Julie Fay represents both public and independent schools in a variety of general education and special education law matters, with a particular focus on issues relating to students, confidentiality, school governance and policy.
Julie frequently represents public schools in administrative hearings, including expulsion hearings, special education due process hearings and related proceedings, and is often called upon to guide districts in drafting policies and administrative procedures in all areas of education law.
Having worked at an independent school as a teacher, coach and dorm parent, Julie brings valuable insight to her legal practice representing independent schools. Julie frequently advises independent schools on matters such as school investigations, student discipline, mandated reporting obligations, and compliance with federal and state law. In working with independent school clients, Julie assists in the development of enrollment contracts; employment agreements; school policies and handbooks for faculty, employees and students, and she works collaboratively with other members of the firm to provide educational institutions with comprehensive legal services.
As part of her practice, Julie provides training and professional development workshops for faculty, staff and students on current and important topics, such as professional boundaries, social media, sexual assault and harassment, special education and accommodating individuals with disabilities. Julie has been a presenter for independent school groups such as Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE), as well as for other educational industry organizations such as the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS), Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Association (CIAC) and the Capital Region Education Council (CREC). Julie is a past president of the Connecticut Council of School Attorneys (COSA) and is a former adjunct professor at Quinnipiac Law School where she taught a course on Education and the Law.
Prior to becoming a school lawyer, Julie worked for a number of years at an independent boarding school in Massachusetts, where she continues to reside with her family.
- Listed as a Connecticut Super Lawyer Rising Star®: Schools & Education (2011-2012)
- Connecticut Bar Association Honor Roll, Connecticut Pro Bono Network (2005)
- Connecticut Bar Foundation: James W. Cooper Fellow
- Connecticut Law Review, Articles Editor
- Quinnipiac University School of Law: Former Adjunct Professor, Education Law
- American Bar Association
- Connecticut Bar Association: Education Law Committee
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Connecticut Council of School Attorneys: President (2010-2011); Secretary (2009-2010)
- Massachusetts Council of School Attorneys
- National School Boards Association
Background Check Guidance to Schools
Provide up-to-date guidance to public and independent schools on employee background checks, including a focus on relevant employment policies, procedures and best practices.
Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response
Provide general counsel to independent schools on all aspects of effective prevention and response to allegations of past and present sexual misconduct involving students. Assist schools in the development of comprehensive and legally compliant sexual misconduct policies. Advise and provide faculty training on mandated reporting obligations and coordination with law enforcement.