center Garage, please take the conference center elevators to level “M1” and follow signs to Zlotnik Ballroom. If you park in Rowling Hall Garage, please take the elevators to level “B4” Zlotnik Ballroom.

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, P.C.

At Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, P.C., we deliver what you need most: representation that addresses your problems and provides protection for your interests. For issues that demand expertise in a variety of legal areas, we provide single-source convenience. Most real-life legal problems are not resolved by applying a single legal concept or statute. For an attorney with the breadth and depth of experience and knowledge to handle complex and multi-faceted legal issues, contact us. Our practice includes a wide range of business-related legal services. We use the firm’s deep roots in the community to provide clients with knowledgeable advice about operating a business or educational institution in the region.
www.abernathyroeder.com
Brackett & Ellis, P.C.

Brackett & Ellis is recognized in U.S. News and World Report as a top-tier law firm in Education Law, and as a Top Ranked Law Firm by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review. Brackett & Ellis represents the boards of independent school districts, charter schools, universities, community colleges, education foundations, and private and independent schools in all aspects of school law.

The Firm represents educational entities in both state and federal courts, and before the Texas Commissioner of Education and other state and federal agencies. Its attorneys are frequent presenters at national, state, and regional education conferences, and have served as officers on the Texas Association of School Boards’ Council of School Attorneys, the State Bar of Texas School Law Section, and the Education Law Association Board. Brackett & Ellis is also a full-service law firm that includes trial lawyers experienced in both plaintiffs’ and defendants’ work, as well as lawyers who practice in real estate, business, estate planning, intellectual property, employment, oil and gas, and insurance law.
www.belaw.com
Eichelbaum, Wardell, Hansen, Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

Founded in 1987, Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C. provides quality, comprehensive legal representation to Texas school districts. By collaborating with educators and focusing on the complete needs of our clients, our attorneys serve hundreds of districts in the state. Eichelbaum Wardell makes law for public school districts, and we have done so consistently with cases where we have represented schools all the way to the United States Supreme Court.
www.edlaw.com
Escamilla & Poneck, LLP

Escamilla & Poneck, LLP is a full-service, minority-owned law firm representing clients in both the public and private sectors. Our firm’s practice includes six different office locations and clients from throughout the states of Texas and Louisiana as well as businesses and individuals via our Mexico City affiliate.

Our firm strives to represent its clients with the highest degree of integrity and discretion while providing efficient and effective legal services to clients as varied as governmental entities, private corporations, non-profit organizations, and private individuals.

Whether your legal needs involve general civil practice, litigation, public finance, governmental relations, school law, construction, or employment law from an employer’s perspective, the ethical and reliable legal advice you seek can be found at Escamilla & Poneck, LLP.
www.escamillaponeck.com
Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt and Kutchin

A leader in school litigation, FHMBK has, for more than 60 years, been dedicated to its core values of Integrity, Excellence, Commitment and Teamwork. A perennial “Super Lawyer” and an “Impact Player of the Year” for his victory in the “Candy Cane” case, Thomas Brandt leads a group of talented and dedicated lawyers and “Rising Stars” who perform at the highest level. Consistently named a top-tier Best Law Firm by U.S. News and World Report and AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, FHMBK has established itself as the “Go To” law firm for handling high-profile and cutting edge litigation. Significant victories include: Morgan v. Swanson (First Amendment and religious liberty); Lance v. LISD (Section 504); Rideau v. KISD (Section 504); I.F. v. LISD (Title IX); and Edwards v. MISD (employment discrimination claim). At FHMBK we are dedicated to the representation of school districts, their officials, and their employees.
www.fhmbk.com
J. Cruz & Associates, LLC

J. Cruz & Associates, LLC was established as one of South Texas’s premier school law and governmental entity defense firms. We remain at the forefront of innovation, applying novel ideas and approaches to our clients’ legal issues. We excel in the areas of civil litigation, employment, public finance, construction, transactional, and real estate legal matters. Our firm vows to provide every client the most professional, efficient, and effective legal counsel while maintaining a reputation that is genuine, trustworthy, and hardworking.
www.jca-law.com
Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P.

Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P. is a law firm that has dedicated itself to the representation of public and private K-12 institutions, as well as junior and community colleges for thirty years. RMG has thirteen (13) lawyers with offices located in Houston and Austin. Our lawyers are recognized statewide for their knowledge, experience, and success in representing public school districts and other educational institutions.

The Firm’s attorneys have served as lead counsel in hundreds of state and federal court lawsuits and appeals concerning matters involving employment, civil rights, open government, student issues, special education, general commercial litigation, construction defect litigation, real estate, procurement, and matters of governmental immunity. The Firm’s attorneys also provide day-to-day consulting and training to its clients in all areas of school law.
www.rmgllp.com
Thompson & Horton LLP

At Thompson & Horton, we strive to be partners with our clients. We specialize in providing the highest quality personalized legal service to educational entities, local governments, and private individuals and companies. Our attorneys have unique qualifications based on several hundred years of combined experience and have been closely involved with some of the most important legal and policy developments affecting our clients over the past 40 years. We are knowledgeable, passionate, candid, and responsive. At Thompson & Horton, it’s not just business – it’s personal.
www.thompsonhorton.com
Walsh Gallegos Treviño Kyle & Robinson, P.C.

Walsh Gallegos Treviño Kyle & Robinson, P.C. is a law firm representing the interests of schools in Texas and New Mexico. Founded in 1983, Walsh Gallegos has seven offices and serves hundreds of school districts, charter school and private school clients. We believe that public education makes a difference. That belief, and the desire to work toward making a difference in our communities, is why we are here today.
walshgallegos.com

38th Annual

School Law Conference

Austin Feb 9-10, 2023 AT&T Conference Center Conference Concluded

Live Webcast Feb 9-10, 2023 Conference Concluded

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Related products: eConference Materials

Overview

Event Schedule

Thursday Morning, Feb. 9, 2023

Thursday Afternoon, Feb. 9, 2023

Friday Morning, Feb. 10, 2023

Friday Afternoon, Feb. 10, 2023

Conference Faculty

Ricardo "Rick" Benavides III

Stephen Black

Brandon Y. Brim

Jonathan G. Brush

Valerie Ann Carrillo

Scott A. Cummings

Sarah Flournoy

Amanda Frangu

Skylar Gallop

Amy Grosso

John M. Hardy

Lucas Henry

Cindy Hill

Richard E. Hill

Janet Little Horton

Melissa Kates

Allen M. Keller

Sarah W. Langlois

Mike Leasor

Kevin F. Lungwitz

Joseph L. Parks

Dan Price

Cynthia Rincón

Heather R. Rutland

Karla Schultz

Portia Talley

Mark P. Tilley

Michael A. Vorsino

Kennon L. Wooten

Planning Committee

Andrea Slater Gulley—Co-Chair

Giana Ortiz—Co-Chair

Rebecca S. Bradley

Brandon Y. Brim

Valerie Ann Carrillo

Juan J. Cruz

Bryan P. Dahlberg

Debbie Moritz Esterak

Judson Clayton Gibson

Christopher B. Gilbert

Wayne D. Haglund

Cory S. Hartsfield

Richard E. Hill

Christie L. Hobbs

Elneita Hutchins-Taylor

Kevin F. Lungwitz

Mia M. Martin

Leticia D. McGowan

Amanda Moore

Thomas E. Myers

Laura O'Leary

Cory Rush

Heather R. Rutland

S. Anthony Safi

Marney Collins Sims

Leslie R. Story

Paige Williams

Credit Info

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

Key Dates

Venue

AT&T Conference Center

Accommodations

Parking Information

38^th Annual

Austin Feb 9-10, 2023 AT&T Conference Center
Conference Concluded

Live Webcast Feb 9-10, 2023
Conference Concluded