Jennifer A. Smith

Jennifer’s practice involves representing education clients on a wide range of issues, including matters related to student rights, labor and employment law, policy development, and litigation. She has extensive experience in representing public school districts and higher education institutions in investigations and litigation. Jennifer has litigation and trial experience before state and federal courts, and numerous administrative agencies.

Jennifer is a member of the Illinois Council of School Attorneys and the National School Board Association Council of School Attorneys (NSBA). Jennifer has been selected to present at the 2016 School Law Seminar for the Council of School Attorneys, National School Board Association on “A Legal Guide to Serving LGBT Students.” She presented at the 2015 NSBA Annual Conference on “Sexual Violence and Schools: Navigating Title IX in 2015” and at the 2013 NSBA Annual Conference on “When is Enough Enough? Responding to Bullying Complaints in 2013.”

Jennifer joined the firm in 2008. Prior to joining the firm, she was an attorney at Robbins Schwartz (2005-2008) and Spencer Fane (2003-2005).

Recent Speaking Engagements:

A Principal’s Guide to Recognizing and Responding to Bullying (Administrators Academy); Lake County Regional Office of Education; February 27, 2015
A Legal Guide to Serving LGBT Students; 2014 Joint IASB/IASA/IASBO Annual Conference; November 22, 2014; Chicago, IL
Working with Private Placements, Independent Evaluators, and Doctors; Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE) Fall Conference; September 25, 2014; Tinley Park, IL