Avoiding the Top 10 Legal Mistakes Made by Charter Schools

YM&C Founding Principal Jim Young began his career in education as a high school teacher in 1986, and since becoming an attorney in 1992, he has worked exclusively representing public schools. Jim continues to work at the forefront of important issues for charter schools in California addressing employment law, labor relations, board governance and student discipline since the early years of the Charter Schools Act. Jim is a regularly featured speaker for charter school boards, agencies, and associations throughout the state.

YM&C Partner Lisa Corr has represented charter schools for 25+ years. Her primary focus has been in special education and the representation of charter schools in due process matters with the Office of Administrative Hearings and in defense of Office of Civil Rights and California Department of Education complaints. Lisa’s legal representation also focuses on the developmental phase of charter schools, as well as assisting charter school boards to develop effective and efficient governance practices. One of Lisa’s unique practice areas is nonclassroom based (independent study) charter school legal compliance. Lastly, Lisa assists in general student services issues.

Paul Minney has represented charter schools in a multitude of critical areas since the inception of the Charter Schools Act in 1992. In fact, since drafting the fifth charter in the state, Paul has been at the forefront of key precedential litigation in securing the rights of charter schools. Paul’s primary areas of practice include charter specific litigation and appellate work, defense of revocation and audits, corporate formation and design of CMO structures. Paul continues to be a founding member of the CCSA Legal Defense Fund and he is a founding member of the National Network of Charter School Attorneys.