41^st Annual

School Law Conference

Austin Feb 12-13, 2026 AT&T Conference Center
Conference Concluded

Live Webcast Feb 12-13, 2026
Conference Concluded

Overview

UT Law CLE’s 41st 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.

Following the conference, attendees will receive a bonus eSupplement to ensure practitioners can earn their required 15.00/3.00 Texas MCLE hours for the year.

Event Schedule

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

Day 1 February 12, 2026
Day 2 February 13, 2026

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Morning, Feb. 12, 2026
Presiding Officer:
Leslie R. Story, Texas Association of School Boards - Austin, TX
7:30 am
Austin Only

Registration Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:20 am

Welcoming Remarks
8:30 am

1.00 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

Mark P. Tilley, Texas Association of School Boards - Austin, TX
9:30 am

0.75 hr

Update from the 89th Legislature

Hear the latest information on major updates to the Texas Education Code and related regulations. Focus on some of the most significant changes that have not made the headlines.

Danny Stockton, North Texas Education Coalition - Melissa, TX

Danny Stockton, North Texas Education Coalition - Melissa, TX
10:15 am

15-Minute Break
10:30 am

0.75 hr

HB6: Chapter 37 Update

A review of 2025 legislative updates affecting student discipline and removal.

Jennifer Gordon, Association of Texas Professional Educators - Austin, TX
Amir Roohi, Houston Independent School District - Houston, TX

Jennifer Gordon, Association of Texas Professional Educators - Austin, TX
Amir Roohi, Houston Independent School District - Houston, TX
11:15 am

0.50 hr

The READER Act and SB13: Affecting Library Materials

The Reader Act created a framework for evaluating and adopting library materials. Vendor rating of books was found unconstitutional, but portions of the statute remained. With the passage of SB13, school districts must now navigate overlapping, but distinct definitions of “sexually explicit,” “sexually relevant,” and recently defined “harmful material” as they navigate the review and selection of books for school libraries.

Hans P. Graff, Leon | Alcala, PLLC - Houston, TX

Hans P. Graff, Leon | Alcala, PLLC - Houston, TX
11:45 am

0.50 hr

Practical Tips for Submitting a Public Information Act Ruling Request

Take an in depth look at the requirements of section 552.301 of the Government Code. Look at common pitfalls when submitting a ruling request and representative samples. Review some hypotheticals to help get your ruling request right.

Tamara Smith, Office of the Attorney General - Austin, TX

Tamara Smith, Office of the Attorney General - Austin, TX
12:15 pm
Austin Only

Pick Up Lunch (in Austin)

Included in registration.
Thursday Afternoon, Feb. 12, 2026
Presiding Officer:
Leslie R. Story, Texas Association of School Boards - Austin, TX
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
12:45 pm

0.50 hr

Education Savings Accounts: Understanding School Choice in Texas

Provide background on the passage of the bill, the status of the administrative code rules, and considerations for school district trustees and leaders as the school choice legislation is implemented.

David D. Anderson, Strive Public Policy Resources, LLC - Austin, TX

David D. Anderson, Strive Public Policy Resources, LLC - Austin, TX
1:15 pm

15-Minute Break
1:30 pm

0.50 hr

Family Law Issues in Public Schools

Explore the various family law issues that arise in the public school setting, including parental rights, custody disputes, and student rights.

Valerie Ann Carrillo, Escamilla & Poneck, LLP - San Antonio, TX

Valerie Ann Carrillo, Escamilla & Poneck, LLP - San Antonio, TX
2:00 pm

0.50 hr

Section 504 Parental Rights

Provide an overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, with a focus on the procedural and substantive rights of parents and the legal obligations of schools to ensure nondiscrimination and equitable access to education.

Olivia Lee, Disability Rights Texas - Austin, TX

Olivia Lee, Disability Rights Texas - Austin, TX
2:30 pm

0.50 hr

Community Colleges Update: New Laws, Guidance, and More

An overview of recent legislative changes (including those affecting dual credit programs), new agency guidance, and notable cases affecting community colleges.

Kyle Stone, Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P. - Houston, TX

Kyle Stone, Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P. - Houston, TX
3:00 pm

15-Minute Break
3:15 pm

0.75 hr

TEA Special Investigations

Rebecca S. Bradley, Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, P.C. - McKinney, TX
Rebecca Clevlen, Texas Education Agency - Austin, TX

Rebecca S. Bradley, Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, P.C. - McKinney, TX
Rebecca Clevlen, Texas Education Agency - Austin, TX
4:00 pm

0.50 hr ethics

Avoiding Difficult Clients

Lawyers are faced with many ethical challenges both in representing, and in deciding whether to represent, all kinds of people and entities. Identify what lawyers need to know to hopefully prevent, or if necessary disengage from, inappropriate representations involving difficult clients.

This pre-recorded presentation has been added to the agenda due to the cancelation of "Robots in the Courtroom: Ethics and Competence in the Age of AI Agents."

The speaker will not be available in real-time to answer any questions.

William J. Chriss, The Snapka Law Firm - Corpus Christi, TX

William J. Chriss, The Snapka Law Firm - Corpus Christi, TX
4:30 pm

0.75 hr
0.50 hr ethics

AI Without the OMG! A School Lawyer’s Guide to Ethical and Responsible AI Use

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies can bring efficiency, insight, and the occasional existential crisis—but they also introduce ethical risks for lawyers and school law practitioners. Explore how the legal profession can shape ethical frameworks that keep us out of trouble (and out of the headlines). Through emerging trends, professional responsibility rules, and real-world “please-don’t-let-this-happen-to-you” scenarios, look at emerging technologies and how to use them as well as break down the legal and ethical obligations surrounding AI and offer practical tools for staying compliant, accountable, and somehow still fully human.

Kelley Kalchthaler, Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & De Los Santos P.C. - Austin, TX

Kelley Kalchthaler, Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & De Los Santos P.C. - Austin, TX
5:15 pm

Adjourn
Austin Only

Networking Reception (in Austin from 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.)

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

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Friday Morning, Feb. 13, 2026
Presiding Officer:
Leticia D. McGowan, Richardson ISD - Richardson, TX
8:00 am
Austin Only

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:30 am

0.75 hr

Pick a Title, Any Title: Update on Title VI and Title IX

Federal law, including Title VI and Title IX, are in flux. Address current court and agency interpretations of Title VI and Title IX and the requirements of investigations, thereunder, as well as the impact of executive orders.

Jennifer A. Powell, Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C. - Austin, TX

Jennifer A. Powell, Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C. - Austin, TX
9:15 am

0.75 hr

Understanding the Grievance Process: Best Practices for School Attorneys

Provide school attorneys with a comprehensive overview of the legal framework governing employee, public, parent, and student grievances under Texas law and district policy.

Heather M. Castillo, Law Office of Heather McClellan Castillo - Arlington, TX
Juan J. Cruz, JCA LAW, PLLC - Laredo, TX

Heather M. Castillo, Law Office of Heather McClellan Castillo - Arlington, TX
Juan J. Cruz, JCA LAW, PLLC - Laredo, TX
10:00 am

15-Minute Break
10:15 am

0.50 hr

SB12: Affecting Nurses and Counselors

Discuss the intersection of SB12 and licensing standards for K-12 school nurses and counselors. Is this really a tight rope with no safety net?

Sarah Flournoy, Brackett & Ellis, P.C. - Fort Worth, TX

Sarah Flournoy, Brackett & Ellis, P.C. - Fort Worth, TX
10:45 am

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Navigating Employee Free Speech in Today’s Schools: Legal and Ethical Challenges

Advising on employee free speech in schools has never been more complex. Discuss practical strategies and ethical considerations for navigating today’s polarized environment.

Morgan Beam, Thompson & Horton LLP - Houston, TX
Carrie Galatas, Attorney at Law - The Woodlands, TX
Karl Tiger Hanner, Attorney at Law - Austin, TX

Morgan Beam, Thompson & Horton LLP - Houston, TX
Carrie Galatas, Attorney at Law - The Woodlands, TX
Karl Tiger Hanner, Attorney at Law - Austin, TX
11:30 am

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Dancing in the Dark: Employment Actions When Access to Evidence is Limited

How can attorneys represent and advise their clients when they don't have the relevant evidence? Explore practical and ethical challenges with school district obligations to make quick reports to TEA before investigations are done, and employee-side hurdles in defending educators in district investigations and certification actions with the agency.

Jefferson K. Brim III, Brim & Brim, P.C. - Austin, TX
Christie L. Hobbs, Northwest ISD - Fort Worth, TX

Jefferson K. Brim III, Brim & Brim, P.C. - Austin, TX
Christie L. Hobbs, Northwest ISD - Fort Worth, TX
12:15 pm
Austin Only

Pick Up Lunch (in Austin)

Included in registration.
Friday Afternoon, Feb. 13, 2026
Presiding Officer:
Leticia D. McGowan, Richardson ISD - Richardson, TX
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
12:45 pm

0.50 hr

Educating Vulnerable Children

An examination of a school district’s obligations to at-risk students.

Myra Scott Chickering, Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P. - Houston, TX

Myra Scott Chickering, Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P. - Houston, TX
1:15 pm

15-Minute Break
1:30 pm

0.75 hr

Now I know my THC's and CBD's: Where Legal Weed Meets School Policy

When it comes to teacher discipline and cannabis use, the law can get a little “hazy.” Explore the complex intersection between evolving cannabis laws and educator conduct standards, examining how schools can navigate teacher discipline, off-duty marijuana use, and the growing confusion around CBD products in states where cannabis is legal.

Divya Advani, Irving Independent School District - Irving, TX
Lisa Pittman, Pittman Legal - Austin, TX

Divya Advani, Irving Independent School District - Irving, TX
Lisa Pittman, Pittman Legal - Austin, TX
2:15 pm

1.00 hr ethics

Maintaining Your Ethics in Trying Times: One Lawyer’s Tale

Lawyers know that hard cases make bad law. Likewise, maintaining your professional ethics in a difficult situation is very different than day-to-day practice. Hear ethical perspectives and lessons learned from serving as a local elected official and a defendant in lengthy litigation while still practicing as a lawyer.

Leah Stewart, Reed, Claymon, Meeker, Krienke & Spurck, PLLC - Austin, TX

Leah Stewart, Reed, Claymon, Meeker, Krienke & Spurck, PLLC - Austin, TX
3:15 pm

Adjourn

Day 1 February 12, 2026
Day 2 February 13, 2026

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Divya Advani

Irving Independent School District
Irving, TX

David D. Anderson

Strive Public Policy Resources, LLC
Austin, TX

Morgan Beam

Thompson & Horton LLP
Houston, TX

Rebecca S. Bradley

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

Jefferson K. Brim III

Brim & Brim, P.C.
Austin, TX

Valerie Ann Carrillo

Escamilla & Poneck, LLP
San Antonio, TX

Heather M. Castillo

Law Office of Heather McClellan Castillo
Arlington, TX

Myra Scott Chickering

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

William J. Chriss

The Snapka Law Firm
Corpus Christi, TX

Rebecca Clevlen

Texas Education Agency
Austin, TX

Juan J. Cruz

JCA LAW, PLLC
Laredo, TX

Sarah Flournoy

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

Carrie Galatas

Attorney at Law
The Woodlands, TX

Jennifer Gordon

Association of Texas Professional Educators
Austin, TX

Hans P. Graff

Leon | Alcala, PLLC
Houston, TX

Parker Hancock

Baker Botts L.L.P.
Houston, TX

Karl Tiger Hanner

Attorney at Law
Austin, TX

Christie L. Hobbs

Northwest ISD
Fort Worth, TX

Kelley Kalchthaler

Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & De Los Santos P.C.
Austin, TX

Olivia Lee

Disability Rights Texas
Austin, TX

Lisa Pittman

Pittman Legal
Austin, TX

Jennifer A. Powell

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.
Austin, TX

Amir Roohi

Houston Independent School District
Houston, TX

Tamara Smith

Office of the Attorney General
Austin, TX

Leah Stewart

Reed, Claymon, Meeker, Krienke & Spurck, PLLC
Austin, TX

Danny Stockton

North Texas Education Coalition
Melissa, TX

Kyle Stone

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

Mark P. Tilley

Texas Association of School Boards
Austin, TX

Planning Committee

Leticia D. McGowan—Co-Chair

Richardson ISD
Richardson, TX

Leslie R. Story—Co-Chair

Texas Association of School Boards
Austin, TX

Rebecca S. Bradley

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

Brandon Y. Brim

Brim & Brim, P.C.
Austin, TX

Von Byer

Texas Education Agency
Austin, TX

Valerie Ann Carrillo

Escamilla & Poneck, LLP
San Antonio, TX

Heather M. Castillo

Law Office of Heather McClellan Castillo
Arlington, TX

Juan J. Cruz

JCA LAW, PLLC
Laredo, TX

Scott A. Cummings

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

Bryan P. Dahlberg

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

Debbie Moritz Esterak

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

Sarah Flournoy

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

Judson C. Gibson

Association of Texas Professional Educators
Austin, TX

Christopher B. Gilbert

Thompson & Horton LLP
Houston, TX

Hans P. Graff

Leon | Alcala, PLLC
Houston, TX

Wayne D. Haglund

Haglund Law Firm, P.C.
Lufkin, TX

Karl Tiger Hanner

Attorney at Law
Austin, TX

Cory S. Hartsfield

Cory Hartsfield PC
Grapevine, TX

Christie L. Hobbs

Northwest ISD
Fort Worth, TX

Kevin F. Lungwitz

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

Giana Ortiz

The Ortiz Law Firm
Arlington, TX

Leandra Costilla Ortiz

Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & De Los Santos P.C.
Harlingen, TX

Colleen Potts

Disability Rights Texas
Lubbock, TX

Cory Rush

Spalding Nichols Lamp Langlois
Houston, TX

Heather R. Rutland

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.
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

Fred A. Stormer III

Underwood Law Firm, P.C.
Amarillo, TX

Portia Talley

Texas State Teachers Association
Austin, TX

Paige Williams

Texas Classroom Teachers Association
Austin, TX

Catosha L. Woods

Houston Independent School District
Houston, TX

MCLE Credit

Texas – 13.25 hrs | 2.50 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 – 13.25 hrs | 2.50 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 – 16.00 hrs | 2.50 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 – 13.00 hrs | 2.50 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 . 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 – 13.25 hrs | 2.50 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 – 15.90 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.

MCLE Credit

Texas – 13.25 hrs | 2.50 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 – 13.25 hrs | 2.50 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 – 16.00 hrs | 2.50 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 – 13.00 hrs | 2.50 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 – 13.25 hrs | 2.50 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 – 15.90 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.

Key Dates

Austin – Feb 12-13, 2026 – AT&T Conference Center

Conference Concluded

Live Webcast – Feb 12-13, 2026

Conference Concluded

Buy

Austin
Live Webcast

Individual
Last day for $625.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 5, 2025
Last day for $725.00 Regular pricing: Jan 29, 2026
$825.00 for registrations received after this time

School District Employee
$525.00

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $560.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 5, 2025
Last day for $655.00 Regular pricing: Jan 29, 2026
$740.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $500.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 5, 2025
Last day for $580.00 Regular pricing: Jan 29, 2026
$660.00 for registrations received after this time

Cancellation Policy
Last day for full refund cancellation: Feb 6, 2026
$50 processing fee applied after this date
Last day for cancellation: Feb 9, 2026

Individual
Last day for $725.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 5, 2025
$825.00

School District Employee
$525.00

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $650.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 5, 2025
$745.00

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $580.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 5, 2025
$660.00

Add-on (in-person registration required)
$100.00

Cancellation Policy
Last day for full refund cancellation: Feb 6, 2026
$50 processing fee applied after this date
Last day for cancellation: Feb 9, 2026

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:

The Otis Hotel, Autograph Collection
Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol District
Hampton Inn and Suites Austin at The University/Capitol
The DoubleTree Austin - University Area
Moxy Austin - University

Parking Information

Parking is available in the conference center's attached garage, as well as Rowling Hall Garage. Both garage entrances are located on W 20th St. Guests may self-park or use the hotel's valet services at the University Avenue entrance. Parking rates are subject to change without notice.

Self-parking fees:

Hourly Parking:
0-30 minutes, $3
31-60 minutes, $4
1– 2 hours, $6
2– 3 hours, $9
3– 4 hours, $12
4– 5 hours, $15
5– 8 hours, $18
8– 24 hours, $21
Lost ticket, $42

Valet Parking Rates:
Daily valet: $21
Overnight valet: $38

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 Rowling Hall Garage, please take the elevators to level “B4” Zlotnik Ballroom. If you park in the AT&T Conference Center Garage, please take the conference center elevators to level “M1” and follow signs to Zlotnik Ballroom.

Our Sponsors

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

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

Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, P.C.
www.abernathyroeder.com

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.
Brackett & Ellis, P.C.

Brackett & Ellis, P.C.
www.belaw.com

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.
Brim & Brim, P.C.

Brim & Brim, P.C.
teacher.legal

In existence since 1983, the firm has represented educators at both public and private schools, as well as college-level employees. Jay Brim, Rick Arnett, and Mark Robinett were the main name partners for more than 30 years until Rick and Mark retired and moved out-of-state. Rick has returned to work on an of-counsel basis, while Mark and his wife Carolyn continue to enjoy time with their four grandsons in Manhatton, KS. Brandon Brim, Jay’s son, has been with the firm for 13 years and is a name partner. New law graduate (she proudly claims Texas Tech!) Kristi Berrier joined the firm in October of 2024 and has immersed herself in the representation of teachers.

The firm represents the underdogs of school law, any lower-ranking employee in an employment-related dispute. It also spends a great deal of time working through the certification sanction process at TEA/SBEC.
Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.
www.edlaw.com

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.
Escamilla & Poneck, LLP

Escamilla & Poneck, LLP
www.escamillaponeck.com

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.
JCA LAW, PLLC

JCA LAW, PLLC
www.jca-law.com

JCA LAW, PLLC is a law firm with offices in San Antonio, Laredo, and Corpus Christi. The Firm prides itself as one of South Texas’s premier school law and governmental entity defense firms. and remains at the forefront of innovation, applying novel ideas and approaches to our clients’ legal issues. The Firm has several specialty areas to provide full legal services to its clients in the area of special education, governance, procurement, student rights, employment law, and real estate legal matters, among others. The Firm vows to provide every client the most professional, efficient, and effective legal counsel while maintaining a reputation that is genuine, trustworthy, and hardworking.
Leon | Alcala, PLLC

Leon | Alcala, PLLC
www.leonalcala.com

Leon Alcala, PLLC formed in 2019 when a group of experienced school lawyers joined together with the vision of creating a school law firm with a passion for client service and professional excellence. Every client deserves “white glove” service from qualified, competent legal counsel. We represent some of the largest—and the smallest—school districts in the state; each of our clients enjoys the same level of attention to their legal concerns.

The Firm provides legal services to public school districts in Texas in the following practice areas: General School Law, Board Counsel, Employment Law, Election Law, Public Finance, Tax, Special Education/Section 504, Construction Law, Litigation, Appellate Law, Administrative Hearings, Open Meetings and Public Information, Administrative Law, Procurement/Contract Law, Real Estate, Audits and Investigations, Intellectual Property, Legal Training and Workshops. The Firm maintains offices in Austin, Arlington, Houston, and Longview and is a MWBE business.
Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P.

Rogers, Morris & Grover, L.L.P.
www.rmgllp.com

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 three decades. RMG has sixteen (16) 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.
Thompson & Horton LLP

Thompson & Horton LLP
www.thompsonhorton.com

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.
Underwood Law

Underwood Law
uwlaw.com

Underwood has been successfully representing clients for more than 100 years, and our longstanding commitment to providing effective representation to Texas public education clients is at the core of who we are as a firm. Our education attorneys serve as trusted counsel to school boards and regional education service centers throughout Texas. Our school clients also benefit from the experience of board-certified attorneys in a variety of legal disciplines that frequently impact public education such as civil appellate law, construction, employment, and tax law. This collaborative approach among the firm’s practice areas allows us to deliver practical, well-reasoned counsel tailored to the complex challenges facing public schools today.
Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & De Los Santos P.C.

Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & De Los Santos P.C.
walshgallegos.com

Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & De Los Santos P.C. provides legal services to Texas school districts and related entities. With offices throughout Texas, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and in Oklahoma, we have served districts across both states with prompt, efficient and reliable representation since 1983. Our attorneys serve as fierce advocates in the areas of employment, special education, constitutional law, civil rights, construction, and business. We are innovators in client service and pride ourselves on practical, straightforward counsel. With Walsh Gallegos, you can be confident that your attorneys have the motivation and experience to protect and promote the best interests of your district.

School Law Conference

Overview

Event Schedule

Thursday Morning, Feb. 12, 2026

Thursday Afternoon, Feb. 12, 2026

Friday Morning, Feb. 13, 2026

Friday Afternoon, Feb. 13, 2026

Conference Faculty

Planning Committee

Credit Info

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

Key Dates

Venue

AT&T Conference Center

Accommodations

Parking Information

Additional Information

Our Sponsors

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

Brackett & Ellis, P.C.

Brim & Brim, P.C.

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

Escamilla & Poneck, LLP

JCA LAW, PLLC

Leon | Alcala, PLLC

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

Thompson & Horton LLP

Underwood Law

Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & De Los Santos P.C.

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