Sarah H. Fay
Attorney
Sarah H. Fay is a member of the Firm’s Education Practice group and focuses on the unique legal needs of early child care programs, independent primary and secondary schools, and colleges and universities. Sarah advises these clients on all aspects of school operations, including student and parent issues, employment matters, governance issues, and crisis management.
Sarah routinely advises the Firm’s education clients on the legal framework for admissions processes and enrollment contracts; accommodating students with disabilities; responding to and investigating student interpersonal misconduct; disciplinary matters; student health and safety; risk management strategies for off-campus trips; student records and confidentiality issues; and policies and practices for promoting an inclusive community. For educational institutions that receive federal funding, Sarah assists with Title IX compliance. Sarah also represents schools against breach of contract, consumer protection claims, and disability discrimination claims.
In addition, Sarah counsels clients on the full spectrum of employee matters, including conducting reference and background checks; faculty contracts and offer letters; implementing performance improvement plans; managing leaves; and voluntary early retirement plans, reductions in force, and terminations. Sarah works closely with clients to develop strategies that comply with applicable laws and reflect best practices while maintaining the unique culture of each school.
As part of her practice, Sarah educates students on the evolving definition of consent, anti-bullying and anti-hazing training, acceptable use of technology and social media risks, and other key issues students may confront. In addition, she provides training for faculty, staff, and school administrators on topics ranging from professional boundaries, child abuse and neglect reporting, conducting investigations into student and employee misconduct, accommodating students with disabilities, and other topics unique to the school setting. Sarah is also a frequent presenter at national and local independent school conferences on education law issues.
LEGAL UPDATES
Mental Health Concerns Lead To New Responsibilities For Schools
Is Your School Subject To The GDPR?
New Connecticut Law Illustrates Growing Background Check Obligations For Schools
SJC Ruling May Require Massachusetts Employers To Accommodate Medical Marijuana Use
Student Uprisings Highlight Diversity And Inclusion Issues For Independent Schools
Artificial Turf: Fertile Ground For Litigation?
OSHA Expands Reporting And Record-Keeping Requirements And Changes Employer Exemptions
Calling The Shots: Best Practices For Independent Schools Responding To Vaccine Concerns
EEOC Ramps Up Enforcement Of Pregnancy Discrimination Laws
Graduating To Public Transportation: Policies And Best Practices For Independent Schools
EVENTS
National Business Officers Association (NBOA) 2019 Annual Meeting
California Association Of Independent Schools (CAIS) 2019 Trustee School Head Conference
Risk Management Strategies For Off-Campus Trips And Activities
VAIS Program - Independent School Admissions: Through the Legal Lens
National Association Of Independent Schools (NAIS) 2018 Annual Conference
National Business Officers Association (NBOA) 2018 Annual Meeting "In Tune With Excellence"
Association Of Independent Schools In New England (AISNE) Business Office & Operations Retreat
The Association Of Boarding Schools (TABS) 2017 Annual Conference
2017 NCGS Conference – Admissions Practices: Making the Right Choices From A Legal Perspective
E-Alerts
SJC Ruling May Require Massachusetts Employers To Accommodate Medical Marijuana Use
OSHA Expands Reporting And Record-Keeping Requirements And Changes Employer Exemptions