Welcome to CSBA’s District and County Office of Education Legal Services

CSBA’s Legal Services program is a subscription-based program that provides CSBA members with cost-effective legal advice and legal services. Subscribers receive: (1) access to CSBA attorneys who can provide low-cost legal services on all matters related to public education, and (2) unlimited access to our online Resource Library: a repository of CBAs, MOUs, salary schedules, and legal resources designed to assist members in negotiations.

Sign up for Legal Services
CSBA Legal Services

Attorney Services

CSBA Legal Services is composed of a highly experienced and knowledgeable team of education law attorneys. With a focus on providing the best legal guidance and advice to school districts and COEs in California, our attorneys are here to handle a variety of your legal needs.

Every LEA can benefit from an outside perspective on legal matters. Whether your LEA does not have attorneys on staff and you want to delegate your legal tasks to CSBA Legal Services, or if you do have attorneys and you’re looking for independent consulting, reviews, guidance and advising, CSBA Legal Services is here to assist you with your legal needs.

  • Legal advice and counseling
  • Assistance with dispute resolution
  • Confidential consulting on legal matters
  • Assistance with contract and letter preparation
  • Board governance
  • Independent investigations
  • Student matters
  • Special education
Meet the team

Who We Are

Robert Tuerck Chief Legal Counsel

Bob joined CSBA as Senior Policy Consultant in 2014, served as the Assistant Executive Director of Policy and Governance Technology Services from 2017-2021 and now serves as Chief Legal Counsel.

Bob is licensed in California, Washington, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Federal Court of Claims in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining CSBA, Bob was the founding p...more

Bob joined CSBA as Senior Policy Consultant in 2014, served as the Assistant Executive Director of Policy and Governance Technology Services from 2017-2021 and now serves as Chief Legal Counsel.

Bob is licensed in California, Washington, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Federal Court of Claims in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining CSBA, Bob was the founding partner of Jackson & Tuerck, a law office that focused on environmental law and matters affecting families, children and the local community. Bob also served on the governing boards of the Plumas Unified School District and County Office of Education and spent two years as the President of the Plumas County Bar Association.

Bob graduated with honors from Seattle University School of Law, and also has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership. Outside of education, Bob’s passions include his family, fly fishing, hiking and being outdoors.

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Alex Worthy Senior Legal Services Attorney

Alex provides legal advice and representation to school districts and county offices of education in all areas of education law.

Alex is a certified mediator and an academic workplace investigator specializing in discrimination, harassment, and Title IX matters. She handles a variety of employment law matters, including consultation on progressive discipline, performa...more

Alex provides legal advice and representation to school districts and county offices of education in all areas of education law.

Alex is a certified mediator and an academic workplace investigator specializing in discrimination, harassment, and Title IX matters. She handles a variety of employment law matters, including consultation on progressive discipline, performance evaluations, non-renewals, and employee leave benefits.

Prior to joining CSBA, Alex worked for an education law firm where she focused her practice on employment law, public entity defense, board governance, and collective bargaining.

Alex graduated cum laude from Chapman University School of Law earning the William Stallworth award for Contract Law, and the CALI Excellence for the Future Award (highest grade) for Mediation, Advanced Mediation Clinic, Contract Law, Property Law, Psychology of Conflict, and Wills & Trusts.

Outside of work, Alex spends her time entertaining her young kids and taking her standard poodle to the dog park.

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Gade Hamilton Legal Services Paralegal

Gade Hamilton joined CSBA as a paralegal in November 2021. Prior to joining to CSBA, she worked for law firms specializing in criminal defense, civil rights, and employment law litigation. Gade has experience in civil and criminal litigation, document production, public entity defense, and employment law matters. Gade is also experienced in business development and logistica...more

Gade Hamilton joined CSBA as a paralegal in November 2021. Prior to joining to CSBA, she worked for law firms specializing in criminal defense, civil rights, and employment law litigation. Gade has experience in civil and criminal litigation, document production, public entity defense, and employment law matters. Gade is also experienced in business development and logistical planning. Gade holds an Associates of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and Journalism from California State University, Sacramento where she graduated magna cum laude. California State University, Sacramento’s Government Department faculty also named Gade the Undergraduate Student of the Year.

Outside of work, Gade enjoys spending time with her family, kayaking, and baking.

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Maryela Martinez Senior Legal Services Attorney

Maryela joined CSBA as a Senior Legal Services Attorney in April 2022. Maryela provides legal advice and representation to school districts and county offices of education in all areas of education law. Prior to joining CSBA, Maryela worked for a boutique education law firm, where she focused on providing counsel and support to clients regarding special education, public wor...more

Maryela joined CSBA as a Senior Legal Services Attorney in April 2022. Maryela provides legal advice and representation to school districts and county offices of education in all areas of education law. Prior to joining CSBA, Maryela worked for a boutique education law firm, where she focused on providing counsel and support to clients regarding special education, public works, environmental compliance, and charter schools.

Maryela received her undergraduate degree cum laude from Harvard University, where she was awarded Harvard College Scholarships for Academic Achievement of High Distinction every semester. Maryela received her law degree from Columbia University School of Law, where she was an Articles Editor for the Columbia Human Rights Law Review.

Outside of work, Maryela spends her time reading, writing, and rescuing animals, as well as dabbling in all things interior design.

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What our clients say

Testimonials

“In this last week I’ve realized the power of receiving legal advice directly from the organization that is in constant contact with California’s legislation. It’s invaluable. The Legal Services program allows our district quick access to CBAs, MOUs, and salary schedules for our neighboring districts, which is beneficial for our negotiations process. More importantly, the program also provides us with legal counsel beyond the general guidance CSBA could provide in the past. The pricing structure makes legal advice so affordable.” Dr. Cheryl Jordan, Superintendent Milpitas Unified School District, Milpitas
“The quality of the digital resources provided by CSBA's Legal Services Program is outstanding, but by far the greatest benefit of this program has been the incredible customized client services offered. Our CSBA Senior Legal Services Attorney's level of knowledge, communication skills, and legal expertise has proven to be an invaluable asset to our district.” Dr. Elizabeth Evans, Superintendent Valle Lindo School District, South El Monte
“We have been very happy with the legal support and advice provided by CSBA Legal Services. We use the CSBA GAMUT Service to maintain our Board Policies. So the legal advice is targeted and aligned with our Board Policies and Administrative Regulation which makes implementation efficient and consistent. The CSBA Legal Services staff is very responsive and thorough!” Graham Clark, Superintendent Fremont Union High School District, Sunnyvale
Events & information

Have Questions?

Contact Us

Join us for our monthly Lunch & Learn series!

Legal Services clients can attend a no-cost Lunch & Learn event each month with Legal Services attorneys! These informal monthly events give our clients the opportunity to speak directly with Legal Services attorneys about education law topics of particular relevance to districts and county offices of education. Free for Legal Services clients, the Lunch & Learn series is a benefit you don’t want to miss!
Brown Act Training

CSBA’s District and County Office of Education Legal Services attorneys will be offering a full day of Brown Act training in March 2025, designed to provide legal information and practical guidance specifically for board presidents and executive assistants. This session will cover a wide range of topics, including different types of meetings, agenda and posting requirements, conduct guidelines for closed sessions, teleconferencing provisions, managing public comments, handling meeting disruptions, and more. Whether you're responsible for agenda preparation or overseeing the proceedings as board president, this session will equip you with valuable insights to effectively navigate the intricacies of the Brown Act. Superintendents and other LEA staff are welcome to join and participate in what we expect will be an informative training event. Check back for details!
Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) University

Join CSBA Legal Services for an exclusive, in-depth training session focused on Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP). This event is designed for school district administrators, compliance officers, complaint coordinators, and board members seeking to enhance their understanding of UCP requirements and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Overview of UCP: Key elements, timelines, and reporting requirements.
  • Common UCP Issues: Practical guidance on when UCP applies, handling discrimination, harassment, and other grievances.
  • Best Practices: Proven strategies for managing investigations, documentation, and resolution.
  • Recent Updates: Insights into the latest legal developments affecting UCP.

Why Attend:
This training will provide attendees with actionable tools and templates, case studies for real-world application, and the opportunity to engage in Q&A with attorneys from CSBA Legal Services.

Details:
Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location:

California School Boards Association Office

3251 Beacon Blvd.

West Sacramento, CA 95691

Reserve your spot today to ensure your district remains compliant and prepared to address UCP matters effectively and efficiently!

Registration fee: Standard Registration Fee: $300 │ Late registration: $325 (starts February 5, 2025) │ Registration closes February 19, 2025| Legal Services clients receive a $50 discount | Find out how to sign up for Legal Services to receive your discount!
Get your Legal Services discount on the California Education Laws & Regulations publication!

The California Education Laws and Regulations, 2022 Edition was compiled by the Legal Services team, in partnership with LexisNexis. It is an invaluable resource for all those dealing with the complex and nuanced education law issues currently facing California, including school administrators, school boards, attorneys practicing education law, educational organizations, and government officials.

The publication is a three-volume set, including laws and regulations that directly impact California school districts and county offices of education. The books include relevant portions of the following codes:

  • California Constitution
  • California Education Code
  • California Code of Regulations
  • Curated related laws, including California Business and Professions Code, Civil Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Corporations Code, Elections Code, Evidence Code, Family Code, Food and Agricultural Code, Government Code, Health and Safety Code, Insurance Code, Labor Code, Military and Veterans Code, Penal Code, Public Contract Code, Public Resources Code, Public Utilities Code, Revenue and Taxation Code, Streets and Highways Code, Unemployment Insurance Code, Vehicle Code, Water Code, and Welfare and Institutions Code

Legal Services clients receive an exclusive 25% discount on all purchases of California Education Laws and Regulations, 2022 Edition! Contact us today to find out more.
How do I sign up?

Contact us by filling out this form, calling us at (916) 669-1551, or emailing us at legalservices@csba.org.
What are the benefits of an annual subscription?
  • Access to cost-effective legal advice and legal services directly from CSBA attorneys at only $200/hour
  • Unlimited access to the Legal Services Resource Library, with over 12,000 CBAs, MOUs, salary schedules, and legal resources on topics related to education law
  • Specially curated case updates, webinars, and other resources of specific significance to school districts and county offices of education
  • Invitations to our monthly Lunch & Learn Series - free event available only for Legal Services clients
  • Discounts on the California Education Laws and Regulations, 2022 Edition publication
  • Three hours of legal services free of charge for all new subscribing LEAs, a $600 value
  • Exclusive discounts on Legal Services trainings

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