Kaela Haydu

Senior Counsel
Walnut Creek Office
916.646.1400 Ext. 258
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Overview

Kaela Haydu is a dedicated attorney primarily focused on litigation, board governance, and public law. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to these areas.

Before joining YM&C, Kaela honed her legal skills as a litigation attorney in Downtown Los Angeles, where she gained valuable insights and practical knowledge in navigating complex legal matters.

Kaela’s journey into the legal profession was shaped by her passion for education and a profound belief in its transformative power. Before pursuing a law career, she spent five years as an elementary school teacher in charter and private schools in Northern and Southern California. This experience gave her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the educational system. Her decision to go to law school stemmed from a deep conviction that an excellent education is crucial in shaping a person’s life and that encouraging education reform is a meaningful charge.

Kaela’s commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond the courtroom.

In addition to litigating vital matters, Kaela regularly provides legal guidance on board governance and public law to nonprofits and charter school boards, including Brown Act adherence, Conflict of Interest compliance, effective board meetings, and tailored policy creation. Her legal acumen benefits from her holistic approach to problem-solving and ability to navigate the intersection of law and education.

Through her legal pursuits, Kaela continues to exemplify a steadfast commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, reflecting her belief in the power of TK-14 education and the pursuit of justice.

Education

  • University of California, Los Angeles School of Law (J.D.)
  • Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (B.A.)

Dolores Huerta Foundation v. Kern COE/LinkEd Public Schools (2024) Kern County Superior Court, BCV23103771
San Benito HSD v. San Benito COE/Polytechnic Academy (2024) San Benito Superior Court, CU2400026
Yu Ming Charter School v. Oakland Unified School Dist. (2022) Alameda Superior Court, 22CV009354
Elite Public Schools v. Vallejo City Unified School Dist. (2022) Solano Superior Court, FCS058007
Mt. Diablo Unified School Dist. v. Clayton Valley Charter High School (2021) 69 Cal.App.5th 1004
Rocketship Education, et al. v. San Jose Unified School Dist. (2021) Alameda Superior Court, 21CV380804
Education for Change v. Oakland Unified School Dist. et al. (2018) Alameda Superior Court, HG18931577

Webinars

Brown Act and Conflict of Interest Training
Comprehensive Brown Act Training for Boards and Staff
Managing Records in Modern Times
Threats, Opportunities & Legislative Tornados
Legal & Financial Strategies for Charter School New Funding

Legal Alerts

Critical Court Victory Preserves Cost Effective Access to Prop. 39 Facilities for Charter Schools