Overview
Founding Principal Jim Young began his career in education as a high school teacher in 1986. Since becoming an attorney in 1992, he has worked exclusively representing public schools.
Jim continues to work at the forefront of important issues for charter schools in California, addressing employment law, labor relations, board governance, and student discipline since the early years of the Charter Schools Act. Jim’s extensive work as general counsel to school districts throughout the 1990s has proven a unique and invaluable resource in effectively representing charter schools in most legal concerns.
In 2012, Jim successfully argued before the California Supreme Court in a case that resulted in a published decision upholding the rights of charter schools under California’s Charter Schools Act. He has also served as chief negotiator to establish many of California’s first labor agreements for charter schools. He also negotiated one of the first labor agreements for a charter management organization in New York.
Jim is known statewide for his expertise and efforts to increase charter school compliance with critical legal requirements and awareness of best practices. To this end, he founded the firm’s Annual Personnel and Student Services Workshop Series in 2001 and is a regularly featured speaker for charter school boards and agencies throughout the state.
Education
- University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D.)
- California State University, Sacramento (B.A.)
