Educational institutions, like any public agency, are challenged to operate under applicable federal, state and local laws with scarce resources and support. They are set apart, though, from typical government organizations, having the charge to educate and nurture students while complying with strict regulations. From establishment through day-to-day operations and growth, many of the issues they face require experienced and knowledgeable counsel to resolve.
Best Best & Krieger LLP provides comprehensive, cost-effective legal solutions for public and private K-12 schools, school districts, county offices of education, community colleges and universities, special education local plan areas and education foundations. We partner with our educational clients, listening carefully to the issues and working collaboratively to develop practical and legal options and solutions.
Whether it be advising on special education, student affairs, charter schools issues, personnel or construction and facilities matters, BB&K’s Educational Law group is there to help.
Comprehensive, Cost-Effective Strategic Counsel
As a full-service firm, our educational clients benefit from our cross-disciplinary approach to service. Our education attorneys work closely with members of our highly regarded real estate, environmental, municipal and telecommunications practices. We regularly provide our clients with a wide variety of services, including:
- Government Relations
- Labor & Employment
- Land acquisition and related real estate
- Environmental
- Telecommunications
We assist in drafting policies and procedures, offer customized training programs to help manage risk, and advocate our clients’ interests before governing bodies and in court. We stay current on the latest issues, trends and legal developments, analyzing their implications and strategizing with clients to resolve matters before legal problems ensue.
When litigation proves necessary or is the best course of action, BB&K lawyers vigorously represent clients at the state and federal levels, including in appellate courts. We also represent our school district clients in mediations and settlement conferences.
Industry Leaders
BB&K lawyers are active in many education-related professional organizations, including the Coalition of Adequate School Housing, California Association of School Business Officials, California Council of School Attorneys, the California and National school boards associations and the National Organization for Legal Problems in Education. Members of our team regularly present at conferences sponsored by the Association of California School Administrators, the Small School District Association and other education-related organizations.

Election Law Resource Center
BB&K’s Election Law Resource Center gives California cities the Vote of Confidence they need to ensure legal compliance with all aspects of local elections. This unique service includes:
- A digital copy of BB&K’s Election Law Toolkit
- Email and telephone hotline
Get Your Vote of Confidence
Legal Alerts Oct 11, 2022
Local Governing Board Members Will Now Have Conflict of Interest in Campaign Donors Appearing Before Their Agencies
Gov. Newsom signs SB 1439, Expanding the Levine Act’s Restrictions
Legal Alerts Oct 03, 2022
Brown Act Updates: Continued Remote Meetings & Removal of Disruptive Attendees
Takeaways From New Laws AB 2449 and SB 1100
Legal Alerts Sep 07, 2022
SCOTUS Term Includes Back-to-School Guidance on Balancing Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses
Employers Should Reevaluate Policies on Religious Expression at Work in Light of Kennedy v. Bremerton School District and Carson v. Makin
Legal Alerts Aug 11, 2022
FCC Creates $100 Million Outreach Grant Program for Affordable Connectivity Program
Local Governments Eligible to Compete for These Funds
Legal Alerts Jun 28, 2022
California Attorney General Clarifies Use of Premium From Sale of School District General Obligation Bonds
Premium Must Be Used for Debt Service Repayment
Legal Alerts May 17, 2022
U.S. Supreme Court Issues Two Decisions Impacting Local Sign Regulations and Flag Policies
Lawful or Landmine? Court Rules on First Amendment Snares
Legal Alerts Apr 26, 2022
Will Virtual Public Meetings Continue Even After the Pandemic?
Two New Bills Could Ease California’s Teleconferencing Restrictions for the Long-Term
Legal Alerts Apr 25, 2022
White House Council on Environmental Quality Finalizes First Phase of NEPA Regulation Revisions
What Changed, What Matters for Local Governments and What’s Next
Legal Alerts Mar 25, 2022
Attention, Public Agencies! Annual Report Deadline is Approaching
Public Agencies Should Immediately Review Continuing Disclosure Agreements for Any Publicly Offered Municipal Securities
Press Releases Jan 06, 2022
Best Best & Krieger Promotes Six Attorneys to Partner
Additional 2022 Leadership Updates Involving Managing Partner and Executive Committee
Press Releases Nov 24, 2021
Partner Paula de Sousa a San Diego Leaders in Law Finalist
San Diego Business Journal Recognizes Leading Special Districts Attorney
Authored Articles & Publications Sep 28, 2021
Bridging the Gap: Maximizing the Benefits of Working in an Intergenerational Office
BB&K’s Mrunal Shah on Understanding Generational Strengths and Styles to Work as a More Effective Unit
Legal Alerts Sep 14, 2021
Update: Gov. Newsom Signs AB 361 Amending the Brown Act
Urgency Bill Takes Immediate Effect to Allow Virtual Meetings Under Certain Circumstances
Legal Alerts Sep 03, 2021
California’s New $6 Billion Broadband Program: How Can It Assist Your Community?
Localities Should Take Advantage of Grant Programs Before Application Deadlines Close
Press Releases Jun 30, 2021
Partner Joey Sanchez: Top Labor & Employment Attorney
The Daily Journal Includes BB&K’s Labor & Employment Practice Group Leader on 2021 List
Press Releases Jun 25, 2021
BB&K One of the 200 Largest Law Firms in the U.S.
National Law Journal Also Gives High Rankings for Number of Women Attorneys
Press Releases May 28, 2021
BB&K Ranked No. 12 in U.S. on Diversity Scorecard
The American Lawyer Gave Firm High Rankings for Minority Equity Partners and Hispanic Attorneys
Legal Alerts Mar 22, 2021
Are Virtual Public Meetings Here to Stay?
Three New Bills Could Make Permanent Changes to Public Meetings
Legal Alerts Mar 11, 2021
COVID-19 Relief Package Provides Substantial Aid to States, Counties and Cities
$1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Federal Relief Package – American Rescue Plan Act
Free Webinar Feb 18, 2021
2021 Public Records Act Legislative Update
BB&K Free Webinar
Press Releases Feb 10, 2021
BB&K Announces Election Law Practice Expansion and New Client Services
A “Toolkit” and Hotline Among New Offerings
Legal Alerts Feb 03, 2021
Court Provides Guidance in Applying “Racially Polarized Voting” Analysis to a California Voting Rights Act Challenge
Court of Appeal Decision in Yumori-Kaku et al. v. City of Santa Clara
Authored Articles & Publications Feb 01, 2021
Frequently Asked Questions About New Social Media and Open Meeting Laws
BB&K’s HongDao Nguyen and Albert Maldonado Answer Public Officials’ Questions on AB 992 on the CSDA Blog
Press Releases Jan 28, 2021
ARC: Advanced Records Center’s Christine Wood Named a Top Minority Attorney by L.A. Business Journal
A Trusted Advisor in the Business of Public Service
Legal Alerts Jan 25, 2021
Redistricting in California
What Public Agencies Must Know Ahead of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Data Release
Authored Articles & Publications Jan 20, 2021
Public Record Costs
Director of PRA Services and e-Discovery Counsel Christine Wood Discusses National Lawyers Guild v. City of Hayward in Sacramento Magazine
Legal Alerts Jan 19, 2021
Elected Officials Entitled to Some, Not All, Public Agency Records
Access Depends on if Record Request is from “Elected Official” or “Member of the Public”
Legal Alerts Jan 14, 2021
Wage & Hour, Leave and Other New Laws for California Employers
Part 2: New Labor & Employment Laws for Businesses and Public Agencies in 2021
Legal Alerts Jan 13, 2021
COVID-19 Laws Impacting California Employers
Part 1: New Labor & Employment Laws for Businesses and Public Agencies in 2021
Legal Alerts Jan 07, 2021
California Public Records Act Update
New CPRA Case Law and Legislation for 2021
Legal Alerts Jan 06, 2021
Court Confirms FPPC's Authority to Punish Public Agencies That Spend Undisclosed Public Money to Influence Voters at Elections
California Trial Court Rules on Campaign-Related Public Spending
Legal Alerts Jan 06, 2021
New Laws for 2021
Bills and Court Decisions Impacting Public Agencies and Businesses in the New Year
Legal Alerts Jan 05, 2021
New Public Agency Laws on Safety, Finance, Contracting and More
Part 1: New Laws Impacting California Public Agencies for 2021
Legal Alerts Dec 17, 2020
Taxpayer Actions Can be Used to Challenge Government Contracts Even After Contract Completion
California Court of Appeal Decision in School District Case Applies to Public Agencies
Legal Alerts Dec 16, 2020
New Surplus Land Act Requirements to Take Effect Jan. 1
California Public Agencies Impacted by AB 1486 Mandates
BB&K Webinar Nov 18, 2020
Comments, Likes and Emojis, Oh My! An Update on Evolving Social Media Law for Public Officials and Agencies
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Nov 16, 2020
CPRA Requesters Could Pay Agency Costs to Store Emails
Requesters Must Post an Undertaking if Public Agency Will Suffer Certain Damages During Injunction Proceedings
Authored Articles & Publications Oct 20, 2020
Public Officials' New Social Media Open Meeting Law
California's AB 992 Analyzed in PublicCEO by BB&K's HongDao Nguyen and Albert Maldonado
BB&K Webinar Sep 30, 2020
Disclosure Obligations of Issuers in Public Offerings
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Sep 30, 2020
DOL Clarified the Federal Family First Coronavirus Response Act
New Rules and a Court Decision Followed the FFCRA’s Passage
Press Releases Sep 28, 2020
Partner John E. Brown Receives James H. Krieger Meritorious Service Award
Riverside County Bar Association Honors Long-Term Community Service
Legal Alerts Sep 21, 2020
AB 992: Open Meeting Laws and Social Media
New California Law Addresses Prohibition on Serial Meetings on Social Media
Press Releases Sep 15, 2020
BB&K Receives High Ranks for Law Firm Diversity
Firm Leadership Renews Commitment to Supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Legal Alerts Sep 10, 2020
Critical Habitat Designation Regulation Change Proposed
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Proposes New Rule Regarding Exclusion of Lands from Critical Habitat for Federally Listed Species
Press Releases Sep 09, 2020
Rio Plaza Elementary Students Received Donated Backpacks Filled with Supplies
BB&K’s Annual Operation Backpack Help Students Learn at Home
Client Successes Aug 13, 2020
BB&K Wins Dismissal of Contaminant Exposure Lawsuit
Summary Judgment Granted to Public Agency Landlord
Press Releases Jul 31, 2020
San Diego Business Journal Top Law Firm 2020
BB&K Remains in the Top 25 of the Annual Ranking
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 27, 2020
The CCPA's Impact on Public Agencies
BB&K's Gregg Kettles Writes About the California Consumer Privacy Act in PublicCEO
Legal Alerts Jun 24, 2020
Coronavirus Relief Funds Can Be Used for FEMA Public Assistance Cost Share
Public Agencies Should Be Aware of Requirements
Press Releases May 20, 2020
Partner Joseph Sanchez Named a San Diego Top Attorney
Labor & Employment and Education Law Attorney Recognized by SD Metro Magazine
Legal Alerts May 12, 2020
California Applicant’s Briefings for COVID-19 FEMA Public Assistance Scheduled
Cal OES Providing Information via Live Webinars
Free Webinar Apr 22, 2020
Stormwater Permitting at Schools and Community Colleges
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Mar 27, 2020
Third Federal Funding Bill Provides $2.2 Trillion for COVID-19 Impacts
The Legislation’s Key Provisions for Public Agencies and Local Governments
Legal Alerts Jan 22, 2020
New Education Laws
Part 1: California Laws Impacting Schools and School Districts for 2020
Legal Alerts Dec 03, 2019
Single Contractor Not Precluded from Providing Both Design and Construction Services
Case Provides Valuable Guidance for Public Agencies Wanting One Contractor for Two Phases
Legal Alerts Oct 31, 2019
Reminder: New Federal 911 Law Goes Into Effect in February
Kari’s Law Sets New Requirements for Multi-Line Telephone Systems
Legal Alerts Oct 24, 2019
When Public Opinion Surveys Become Reportable Expenditures Under the Political Reform Act
FPPC Advises When Public Agencies Can Survey Voters and Disseminate Results
Legal Alerts Oct 15, 2019
Surplus Land Act Requirements Expand for Local Agencies
Part 2: New California Housing Laws
Press Releases Jul 08, 2019
BB&K Ranked No. 202 on NLJ Largest Law Firms
Growth Attributed to a Niche Public Law Focus and Great Results
Press Releases May 28, 2019
BB&K Remains a Top 25 San Diego Law Firm
San Diego Business Journal’s 2019 Ranking
Press Releases May 13, 2019
BB&K One of 200 Largest Law Firms in the U.S.
Law360 Annual Ranking Reflects Firm’s Continued Recent Growth
Press Releases Mar 27, 2019
A Top Orange County Law Firm
BB&K Makes Top 40 on Orange County Business Journal List
BB&K In the News Feb 27, 2019
American Lawyer Discusses BB&K Growth Last Year
Firm Expands to Meet Client Demand
Press Releases Oct 16, 2018
Best Best & Krieger Marks 25 Years in San Diego
Proud to Serve, and Grow With, Its Community
Press Releases Mar 30, 2018
BB&K Irvine Office Climbs Higher on Top Law Firms List
Firm Ranks No. 37 on Orange County Business Journal Annual List
Legal Alerts Dec 20, 2017
Dispute Over Lead Testing in School Drinking Water Continues
State Water Resources Control Board Says It Will Enforce Permit Amendment
Legal Alerts Nov 06, 2017
California Water Providers Must Test for Lead in Local Schools’ Water by Mid-2019
AB 746 Imposes Requirements for Water Providers and School Districts
Legal Alerts Jul 12, 2017
New Federal Regulations for Schools
Clarifies Language and Requirements Related to Special Education
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 12, 2017
Tracking Trump’s Appointments
By John Freshman and Ana Schwab
Legal Alerts Jul 11, 2017
Independent Contractors & Consultants Can be Subject to Conflict of Interest Laws
California Supreme Court Sets New Precedent for GC Section 1090
Legal Alerts Jul 11, 2017
Schools Must Have Suicide Prevention Policies in Place for 2017-18 School Year
Model Youth Suicide Prevention Policy Now Online
Legal Alerts Jul 06, 2017
Supreme Court Rules Trademarks are Protected by First Amendment's Free Speech Clause
Trademarks Not Government Speech
Legal Alerts Jul 05, 2017
Surcharge on Utility Users Imposed Under a Franchise Agreement is Not a Tax
California Supreme Court Holds Surcharge for Franchise Rights Not Subject to Voter Approval if Reasonably Related to Value of Franchise
Legal Alerts Jun 02, 2017
School District Can’t Stop Transgender Student from Using Restroom of Choice
Federal Appeals Court Upholds Temporary Injunction Against District
Legal Alerts May 31, 2017
U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Review a Legal Challenge to Mello-Roos Special Taxes
Funding Mechanism for “Additional Services” for New Development Remains
Client Successes Apr 05, 2017
School District Prevails in Special Education Placement Case
Partner Karen Van Dijk Earns Victory Before the Ninth Circuit
Legal Alerts Mar 24, 2017
New Standard for FAPE
Program Must Allow Child to Make Progress “Appropriate in Light of Child’s Circumstances”
Legal Alerts Mar 09, 2017
Civil Discovery Act Applies to Public Records Act Proceedings, California Appellate Court Concludes
May Impose Increased Burdens on Public Agencies
Legal Alerts Feb 23, 2017
California to Require Domestic Water Suppliers to Test School Drinking Water for Lead
State Water Resources Control Board Amends Domestic Water Supply Permit
Legal Alerts Dec 29, 2016
Legal Invoices to Public Agencies in California May Be Exempt from Disclosure
The California Supreme Court Tackles Public Records vs. Attorney-Client Privilege
Legal Alerts Dec 09, 2016
Are Private E-mails & Text Messages “Public Records?”
Decision Expected Soon from California Supreme Court
Legal Alerts Dec 02, 2016
Claims Resolution Procedure Changes
Public Works Contract Disputes Impacted by New California Law
Videos Nov 18, 2016
Kimberly A. Byrens Video Bio
Partner
Legal Alerts Oct 24, 2016
Financing Increased Demand On Pre-Existing Services Constitutes “Additional Services”
California Court Decision Rules on Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982
Legal Alerts Sep 27, 2016
Lease-Leaseback Legislation Signed Into Law
California School District Construction Projects Will be Impacted
Legal Alerts Sep 26, 2016
New Legislation Seeks to Expedite CEQA Administrative Record Process
Provides Opportunity to Streamline Litigation
Legal Alerts Sep 22, 2016
New Legislation Impacts Special Parcel Taxes, Community Facilities Districts, and Notices for Property-Related Fees
Public Agencies Must Comply Beginning Jan. 1
Legal Alerts Sep 21, 2016
CEQA Allows Developers to Recover Administrative Record Costs when Reimbursing Agency
Appellate Victory for Developers and Public Agencies
Legal Alerts Sep 20, 2016
California Supreme Court Clarifies CEQA’s Subsequent Review Rules and Standard of Review
Decision Issued After Years of Uncertainty
Legal Alerts Sep 14, 2016
Legislation Establishes New Reporting Requirements for State and Local Debt Obligations
Annual Reports Filed with the California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission Must Include Additional Information
Legal Alerts Sep 12, 2016
Bill Addresses Excessive Water Use by Some California Urban Retail Water Purveyors
Tiered Water Rates and Surcharges Among Tools Agencies Can Use During Water Shortages
Press Releases Aug 26, 2016
Hundreds of Elementary School Students in Santa Ana Receive Supply-Filled Backpacks
BB&K Teams Up with the Santa Ana Kiwanis Club to Donate Backpacks Filled with School Supplies
Legal Alerts Aug 18, 2016
Air Quality District’s CEQA Thresholds Limited
California Appellate Court Weighs in Following State Supreme Court Decision
Legal Alerts Aug 11, 2016
Appellate Court “SLAPP”s Residents in Culver City Upset Over Parking Restriction Changes
City Did Not Violate Brown Act
Legal Alerts Aug 10, 2016
California Supreme Court Curbs Responses to Anti-SLAPP Motions
Elected Officials’ Free Speech Rights Analyzed
Legal Alerts Jun 30, 2016
E-Rate Program Proposed Expansion
FCC Looking to Increase Eligibility for Reimbursement
Legal Alerts Jun 21, 2016
California Supreme Court Clarifies Who is Liable for Prosecution for Misuse of Public Funds
Determining If Someone is “Charged” with Fiscal Responsibility is Key
Legal Alerts Jun 03, 2016
City Slapped Down on anti-SLAPP Claim
Details of a Potential NFL Deal for Carson Not of Public Interest, Court Says
Key Contacts
Related Services
- ARC: Advanced Records Center
- Board Governance & Administration
- Business Services & School Facilities
- California Public Records Act
- Charter Schools
- Education Litigation
- Eminent Domain
- Environmental Law & Natural Resources
- Government Affairs
- Government Policy & Public Integrity
- Police & Public Safety
- Privacy & Cybersecurity
- Public Agency Labor & Employment
- Public Finance
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Real Estate
- Renewable Energy
- School Finances, Developer Fees & Mitigation
- Student Affairs
- Telecommunications