Shipman & Goodwin LLP has promoted Jessica Richman Smith to Partner. Jessica represents schools in a variety of education, labor relations and employment law matters. She negotiates certified and non-certified collective bargaining agreements on behalf of numerous public boards of education.
Jessica also represents school districts in labor and employment disputes, arbitrations, freedom of information hearings, teacher tenure proceedings, business contract matters, student disciplinary matters, election law matters and other legal proceedings involving Connecticut school districts. In addition, she advises schools on education policies and practices, investigations concerning students and employees, compliance with various laws impacting schools (such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, background check laws and mandated reporting) and other legal matters affecting educational institutions. In addition to her practice, Jessica has taught at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education. Previously, Jessica served as Deputy Executive Director with the New York City Department of Education.