With a significant increase in attendance, the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) and New Jersey Association of School Attorneys (NJASA) successfully hosted the 2025 Spring School Law Forum on June 26, 2025. One hundred thirty legal professionals, administrators and board members gathered for crucial insights and discussions on “hot topics” relevant to New Jersey school board attorneys and board members.

The forum began with opening remarks from Dr. Timothy J. Purnell, NJSBA Executive Director/CEO, Patrick Carrigg, Esq., NJASA President, and Kathleen Asher, Esq., NJSBA Director of Labor Relations, who underscored the critical role of legal professionals in education, and the importance of preserving rights in times of change.

The “Case Law & Legislative Update” featured John Burns, Esq., NJSBA Senior Legislative Counsel, discussing several pieces of legislation that are being tracked by the Association. Kathleen Asher, Esq., then provided a comprehensive case law update on significant rulings impacting schools.

Kyle Trent, Esq., delivered an in-depth session on “Federalism in 2025 – State Rights vs. the Executive,” exploring the broad implications of federalism for schools, including discussions on executive orders and federal lawsuits against Department of Education directives.

A key part of the forum involved three repeated track sessions, allowing attendees to maximize their learning by choosing one to attend each time:

  • Track #1 – Exceptional Minds, Exceptional Responsibilities: Legal Perspectives on Gifted and High Achieving Students and IDEA/504 Accommodations. This session featured Michael F. Kaelber, Esq., Coordinator of Continuing Legal Education and Research for LEGAL ONE at NJPSA/FEA, and Patrick Carrigg, Esq., from The Lenox Law Firm.
  • Track #2 – The NJSIAA FAQ’s and Answers Too!  Wil Donio, Esq., from Cooper Levenson, and Steven Goodell, Esq., from Parker McCay, addressed questions regarding the athletic association.
  • Track #3 – How To AID Your School District In Avoiding Worker’s Rights Violation Claims.  Accommodation Requests, the Interactive Process, and Discrimination Claims in the Context of Pregnancy Protections. Weston Kulick, Esq., and Brian Giardina, Esq., both from Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, offered guidance on preventing workers’ rights issues.

The forum concluded with a “Special Edition of What’s Brewing in Education Law: Coffee Talk with Kathy and Caitlin,” featuring Kathryn A. Whalen, Esq., Director of Legal, and Caitlin Pletcher, Esq., Legal Counsel, and a presentation on “Legal Ethics for School Attorneys: An Update” by David B. Rubin, Esq. of the Busch Law Group.

The 2025 Spring School Law Forum proved to be an invaluable event providing critical updates and fostering a deeper understanding of the complex legal landscape in education.

Attorneys interested in joining the Association of School Attorneys may reach out to Lauren Liu at (609) 278-5250 or lliu@njsba.org