Labor Relations & Legal Services

Our Employer/Employee Labor Relations Services are designed to help school districts navigate the complexities of public sector employment with confidence. We understand that each district and the communities they serve are unique. That’s why we offer tailored, collaborative guidance that supports effective labor-management relationships and aligns with local goals.

Our team works closely with school leaders to provide support in key areas such as collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration matters, employee counseling and discipline, contract interpretation, and fact-finding investigations. We also offer comparative data and strategic guidance to assist in negotiations and contract administration.

School districts may access the legal expertise of BOCES School Attorneys through an inter-municipal agreement. Participating districts receive consultation, advice, and representation across a broad range of education law and public sector matters.

Our proximity to the districts we serve supports quick response and an understanding of local dynamics and community values. This day-to-day legal guidance assists school leaders in making timely and informed decisions.

Integrated with our broader office offerings, this wraparound support provides districts with seamless labor and legal assistance.

Hearing Officer service provides school districts with access to trained, neutral hearing officers who serve as impartial fact-finders. Our hearing officers ensure that a student’s due process rights are protected throughout the hearing process and that the record is fully and fairly developed.

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Following each hearing, the hearing officer prepares a detailed factual finding and a recommendation, supporting the superintendent in rendering a final decision. This service provides a consistent, and procedurally sound process, which promotes fairness, transparency, and compliance with legal standards.

BOCES legal department offers a Labor Law Poster Service that compiles with all mandatory postings into one accessible format for school districts. Participating districts receive printed and digital versions.

The base service fee includes access to digital posting links that can be added to the district website, helping ensure employees can view notices in a centralized, accessible location.