K-12 Education
Legal counsel for Mississippi school districts and boards
Mayo Mallette advises school administrators and board members across Mississippi on the legal issues that shape daily district operations. We provide practical, responsive guidance that helps public schools meet legal requirements, manage risk, and make sound decisions in both routine and high-stakes situations.
District leaders often have local counsel for routine matters. When an issue becomes complex, time-sensitive, or likely to escalate, our attorneys assist districts with experienced guidance and representation grounded in years of school law practice.
Strategic Counsel for District Operations and Governance
Our goal is to help districts make decisions that are legally sound, clearly documented, and defensible if later challenged.
We support Mississippi school districts in daily decision-making and long-term planning. Our attorneys advise on matters such as:
Property acquisition and construction projects
Construction contracts and related disputes, including contractor claims and procurement issues
Bid laws and procurement compliance
Labor and employment issues involving district staff and administrators
Policy review and updates, including board policy development
Regulatory compliance and operational guidance
Public records requests and open meetings compliance
Student privacy, including FERPA-related concerns
Student discipline procedures and related due process considerations
Special education compliance and dispute resolution
Litigation and Administrative Advocacy
When disputes arise, we represent school districts in federal and state courts and before administrative bodies. This includes:
Personnel hearings under Mississippi’s Education Employment Procedures Law
Employee grievances and related employment disputes
Due process hearings under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Litigated matters involving student discipline, constitutional claims, and district governance
Defense of claims brought by employees, students, parents, or members of the public
We assess each matter carefully to determine the appropriate course of action, whether through negotiated resolution, administrative proceedings, or formal litigation.
Counsel Informed by How Schools Operate
Effective school law counsel requires more than knowledge of statutes and regulations. It requires an understanding of how school districts function, how decisions are implemented, and how policies are applied in real-world settings. Mayo Mallette works closely with administrators and boards to provide guidance that is practical, legally grounded, and aligned with each district’s responsibilities to students and communities.
Our Attorneys
