Preg O'Donnell & Gillett's School Law Practice began over 20 years ago, and has developed significantly over the last ten years. Preg O'Donnell & Gillett’s school law practice group currently consists of Mark F. O'Donnell, Emma O. Gillespie, Christine Tavares, Steffanie Moxon, and most recently, Curtis Leonard.
Preg O’Donnell & Gillett has developed this practice around its core values of service, integrity, passion, excellence & balance. The firm has handled 450 school liability cases in state, federal and appellate courts and represented over 70 Washington school districts. We have defended districts and their employees from lawsuits involving:
- wrongful death,
- quadriplegia,
- assault,
- sexual grooming and abuse,
- harassment,
- athletic injuries,
- premises liability,
- injuries occurring during school-sponsored activities,
- bus accidents,
- negligent hiring, training or supervision,
- property damage,
- employment,
- construction cases,
- civil rights, and
- Section 1983-based claims.
Preg O'Donnell & Gillett's knowledge of the intricacies of school law and its sensitivity to the practical needs and concerns of the school administrators has created an excellent relationship between school administrators and educational professionals and our firm, allowing us to deliver value and service to districts of all sizes.
The newest member of our School Law Practice Group, Curtis Leonard, joins us from his position as in-house counsel for Auburn School District. Curtis spent the last five years as In-house Counsel, Director of Legal Affairs, and, Director of Human Resources for Auburn School District. Prior to that time, he worked in Washington, D.C. handling employment and labor law. Curtis's practice will focus on day-to-day issues specific to school districts, employment law issues, special education matters, labor law and labor negotiations, and collective bargaining agreements.
