June 18, 2013

Legal Services Association

The Legal Services Association (LSA) was established in 1984 to supplement the legal services available to local boards of education through education, representation and advocacy.

Education

LSA offers periodic seminars on legal issues of importance to board and staff members.  Members may send an unlimited number of participants free of charge. 

2013 LSA Seminars

LSA also sponsors a series of inservice seminars to member boards on various topics, including:

Open Meetings Act

Internet Law and the Schools

Religion in the Schools

Freedom of Speech in the Schools

Search and Seizure

Student-on-Student Sexual Harassment

Representation

LSA provides members an approved list of law firms specializing in the areas of personnel and special education.  Additionally, LSA maintains a litigation support fund to help local boards financially in cases of statewide importance.

Advocacy

Amicus Curiae, or "friend of the court" briefs, are filed on behalf of member boards of education in cases of statewide importance.   LSA also presents testimony in Annapolis and before the State Board of Education regarding the legal implications of proposed legislation or regulations.