Hollis R. Petersonhollis.peterson@procopio.com619.515.3252

Adriana R. Sanchezadriana.sanchez@procopio.com619.525.3861

Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLPSan Diego | Del Mar Heights | Silicon Valley

Orange County | Phoenix

Gregory V. Mosergreg.moser@procopio.com619.515.3208

John C. Lemmojohn.lemmo@procopio.com619.515.3294

Greta A. Proctorgreta.proctor@procopio.com619.515.3219

Wendy L. Tuckerwendy.tucker@procopio.com619.525.3845

A. Aiko Yamakawaaiko.yamakawa@procopio.com650.645.9021

Our Charter Schools Practice

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Our Charter Schools Practice

Located in San Diego, Orange County, and Silicon Valley, our attorneys advise charter schools throughout California on all issues that aff ect charters. Our experience and expertise in charter school, public agency, and nonprofi t corporation law is unsurpassed. We understand that as a charter school, you are not only part of the fastest growing component of our public education system, but that you are also a business that needs to achieve its operational and educational objectives in a cost-eff ective manner. To that end, we off er the expertise of a full-service law fi rm, but with specialization in the particular needs and nuances of charter schools. Procopio attorneys have represented charter schools since the early 1990s when the Charter Schools Act was adopted.

GOVERNANCECharter schools face the same scrutiny as public agencies. We advise charters on compliance with, confl ict of interest laws, corporate governance, board member indemnifi cation and insurance, the Brown Act and the obligations placed upon schools and their boards.

CHARTER PETITIONS, RENEWALS AND APPEALSWe are expert in the requirements and practicali-ties of the petition process and appeals. We have helped draft scores of successful petitions, and have handled appeals to county offi ces of educa-tion and the State Board.

FACILITIESWe advise on all aspects of charter schools facilities acquisition and use, whether district facilities under Proposition 39, commercial “storefront” leases, or fi nancing new construction or property acquisition. Procopio attorneys can advise and assist you with your facilities needs and the operation of your school. Our strong expertise in real estate, land use, commercial leasing and fi nance is unsurpassed.

ENTITY FORMATION AND TAX EXEMPTION Procopio attorneys regularly form corporate entities for charter organizations. We can prepare eff ective and compliant governance documents for you, and off er practical insight as to what works well, and what doesn’t, in the charter school world. We can also eff ectively assist you in obtaining federal and state income tax exemption, as well as property tax exemptions.

LITIGATION Procopio’s attorneys are experienced in many forms of dispute resolution, from informal meet-ings pursuant to a charter’s dispute resolution provision, to administrative hearings, arbitration, litigation and subsequent appeals.

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACYSometimes, local eff orts are not enough to achieve a charter school’s objectives. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you seek changes in the law. Procopio attorneys participate in the legislative process for many public sector clients, including charter schools.

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT Procopio attorneys are here to assist you with all your employment needs including hiring and fi ring, counseling, FMLA compliance, employee disputes, collective bargaining, labor practices auditing, and litigation matters.

SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE IN PUBLIC AGENCY REPRESENTATION We represent public sector clients throughout California, including schools, hospitals and other special districts, joint powers authorities (especially insurance pools), and municipalities. Safeguarding the needs and interests of clients in the public sector is challenging and demands a specialized set of skills and experience from knowledgeable attorneys. Procopio’s Public Agencies and Charter Schools practice group regularly advises public and private clients on laws regulating public and quasi-public political subdivisions in areas such as public-private partnerships, fi nancing, capital leasing, and public contracting.