Recorded Webinar: Faith’s Law: Understanding its Employment History Review Requirements effective July 1, 2023
2023-03-15 11:30 - 12:30 UTC
Webinar Request: Notice Requirements and Best Practices in Addressing Bullying Complaints

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Beginning July 1, 2022, school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools were required to have a Professional Code of Conduct Policy in place, which must include a definition of sexual misconduct, identify expectations for employees and agents regarding maintaining professional relationships with students, reference required employee training related to child abuse and educator ethics, and provide that a violation would result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from employment. On July 1, 2023, a second portion of Faith’s Law becomes effective, adding many additional requirements related to the hiring process for applicants, employers, and contractors. Join us as we review the requirements of Faith’s Law.

Purchasing and Construction Virtual Conference
2023-04-27 00:00 - 23:59 UTC
Registration for our Purchasing and Construction Virtual conference is live! Check out our presentation schedule below with descriptions of each topic. To register, click the link below – we hope to ‘see’ you there.

Register Here!

Topics and Descriptions Below:

Bidding and Cooperative Purchasing: How to Avoid Pitfalls

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

The use of cooperative purchasing continues to grow as an alternative to the traditional bidding process. Learn from a panel of experienced attorneys about managing the complexities of public bidding and how cooperative purchasing can become an important tool as part of a successful procurement system for your organization.

Preventing Your Construction Project from Turning Sour and What to do if Problems Arise

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Uncertainty and potential problems exist on any construction project, regardless of the size of the project. Join Robbins Schwartz’s construction attorneys for a discussion on the types of problems that frequently arise on projects, and key considerations and strategies avoid those problems and keep your project moving towards final completion. The discussion will focus on tips for planning, procurement, project delivery models, and contract terms, but will also discuss how project owners can address certain problems if they do arise during the job.

So You Want to Go Solar? Alternate Ways to Structure the Transaction to Best Meet Your Needs

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Solar power generation is rapidly becoming an integral part of the facilities operations for many public bodies. This session will focus on the different methods available to public bodies to use solar power generation to their advantage, including alternative procurement methods, power purchase agreements, and more.

2022 Levies: A Retrospective

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

A look back at the 2022 levy year and the multitude of new and challenging issues that arose. We will discuss the issues related to the refund recapture, PTELL recapture, Truth in Taxation matters, and how the increase in the consumer price index affected the levy process.

Interactive Problem Solving for Purchasing and Construction

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

To cap off our conference, our panel of Attorneys will hold a 30-minute discussion in a Question-and-Answer format. If you have any lingering questions from previous sessions, or general questions about your projects, we are here to help

ISBE Approved Professional Leadership Development Training
2023-05-13 08:30 - 13:00 UTC
Join us for our complimentary professional development leadership training (PDLT) designed to provide newly elected school board members with the necessary requirements to meet mandatory PDLT, including trauma-informed practices for students and staff; Open Meetings Act (OMA); and Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA).

Please note that the training is fully virtual.

Training Dates:

May 8, 2023 (Part 1) – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

May 10, 2023 (Part 2) – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

May 13, 2023 (Full Day) – 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Click Here to Register for May 8th & 10th

Click Here to Register for May 13th

Community College Trustee Virtual Training Session
2023-06-10 08:30 - 13:00 UTC
Topics Include:

Join our complimentary professional development leadership training (PDLT) designed to provide Community College Trustees with the necessary requirements to complete a minimum of 4 hours of PDLT.

Topics Will Include:

Fiduciary Responsibilities of a Community College Trustee

The Role of the Board of Trustees in Preventing and Addressing Sexual Violence on Campus

Collective Bargaining Overview and Tips for Negotiations

The Illinois Open Meetings Act

The Freedom of Information Act

Financial Oversight and Accountability

Register Here

Application of the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Law to Community College Employees
2023-07-13 10:30 - 12:00 UTC
Please join us for a 90-minute webinar as our Robbins Schwartz team will discuss the recent passage of the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act and its impact on higher education employees. The law takes effect on January 1, 2024, so now is an opportune time to learn how this law may impact your institution’s current leave policies and to make timely changes.

Kindly note that there is a fee of $350 per community college for attending the webinar. However, you can register multiple participants from your college, which means you can sign up as many people as you require.

What You Will Learn:

Which employees are covered under the Act

How the Act applies to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement

How adjunct instructors accumulate paid leave

Ways in which the College may provide paid leave to its employees under the Act

Who Should Attend/Target Audience:

Community College Administrators

Community College Human Resources Representatives

Register Here

2023 Legal Update For Illinois Higher Education Institutions Virtual Conference
2023-09-14 08:30 - 13:15 UTC
Join us for our annual Legal Update for Illinois Higher Education Institutions Virtual Conference.

Where: Zoom

Topics Include:

Workplace and Educational DEI Initiatives Face Significant Challenges after the Supreme Court’s Recent Affirmative Action Decision

Addressing Student Mental Health Concerns and Threats to Campus Safety

Top Construction Problems and Solutions

Navigating the Waters on FMLA, ADA, and Employee Leave Rights

Data Breaches and Ransomware Attacks: Strategies for Protecting Data and Security and Responding to Data Incidents

Bidding From the Basics to the Advanced

Bills, Bills, Bills: An Overview of New Legislation Impacting Illinois College

Higher Education Collective Bargaining Trends and Management Strategies for Effective Negotiations

Register Here!

Full Conference Agenda

Topic Descriptions

Notice Requirements and Best Practices in Addressing Bullying Complaints Webinar
2023-09-26 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Join us as we present Notice Requirements and Best Practices in Addressing Bullying Complaints.

Location: Zoom

This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the requirements for addressing bullying in schools and new reporting requirements created by Public Act 103-47. This topic will include a review of the ins and outs of the bullying response process, including how to identify bullying behavior, procedures for parent/guardian notification, best practices for conducting prompt and thorough investigations, and recommendations for developing and implementing supportive measures for students.

What You Will Learn:

What to report, when to report, and how to report alleged bullying complaints to parents and guardians

Best practices in addressing and investigating bullying allegations under the law and Board Policy

Who Should Attend:

Administrators

Principals

Deans

Assistant Principals

Register Here!

Recorded Webinar: Notice Requirements and Best Practices in Addressing Bullying Complaints
2023-09-26 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Webinar Request: Notice Requirements and Best Practices in Addressing Bullying Complaints

Name*

First

Last

Email*

CompanyJob Title

Δ

This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the requirements for addressing bullying in schools and new reporting requirements created by Public Act 103-47. This topic will include a review of the ins and outs of the bullying response process, including how to identify bullying behavior, procedures for parent/guardian notification, best practices for conducting prompt and thorough investigations, and recommendations for developing and implementing supportive measures for students.

2023 School Administrators' Conference
2023-10-04 08:00 - 15:00 UTC
Join us as we partner with the Large Unit District Association (LUDA) to present this year’s School Administrators’ Conference.

Location: Hotel Arista, 2139 City Gate Ln, Naperville, IL 60563

Virtual option available.

Topics Include:

Investigations into Employee-on-Student Sexual Misconduct and Grooming Complaints

General Updates and Managing Employee Leave Rights

The Three R’s: Recognizing, Reporting and Responding to Student Bullying Incidents

Purchasing and Bidding from the Basics to the Advanced

Section 504: Here Today, Revised Tomorrow

Design-Build Contracts: Strategies for Using this Construction Project Delivery Method and Understanding the Procurement Requirements of the School Design-Build Authorization Law

Changes to the Teacher Tenure Process and It’s Effects on the Evaluation Process

A Fresh Look at Bargaining Teacher and ESP Contracts: Best Practices for Responding to Union Proposals, Traditional Bargaining v. Interest-Based Methods, and Strategies for Success

Best Practices for Navigating Student Residency and Homelessness

Register Here!

Full Conference Agenda

Topic Descriptions

DEI Initiatives and Programs Under Fire: What Educational Institutions Can Do to Ensure Their Program Comply with Relevant Laws Webinar
2023-10-31 10:00 - 11:30 UTC
Join us for a virtual webinar in which we will discuss the challenges to DEI programs and measures and advice attendees on how they should respond to these challenges and ensure that their DEI programs and initiatives are legally compliant. Come prepared for an informative and interactive discussion on this hot topic.

Location: Zoom

What You Will Learn:

An understanding of the laws relevant to equity and diversity measure

An understanding of the relevant court decisions regarding DEI measures

Knowledge on how to conduct a review and assessment of their equity initiatives

An understanding of race-conscious vs. race neutral equity and diversity efforts

Practice guidance on responding to equity challenges

Who Should Attend:

College Administrators

School District Administrators

Diversity and Equity Offices and Directors

Human Resource Personnel

Register Here!

Purchasing & Construction Virtual Conference
2024-04-11 00:00 - 23:59 UTC
Thursday, April 11, 2024

Registration for our 2024 Purchasing & Construction Virtual Conference is live! Check out our presentation schedule below with descriptions of each topic. To register, click the link below – we hope to “see” you there.

To view our conference program, click here.

Topics and Descriptions:

Maintaining Control and Best Practices for Bidding Procurement

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Many public bodies want to take steps to impact participation in their contracting. Whether it increases participation by historically disadvantaged groups, or the desire to keep tax dollars local, public bidding and procurement laws still apply. This presentation will help public bodies navigate the bidding and procurement laws while still trying to accomplish their goals.

Contractor Defaults: Practical Considerations for Owners to Reduce the Likelihood of a Contractor Default and Strategies to Implement if a Default Occurs

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

A contractor default, or breach of contract, is one of the worst occurrences on a project and will result in major headaches for a project owner. This presentation will preview practical and legal considerations to protect owners from contractor default as well as strategies in the event of contractor default. The presenters will address owner pre-construction considerations such as bidding and selecting your contractor, performance and payment bonds, and effective contract clauses. Finally, the presentation will address ways to minimize a default during the project, and steps that an owner can take if a default occurs in order to complete the project on time without additional costs.

Your Board May Want to Borrow Money – Now What?

10:15 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Governmental entities issue debt to pay for capital projects, to pay for operating needs that cannot be met through current annual revenues, or to address debt service levels. There are many options available to address these needs. Through this session, attendees will be introduced to concepts necessary to assemble a finance team, actively and adequately participate in the debt issuance process, and manage post-insurance compliance requirements – all of which are important to fulfilling their role as stewards of public funds.

Top 10 Considerations for Real Estate: Strategies to Protect Your Property Rights and Ensure a Smooth Transaction

11:00 a.m. – 11: 45 a.m.

Every real estate transaction can present nuanced and often unexpected legal issues, even for experienced parties. This presentation will address common real estate issues that public bodies face when engaging in real estate transaction as well as proactive considerations and practical solutions for every stage of the transaction.

Interactive Problem Solving for Purchasing and Construction

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

This session is dedicated to a question-and-answer (Q&A), where attendees have the opportunity to ask questions related to the topics discussed, seek clarification on specific points, or explore deeper insights into the subject matter.

Register Here!

Unpacking the 2024 Title IX Regulations: A Webinar for K-12 School Districts
2024-05-01 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
On April 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released its long-anticipated amendments to the regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The 2024 Regulations, which go into effect on August 1, 2024, will significantly re-shape the legal landscape governing school district’s obligations to address sex-based discrimination and harassment in their educational programs and activities. Grab your lunch and join us for a first look at the new Regulations and a discussion on their impact on K-12 schools and school districts.

This webinar will include a Q&A segment. Please email marketing@robbins-schwartz.com by Tuesday, April 30 with questions about the 2024 Regulations that you would like our speakers to address.

Who Should Attend:

Nondiscrimination Coordinators and Title IX Coordinators

Complaint Managers and Investigators

Superintendents

Principals and Assistant Principals

Other administrators responsible for student and/or employee investigations and discipline

Register Here!

Unpacking the 2024 Title IX Regulations: A Webinar for Higher Education Institutions
2024-05-02 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
On April 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released its long-anticipated amendments to the regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The 2024 Regulations, which go into effect on August 1, 2024, will significantly re-shape the legal landscape governing the obligations of post-secondary institutions that receive federal funding to address sex-based discrimination and harassment in their educational programs and activities. Grab your lunch and join us for a first look at the new Regulations and a discussion on their impact on colleges and universities.

This webinar will include a Q&A segment. Please email marketing@robbins-schwartz.com by Wednesday, May 1 with questions about the 2024 Regulations that you would like our speakers to address.

Who Should Attend:

Title IX Coordinators

Investigators and Decision-Makers

College administrators responsible for student and/or employee investigations and discipline

Register Here!

2024 College Conference & Legal Update - Virtual
2024-09-18 08:30 - 13:45 UTC
Join us virtually for our annual legal update for Illinois Higher Education Institutions.

Where: Zoom

Topics Include:

Walking A Thin Line: Employee & Student Speech Rights On and Off Campus

Waiving Goodbye: Business Enterprise Council Changes to Good Faith Efforts Waiver Process and a Refresher on Compliance Requirements Related to the Business Enterprise Program

Reality “Bytes” When Artificial Intelligence Goes Unchecked: Developing Policies in the AI World

The Investigation is Complete – Now What? An Overview of Employee Discipline Considerations and Best Practices

Responding to Employee Leave and Accommodation Requests in the Evolving Modern Workplace

A New Frontier: Responding to Race- and Sex-Restricted Scholarship Complaints

Mastering the Complex World of Public Bidding

Lessons Learned from Title IX Litigation

Labor and Union Issues Affecting College Construction Projects

Register Here

View Conference Program Booklet

2024 School Administrators' Conference
2024-10-09 08:00 - 15:00 UTC
Join us as we partner with the Large Unit District Association (LUDA) to present this year’s School Administrators’ Conference on October 9, 2024.

Location: Hotel Arista, 2139 City Gate Ln, Naperville, IL 60563

In-person sessions will be held at Hotel Arista in Naperville with the conference breakfast beginning at 8 a.m., and the General Session beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Virtual option is available.

Topics Include:

Walking a Thin Line: Employee & Student Speech Rights On and Off Campus

Responding to Employee Leave and Accommodation Requests in the Evolving Modern Workplace

Anxiety and School Refusal: Collaboratively Constructing the Path Back to School

Understanding Construction Litigation and Planning for Success

Employment Rules for Schools: 10 Legislative Updates for HR Professionals

Mastering the Complex World of Public Bidding

Complex Parent Demands: Best Practices and Legal Pitfalls When Responding to Difficult Requests

Lessons Learned from Title IX Litigation

Labor and Union Issues Affecting School Construction Projects

Protecting Your Tax Disputes and Protecting Your Tax Base

Register Here

View Conference Program Booklet

2025 Purchasing & Construction Virtual Conference
2025-02-25 08:30 - 12:00 UTC
Register Now for Our Annual Purchasing & Construction Virtual Conference on February 25, 2025.

Location: Zoom

Register Here

Download the Conference Program

Download the Conference Materials

Topics and Descriptions are Below:

Making Purchasing and Procurement Easier: Essential Bidding Strategies and Leveraging the Recent Amendment to the Governmental Joint Purchasing Act

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

This presentation will focus on purchasing and procurement requirements for Illinois local governments—from school districts and community colleges to park districts and municipalities. Our attorneys will walk through compliance requirements and strategies for purchasing and procurement through common exemptions and newly enacted amendments to the Illinois Governmental Joint Purchasing Act that provide public bodies with greater flexibility when relying on cooperative purchases through other government agencies.

Mitigate Risks: Best Practices for Effective Risk Management and Insurance Strategies for Public Contracts and Construction

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join Robbins Schwartz construction and transactional attorneys to discuss the importance of mitigating risk and properly insuring public entities in connection with common transactions including construction projects, facility use agreements, leases, and software purchases involving personally protected information. The presentation will address various types of insurance for applicable transactions, contract terms that protect public bodies, and the Tort Immunity Act that public entities can rely on to mitigate risk.

Construction Pitfalls: Key Considerations for Public Bodies to Avoid Problems on a Construction Project

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Public construction is complex. The parties involved often have overlapping responsibilities, tasks, schedules and liabilities. Moreover, the risks can be just as complex, ranging from unknown conditions at the project site and weather to supply chain issues and pandemics. In this presentation, Robbins Schwartz’s construction lawyers will discuss common construction project problems and how to avoid them.

Read (or Write) the Fine Print! Negotiating Contracts for Public Entities

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Every transaction comes with terms and conditions. Those terms and conditions are agreed upon by the parties to a transaction but not always reduced to writing or properly reviewed. From complex construction contracts and real estate agreements, to purchase orders and website privacy policies, public bodies need to be aware of contract terms that could significantly impact its ability to benefit from any bargain. This presentation will identify key terms to consider, as well as strategies to negotiating the same.

Register Now: ISBE Approved Professional Development Leadership Training
2025-05-05 18:00 - 2025-05-10 13:00 UTC
Robbins Schwartz attorneys are approved by ISBE to conduct School Board Member Training.

Join us for our complimentary professional development leadership training (PDLT) designed to provide newly elected school board members with the necessary requirements to meet mandatory PDLT, including trauma-informed practices for students and staff; Improving student outcomes; Open Meetings Act (OMA); and Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA).

Training will be offered in two formats:

Two-Part Series

Part 1: Monday, May 5, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Part 2: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Register for the Two-Part Series Here

Full-Day Session

Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Register for the Full-Day Session Here

Register Now: Community College Trustee Training
2025-06-14 08:30 - 13:00 UTC
Robbins Schwartz attorneys are approved by ICCB to conduct professional development leadership training for community college trustees.

Join us Join us for our complimentary Community Colle Trustee Training.

Topics will include:

The Open Meetings Act: FAQs and Answers

The Role of the Board of Trustees in Preventing and Addressing Sexual Violence on Campus

Collective Bargaining Overview and Tips for Negotiations

Fiduciary Responsibilities of a Community College Trustee

General Compliance Guidance: Illinois Freedom of Information Act

Financial Oversight and Accountability

Register Here

Register Now: 2025 Legal Update for Illinois Higher Education Institutions
2025-09-17 08:30 - 13:45 (America/Chicago)
Registration is now open for our 2025 Legal Update for Illinois Higher Education Institutions.

Where: Zoom

Register Here

Download the Conference Booklet Here

Topics of discussion include:

The Big Shift: Legal Impacts on Federal Reform Initiatives

Since February 2025, higher education institutions have experienced seismic shifts in federal education policy. Through executive orders, new federal guidance, OCR investigations, Supreme Court decisions, and the recent passage of The Big Beautiful Bill, the legal and policy changes seem to occur almost daily, leaving higher education institutions scrambling to remain in compliance with the current application of applicable law. This presentation will explore the legal ramifications of the recent shifts in federal education policy and provide practical tips for colleges to remain in compliance with federal law. The presentation will also address potential flashpoints where the changed application of federal law may clash with current Illinois law.

From Capitol to Campus: New Illinois Laws Impacting Higher Education

This presentation will cover state legislation affecting community colleges, focusing on bills passed and signed this year. Attendees will learn about new requirements related to a range of topics from medication access for students, to using AI in the classroom, to dual credit and direct admission programs.

Responding Right: Effective Strategies for Student Harassment and Discrimination Complaints Amid the Current Legal Climate

Recent shifts in the enforcement of civil rights laws in higher education have educational institutions wrestling with how to navigate harassment and discrimination complaints. This presentation will provide practical guidance on aligning institutional policies and procedures with current federal and state legal standards, including Title IX, Title VI, and related anti-discrimination statutes. Presenters will also discuss recent changes to the federal legal framework and its intersection with state law, trends in OCR and other agency enforcement, and strategies for risk management that promote a safe and equitable campus environment.

The New Wave: Emerging Trends in Collective Bargaining

This presentation will explore how shifting economic landscapes, technological advancements, and evolving worker expectations are reshaping labor negotiations. We will also review bargaining strategies and dynamics at the table.

Construction Case Study Part 1: Laying the Foundation – Strategic Planning, Risk Management, and Legal Readiness Before Breaking Ground

Our Commercial, Construction, and Real Estate Practice Group will present the first part of a case study on effective planning, risk management, and compliance with respect to major college construction projects. The first part of the case study will focus on the initial phases of construction—from selecting your construction team and construction delivery system to best practices in competitive bidding, risk management, and other pre-construction responsibilities. The first part of the case study will conclude with ensuring that the most important legal considerations for a shovel ready project have been addressed.

Construction Case Study Part 2: Building Beyond the Blueprint – Oversight, Dispute Management, and Legal Remedies Through Project Completion

Our Commercial, Construction, and Real Estate Practice Group will conclude their case study by addressing issues that arise after construction starts. This includes the college’s role in construction administration, how to handle disputes during construction, and when to issue warnings and takeover projects. The case study will conclude with an overview of how to leverage formal dispute resolution to successfully pursue remedies for construction defaults and defects.

Balancing Support and Liability: Navigating Student Mental Health on Campus

Higher education institutions nationwide are seeing a rise in college students experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. In turn, institutions are faced with a multitude of challenges including allocating sufficient mental health resources, adopting procedures that adequately protect student safety, and ensuring faculty and staff are trained to respond to students in crisis. This presentation will explore the legal and practical complexities faced by higher education institutions in addressing student mental health on campus, by providing an overview of the legal landscape, analysis of relevant case law, and practical tips for supporting student safety on campus.

Your Litigation Playbook: Key Steps & Expectations Uncovered

This presentation will walk you through the key phases of a lawsuit from start to finish. Attendees will learn the distinctions between a civil lawsuit and an administrative charge, understand the critical steps to take after a complaint is received, and become familiar with the phases of litigation including discovery, settlement discussions, dispositive motions, and trial.

Register Now: 2025 School Administrators’ Conference
2025-10-08 08:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us as we partner with the Large Unit District Association (LUDA) to present this year’s School Administrators’ Conference on October 8, 2025.

Where: Hotel Arista, 2139 City Gate Ln, Naperville, IL 60563

In-person sessions will be held at Hotel Arista in Naperville with the conference breakfast beginning at 8 a.m., and the General Session beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Virtual option is available.

Register Here

Download the Conference Booklet Here

Topics Include:

An Uncertain Future: Continued Shifts in the Interpretation and Enforcement of Federal Laws

The Laws, They Are a-Changin’: Updates for the School HR Office

From Classroom to Courtroom: Lessons from Recent Disability Discrimination Cases

Construction Case Study Part 1: Laying the Foundation – Strategic Planning, Risk Management, and Legal Readiness Before Breaking Ground

Teacher Evaluation Process: Refresher on Legal Requirements and Best Practices to Ensure Compliance

Construction Case Study Part 2: Building Beyond the Blueprint – Oversight, Dispute Management, and Legal Remedies Through Project Completion

Tricky Parent Scenarios, Student Surprises, and the Unexpected: How to Handle Questions and Concerns Arising in Student Matters

Striking the Balance: Fair and Effective Employee Discipline

Navigating Nuance: Supporting Confidentiality in Sensitive Situations

Looking Ahead: Protecting School Revenue in a Shifting Property Tax Landscape

Register Now: 2026 Purchasing & Construction Virtual Conference
2026-04-23 09:00 - 11:45 UTC
Registration is now open for our Annual Purchasing & Construction Virtual Conference on April 23, 2026.

Location: Zoom

Register Here

Download the Conference Program

This year’s conference topics, descriptions and presenters are below:

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Bid Challenges: How to Avoid Them and How to Successfully Resolve Them if They Arise

While infrequent, bid challenges can pose significant problems for public bodies. Oftentimes a bid challenge may just be an aggressive letter from an unsuccessful bidder, but bigger problems can ensue if the challenger brings the dispute to a board meeting, or worse, files litigation that can lead to project delays. Join our presenters to discuss the legal requirements for bidding, how public bodies can prepare bid packages to prevent bid challenges, and what rights public bodies have when a bid challenge arises.

Presented by:

Kenneth M. Florey

Howard A. Metz

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Creative Contracting: Using Intergovernmental Agreements, Cooperative Purchasing, Public-Private Partnerships, and Other Strategies to Meet Your Purchasing and Operational Needs

A practical discussion with Robbins Schwartz’s commercial transaction lawyers on innovative procurement and service-delivery tools. Topics include structuring intergovernmental agreements, cooperative purchasing consortia, public-private partnerships, and alternative contracting strategies highlighting legal considerations, risk allocation, compliance, and general best-practices to protect public interests.

Presented by:

Matthew J. Gardner

Katie N. DiPiero

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Key Considerations in Choosing Your Construction Team and Other Strategies for Public Project Owners

When planning a construction project, one of the most important decisions that an owner will make is how to structure the project and the construction professionals that it selects to perform the design and construction. Join our construction lawyers for a discussion on primary construction planning issues such as choosing the right construction delivery method and strategies for selecting the right construction team for your project.

Presented by:

Matthew J. Gardner

Danielle B. McNamara

2026 School Administrators' Conference
2026-10-14 08:30 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Save the date for our annual School Administrators’ Conference

Where: Hotel Arista, 2139 City Gate Ln, Naperville, IL 60563 and Zoom

Robbins Schwartz is proud to partner with the Large Unit District Association (LUDA) to present a full-day pre-conference event, offering practical legal insights and strategies to help districts navigate the evolving landscape of education.

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